One or more toes may have the same type of progressive problem simultaneously. The disease can be controlled with aggressive antibiotic therapy, strict hygiene and good husbandry. A suddenly frightened iguana may whip its tail back and forth, injuring the tip against the walls of the enclosure. Such an injury may lead to dry gangrene of the tail. Signs of mouth rot include swelling, inflammation and accumulations of pus within the mouth, increased salivation, and difficulties in eating.
Treatment involves identifying the offending bacteria and giving appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Providing vitamins, fluids and forced feeding are also essential. Bacterial infections may settle in 1 or more areas and result in abscess formation. Reptile pus is not liquid, but is of a cheesy, sometimes rubber-like consistency. Consequently, treatment of abscesses by a veterinarian involves opening up the pus-filled abscess and manually cleaning it out. Antibiotics are then infused directly into the cavity and also given by injection.