Things Every Serious Herper Should....
... have on hand for treatment of sick reptiles.
MEDS:
betadine solution antiseptic solution - a very good for disinfectant! iodine in this solution inhibits bacterial growth. also good for soaking animals with mite infestation.
hydrogen peroxide - excellent for disinfecting open wounds or ulcers. also for cleaning out mouth in treating mouth rot.
isopropyl alcohol - general disinfectant on inanimate objects, not to be used in place of hydrogen peroxide! alcohol negates the healing process.
bacitracin topical oinment OR neosporin (topical antibiotic) - good for small nicks, lacerations, or burns to prevent infection, or to treat minor skin infections.
bacitracin irrigation solution - great of cleaning out dirty wounds.
equate bedding spray - excellent for killing mites that live in your reptiles cage!! it cost $4.00 a can and has .50% permithrin as the active ingedient!!!
it is not a bad idea to get in good with your local vet so you can get prescription meds easily... there are a variety of antibiotics specific for certain kinds of bacteria.
SUPPLIES:
small and large syringes - you can find these on certain auction websites in various sizes. 30cc is good for irrigation, 60cc is good for tube feeding.
red rubber urethral catheter (without balloon) - this is for connecting to syringe. use appropriate size tube for animal. btw, this would be the exact same method a vet hospital would use to tube feed... this is somewhat traumatic for the animal so it is recommended someone who has experience do this procedure.
cotton tip applicators or q-tips - for applying topical meds or cleaning out wound.
derma-bond or liquid skin adhesive - great for repairing minor skin lacerations that would otherwise require a few stitches (always irrigate an open wound with an a sterile antibiotic solution for prevention of infection). you can usually find this stuff over the counter at your local pharmacy.
sterile gauze - use as dressing.
medical tape - to secure dressing.
thats it for now.... if you have anything to add, tricks, or new methods please go for it!
btw - this post is just a recommendation. if your animal is sick beyond your control find a qualified veterinarian right away!
good luck!
|