Lizard Hemipenal Abscesses



Hemipenal abscesses in male iguanas are not uncommon. They occur when secretions accumulate in the hemipenes (the paired sex organ in male lizards) and secondary bacterial infection occurs.

Hemipenal abscess (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)

Treatment is achieved by physical removal of the hemipenes along with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.