For complete information on this important part of iguana care, please read the article on Cleaning and Disinfecting . It is important to get all new animals to a veterinarian, especially exotics like reptiles and amphibians. Most of the animals sold in the pet trade are wild caught, and even animals sold by breeders and private parties may be suffering from the effects of stress and transport. Farmed iguanas are no exception, given both the filthy, diseased conditions at most farms followed by the inhumane way they are transhipped around the world. The first thing to know is that not every vet is experienced in treating reptiles.
Veterinarians specialize in certain types of animals, just as human physicians do.
And, just as you wouldn't consider going to a pediatrician for plastic surgery, or a podiatrist for heart surgery, so, too, should you not go small animal or large animal vet for exotics such as reptiles - unless you have no other choice. The very different metabolisms of reptiles, as well as their variances in anatomy and physiology, means that what works for a dog or a llama may well not work for an iguana, and may in fact be deadly. If you do not know of a vet who specializes in reptiles, check with your local herpetological society to get a list of names of vets their members use. There are lists for herp societies and vets for many states, Canada, the UK and elsewhere in the world on my Herp Society page. Just in case you need it in the future, also try to get the name of at least one after-hours emergency clinic which is experienced in treating reptiles.