One of the most amazing things seen during the January cold snap in Miami -- besides confirming that yes, we actually own coats -- was the bizarre phenomenon of frozen iguanas falling from the sky.
Now veterinarians say they are treating a sudden number of dogs sick with botulism, and frozen iguana pops are the common link.
While many of the lizards reanimated or were nursed back to health by kindly NBCMiami readers and girls with blow dryers, others less fortunate had a little assistance in the decomposition department from pets happy to help. And while they may have been a right tasty treat, they sure weren't healthy: at least two of those pets have joined their scaly friends in Pet and Animal Heaven* and many more are ill.
While "it's nearly impossible to prove definitively [that it's botulism]," according to Pinecrest vet Dr. James Dugan, tissue samples have been sent to the state's animal diagnostic lab for confirmation. And the signs are all there: a day or so after the dog comes in contact with an iguana, paralyis creeps from the back to the front legs.
Often it claims the diaphragm -- at which point a dog must be intubated, something a lot of owners aren't prepared or willing to pay for. One victim, a 110-pound Cane Corso who experienced complications during treatment, is down to 70 pounds from muscle wasting.
Fortunately, doctors say, the dogs aren't in pain -- they just can't stand or walk, which doesn't sound like fun at all for the dogs or their owners. Vets are warning pet owners to check their yards for lizard bodies and double-check any standing bodies of water. The lizard carcasses float, they say, and dogs think that indicates they're a toy.
* IT DOES EXIST OUR MOM SAID SO.
