Iguana Help PLZ

So as some of you know I work one day a week at a local pet shop helping with the reptiles. Well they got in a few new animals the other day and there is this iguana that I am thinking has a broken back.
The reason I think this is he will not use his back legs and has a large swollen area just above the legs on the spine.
He can move his tail but will not use his back legs.
He has been hand feeding but I fear that he may be too hard off to live a good life.
So my question is.. Is there anything I can do for this animal or should it be put down out of sympathy.
Can they come back from such injuries, or coud there another issue all together like some type of infection puttin pressure on the area and causing the paralisys. I am willing to take the lil guy into my care, but unfourtualtly do not have the extra funds to give him veterinary care.

If it cannot use its back legs then its quality of life is going to be very poor. They use their back legs primarily to propel themselves and support their weight while walking. Without being able to lift its body off the ground it's going to get terrible pressure sores on its belly from dragging, and that could lead to serious infection, and of course pain. They need to be able to lift their tail to poop, so if it can't pick itself up then it's probably going to get sores and infections from poop unless it is cleaned very meticulously. They poop a lot. This is an iguana that will need specialized care for the rest of its life, and once it hits puberty it may not even tolerate that type of care even if someone was able to provide it. They can get really nasty. And since iguanas are so poorly cared for already and one of the highest number animals given to reptile rescues I don't think it is fair to try to prolong its life when it most likely will end up with someone who will not be dutiful enough (unless of course it ended up with someone like you). Plus, if there is a back injury then there may be nerves affected - nerves that allow it to defecate. If that's the case this animal will die a painful death from impaction. As a little ig I bet it can get around okay with just the front. But as an adult, that is no way to live. I say this as an owner of an 18 year old iguana that I've had since she was tiny and on death's door from dehydration and malnutrition. I love rescues. But this one doesn't sound like it would be a happy ending rescue. They need to be able to climb, and they're not even all that skilled at it with all 4 legs. Mine would never be able to climb with only the front. And if the swelling is part of an infection it is unlikely you would be able to restore movement to the back end if it's already causing these symptoms. And the infection could spread if that's the case. Unfortunately my vote is to humanely euthanize before it suffers much longer. It could be in pain already depending on what caused it.

if he's using his tail maybe the spine isn't broken. if there's no one to take the animal to the vet then it will only suffer. Maybe you can take donation to have it taken to the vet. if nothing can be done then the vet will put it down with no pain.

Thx alot guys... Sadly Ferrit, I belive you are correct in thinking that this guy will have to be put down. I just hate seeing nice animals life wasted because someone coulnt be bother to provide propore care. URGHHH

I agree! So sad. But I do believe that being able to end the suffering in a peaceful way is a gift in itself. You just have to look at it that way.

Just thinking about it....but would it maybe be worth giving it a chance and giving it a week or two or three of treatment to see if it could regain the use of its legs first? I've seen some amazing recoveries.

I agree with kinyonga. i have seen animals that i thought were paralyzed come out of it. one case that still amazes me. We breed bearded dragons. Every now and again you get that one or two dragons in a clutch that may not form like the rest. We had and still have this dragon that could not use its rear legs. It dragged itself around for 3 months no joke. With the aid of my wife doing range of motion to keep everything limber, force feeding him his food everyday....This dragon gained use of her rear legs and is a healthy little beast still to this day.

I wouldnt count this iguana out for the count yet. Can it have a bowel movement? That is the main thing on a decision imo. If the animal cant go without aid. That would be a judgement call on how long you will give a possibility of rehab.

Well I was unable to head over to the shop today. ButI am thinking I can bring it home at least for a few days and observe it better and see if I feel there is any chance for it too have a good life.
I have a tank that I can set up for him, I will just need to do a bit of iguana care reasearch, I know the basics but really should brush up.

That is true, they can sometimes have miraculous recoveries. I guess I was assuming that it would be just sitting at the pet store with no one to monitor if it was eating, drinking or able to defecate. But if you're willing to take it in for a little bit if it doesn't look like it's in pain and see how it does the maybe you'll have a better idea for long term prognosis. I'd love to see it regain function, but if it doesn't then my original statement stands that that is no way to live for an iguana. Good luck hoj! Let me know if I can help in any way!

I had this problem with one I rescued. You can try doing water therapy for her back legs. Hold her in your hand in water and see if she will use her legs. It may take several attempts before you see any reaction. Only an x-ray will tell for sure if the back is broken. There is also the possibility of it being an infection. Vet care will probably be needed if she is going to survive.
I have been where you are and you will see alot of death. Five years at Petco and 38 rescues later. Good luck it is a hard job if you care about animals.

So I just thought I would let you know after a few days she still had not shown any improvment or and defication so she had to be put down R.I.P LiL Wana

I know you well enough to know even for that short time you were totally attached. I am sorry it had to be done, but it does sound like the correct decision.

Glad to hear you knew what the right thing to do was in that situation. A lot of inexperienced people would have dragged it out and made the animal suffer. Sorry for the loss.