A combination of medication, husbandry changes, and even surgery may be needed. There is no cure for gout. This disorder causes permanent pain and disability, and severe cases can lead to death. As with so many other disorders in iguanas, prevention is the key. The thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, growth, temperament and shedding, needs iodine to function properly.
Goitrogens are chemicals that interfere with the body s ability to utilize iodine.
These chemicals are found in foods like brocolli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy and brussel sprouts. If hypothyroidism occurs or is already present, further reduce or eliminate these foods altogether. Iodine supplementation is not necessary - all that is needed is a balanced diet with a lot of variety. For more information on hypothyroidism, see Melissa Kaplan's Hypothyroidism in Green Iguanas . When the kidneys have been damaged and are no longer functioning properly, causing a build-up of toxins in the blood and an imbalance of various substances in the body, such as calcium and phosphorus.