Iguanas and Lizard Veterinary Care in Stockton, CA

OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY 5:00pm to 9:00PM

A green iguana can grow over six feet long, live for two decades, and develop a bond with its owner that rivals that of many traditional pets. Yet iguanas and other lizards require a level of specialized care that most general practices simply aren’t equipped to provide. At Venetian Pet Hospital, we have the knowledge and tools to support the long-term health of your captive reptiles and lizards throughout every stage of life.

Our dedicated team is here to provide urgent, high-quality care for your pets—because they’re family and deserve immediate attention when it matters most!

Why Lizards Need Specialized Veterinary Care

Reptiles have complex environmental and dietary requirements that differ significantly from those of mammals. Temperature gradients, ultraviolet lighting, humidity levels, and species-appropriate diets all play a direct role in a lizard’s long-term health. According to the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, all reptiles should receive annual veterinary checkups, including fecal parasite screenings. Without proper care, lizards are prone to conditions like metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and parasitic infestations.

Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic bone disease is the most common illness in captive iguanas and many other lizard species. It results from calcium deficiency, typically caused by a lack of proper UVB lighting or an imbalanced diet. Signs include swollen limbs, a soft or rubbery jaw, lethargy, tremors, and difficulty walking. When caught early, this condition can often be managed with dietary corrections and environmental adjustments.

Respiratory and Skin Infections

Low temperatures, inadequate humidity, or unsanitary enclosure conditions can lead to bacterial and fungal infections in lizards. Mouth rot, respiratory inflammation, and skin lesions are among the most common problems we treat. Symptoms may include open-mouth breathing, mucus discharge, discolored patches on the skin, or swelling around the mouth and throat.

Husbandry Guidance for Lizard Owners

Proper husbandry is the foundation of good lizard health. Our team provides guidance on enclosure setup, lighting schedules, temperature ranges, and dietary requirements specific to your lizard’s species. Whether you have a bearded dragon, blue-tongued skink, or green iguana, we tailor our recommendations to your animal’s needs. We also provide small mammal care for households with multiple exotic species, so your entire collection receives the same attentive, knowledgeable care.

Comprehensive Diagnostics and Treatment

When your lizard is unwell, we use a range of diagnostic tools to identify the problem. Radiology can reveal bone abnormalities, egg retention, or internal masses. Bloodwork helps us assess organ function, calcium levels, and infection markers. We also perform fecal testing to screen for parasites, which are common in both captive-bred and wild-caught reptiles.

Meet Our Caring & Compassionate Veterinary Team

Hear From Our Pet Parents

“ Dr. Sam saved my baby...

My dog Aurora had mouth cancer. I found out and had such little time to schedule her surgery because it was so aggressive. I was referred to Dr. Sam by a friend. I live in Santa Barbara and made the trip up to Sacramento. I am still impressed how well everything went! She had to have almost half of her jaw removed. She is cancer free and looking amazing! Back to her puppy self. First picture is only 2 months after surgery! 2nd and 3rd are the day of. Dr. Sam saved my baby

- Hannah N.

“ This Clinic would not hesitate to go beyond to help your pet...

This Clinic would not hesitate to go beyond to help your pet. Our boy’s doctor Tyler is an amazing doctor and we are blessed to have him. Diamond was very ill needed emergency treatment /surgery and he received excellent care. We are so thankful for all the doctors surgeons did for our baby.

- Yliana T.

“ Exceptional service and care...

Dr. Sam and the team went above and beyond to ensure my pet's safety and recovery. Highly recommended!

- Lisa P.

“ The hospitality and professionalism demonstrated by the entire staff was second to none...

I drove 95 miles to have Dr. Sam at Broadway Vet perform surgery on my kitten. The hospitality and professionalism demonstrated by the entire staff was second to none and I will be a return customer for all my future veterinary needs! My kitty bounced back so quickly because Dr. Sam is an expert in his field and knew just what needed to be done. Highly recommend Broadway Veterinary Hospital! Thanks, Dr. Sam!

- Madison G.

Visit Venetian Pet Hospital for Your Lizard's Health

Venetian Pet Hospital is a family-owned veterinary practice in Stockton, CA, that welcomes reptiles of all kinds. Our veterinarians bring warmth, patience, and a genuine love for animals to every appointment. We also care for ferrets and other small exotic mammals, making us a one-stop practice for multi-species households. Contact us today to book an appointment for your iguana, lizard, or other reptile companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of metabolic bone disease in my iguana or lizard?

Metabolic bone disease is the most common illness we see in captive iguanas and lizards at our Stockton practice. Early signs include swollen limbs, a soft or rubbery jaw, lethargy, tremors, and difficulty walking or climbing. You may also notice your lizard has weakened grip strength, refuses food, or shows reluctance to move. MBD results from calcium deficiency, typically caused by a lack of proper UVB lighting or an imbalanced diet low in calcium and vitamin D3. When caught early through examination and radiology, this condition can often be managed with dietary corrections, calcium supplementation, and environmental adjustments including upgraded UVB lighting. However, advanced cases with severe skeletal deformities may only be manageable rather than reversible. At Venetian Pet Hospital, we use radiology to reveal bone abnormalities and bloodwork to assess calcium levels, helping us create an individualized treatment plan. Don't wait if you notice these symptoms—early intervention dramatically improves outcomes for lizards with metabolic bone disease.

How do I know if my lizard has a respiratory infection or mouth rot?

Low temperatures, inadequate humidity, or unsanitary enclosure conditions can lead to bacterial and fungal infections in lizards, with respiratory inflammation and mouth rot being among the most common problems we treat. Signs of respiratory infection include open-mouth breathing, wheezing or clicking sounds, mucus discharge from the nose or mouth, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Mouth rot (infectious stomatitis) appears as redness, swelling, or cheesy discharge around the mouth and gums, often with visible discolored patches. Your lizard may refuse food due to pain or difficulty eating. These conditions require veterinary attention—respiratory infections can quickly become fatal if untreated, and mouth rot can spread to deeper tissues and bones. At Venetian Pet Hospital in Stockton, we diagnose these conditions through physical examination and may use radiology to assess lung involvement or bone damage. Treatment typically includes antibiotics, improved husbandry conditions, and sometimes supportive care. Proper enclosure temperature, humidity, and regular sanitation prevent most of these infections from developing.

What diagnostic tests will my iguana or lizard need during a veterinary visit?

When your lizard is unwell or due for a wellness exam, we use a range of diagnostic tools to identify problems and establish baseline health. Radiology (X-rays) can reveal bone abnormalities from metabolic bone disease, egg retention in females, fractures, internal masses, or respiratory issues. Bloodwork helps us assess organ function, calcium and phosphorus levels, infection markers, and overall metabolic health—particularly important for iguanas and older lizards. We also perform fecal testing to screen for parasites, which are common in both captive-bred and wild-caught reptiles. For routine wellness visits, many healthy lizards may only need a physical examination and fecal parasite screening. However, if your lizard shows symptoms like lethargy, weight loss, respiratory distress, or swelling, we'll recommend appropriate diagnostics to pinpoint the cause. At Venetian Pet Hospital, our exotic pet services include husbandry consultations alongside your pet's medical visit, ensuring we address both immediate health concerns and environmental factors affecting your lizard's wellbeing.

What are the most important husbandry requirements for keeping my iguana or lizard healthy?

Proper husbandry is the foundation of good lizard health and prevents the most common health issues we see in captive reptiles. Your lizard requires appropriate temperature gradients with a basking area (typically 95-110°F depending on species) and cooler zones (75-85°F) to regulate body temperature. UVB lighting is essential—your lizard needs proper UVB bulbs (usually 10.0 or higher for desert species) replaced every 6-12 months, as these bulbs lose effectiveness even when still producing visible light. Enclosure size matters significantly—adult iguanas need very large, vertically oriented habitats to accommodate climbing, while bearded dragons and smaller species need appropriately sized horizontal space. Regular enclosure cleaning prevents dangerous bacterial buildup that leads to infections. Species-appropriate diet, proper humidity levels, and hiding spots for security complete the essential requirements. At Venetian Pet Hospital, our team provides guidance on enclosure setup, lighting schedules, temperature ranges, and dietary requirements specific to your lizard's species during wellness visits and husbandry consultations.

How often should I bring my iguana or lizard to the veterinarian in Stockton?

We recommend annual wellness examinations for all iguanas and lizards, even when they appear healthy. Reptiles are masters at hiding illness, and many serious health problems show no obvious symptoms until advanced stages. Regular checkups allow us to catch issues like early metabolic bone disease, parasites, or organ dysfunction before they become life-threatening. During wellness visits, we perform thorough physical examinations, discuss your husbandry setup, and recommend preventive care including fecal parasite testing. Newly acquired lizards should be examined shortly after purchase or adoption to screen for underlying health issues and establish a baseline for future comparisons. If your lizard shows any signs of illness—changes in appetite, lethargy, breathing difficulties, skin abnormalities, or changes in droppings—contact Venetian Pet Hospital right away rather than waiting for the annual visit. Our veterinary team in Stockton is prepared to help your scaly companion live a long, healthy life through thorough examinations, accurate diagnostics, and individualized treatment plans. Contact our office to schedule your lizard's wellness exam.