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Iguana First-Aid Kit

By: Dominick Giorgianni

03-24-04  

Keeping animals, reptiles and Iguanas in particular, can present many occasions where emergency first aid is needed.  It is therefore highly recommended that you keep a “Reptile First-Aid Kit” available for such emergencies.

If an emergency should arise, it is important to not panic and have all the supplies handy and available at a moments notice. 

The Basic kit should include the following, which are listed with purpose and/or uses:

 

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Image:

Item:

Uses or Purpose:

 

Betadine (Providone-iodine)

Wound cleaning.

 

Qwick Stop or Corn Starch

Coagulant to stop bleeding.

 

Paper First Aid Tape

Wound protector.

 

Vet wrap or Sports Wrap

Put over the first aid tape to make wound watertight and prevent removal of the bandage

 

Gauze Sponges (assorted sizes)

Wound cleaning.

 

Cotton-tipped swabs

Wound cleaning, Anti-biotic application.

 

Sterile Saline Solution

Wound flushing.

 

Triple Antibiotic Ointment

Antibacterial dressing.

 

Silvadene Cream

Antibiotic ointment/burn creme

 

Scissors

General uses.

 

Alcohol

Sterilization solution.

 

Small Terrycloth Towels

Cleaning and disinfecting.

 

First Aid Kit box

To keep all supplies, secure, clean, watertight and handy.  Consider a clear plastic container, which allows you to more easily locate items. Clearly label the outside of the kit and be sure all household members know the location.

 

*ITEMS SHOWN ARE FOR REPRESENTATION PURPOSES ONLY. LINKS TO SITES ARE FOR CREDITING PURPOSES.

 This is considered a basic kit and you should add any other items you may feel are necessary in the event of an injury. 

It is recommended that you keep this kit in a secure box or container close to the Iguanas enclosure, or carried with you when you travel. 

Wound Management (Minor cuts, scrapes, bites, scratches)
Examine the wound to ensure that you are capable of cleaning and dressing it properly.  If you are concerned about the extent of the injury, call your vet and make an appointment, then begin cleaning and dressing the wound in preparation for transporting the Ig to the vet.  Obviously, if the wound is severe, or deep tissue damage is evident (Deep cuts, excessive bleeding, open gashes), you should immediately secure the Iguana for transport and get it to the vet’s office. 

Using Betadine diluted in sterile water, carefully flush out the wound and re-examine it.  Be sure there are no foreign materials still left in the wound. With a clean gauze pad, dry the wound and the immediate area around the wound. 

Being sure not to re-contaminate the wound, carefully apply a thin layer of Triple-Antibiotic Ointment to the wound.  Cover the wound with a sterile bandage, and wrap the wound with Vet tape or Sports tape to keep the bandage secure.

Check the wound daily, re-clean and re-dress it until it heals over.  If there is any indication of infection (swelling, redness, or seeping fluids) get the Iguana to a qualified Herp vet for a professional assessment and possible treatment.

(For more detailed info: http://www.anapsid.org/firstaid.html)

 

Treatment of Minor Wounds, Blisters, Burns or Tail Breaks.

 Assess the tissue damage and call a vet immediately if the damage is severe.

Begin by soaking the Iguana in a chest deep solution of Betadine and warm water for about 15-20 minutes.  Be sure to refresh the water to maintain a warm bath temperature. 

If the Iguana defecates in the water, remove the Iguana, wash, disinfect and thoroughly rinse the tub and set up a new Betadine soak.  Be sure to flush the wound area with warm water before returning the Iguana to the new Betadine soak to ensure all harmful bacteria is removed. 

Remove the Iguana from the tub; flush the damaged area with more diluted Betadine.  Apply a thin layer of Triple Antibiotic or Silvadene Cream. 

Repeat this procedure for up to a week.  If there is any indication of infection (swelling, redness, or weeping fluids) after one week, take the Iguana to an experienced Herp vet for evaluation.

 

(Source & for more detailed info: http://www.anapsid.org/firstaid.html)

 

 

© 2004 Dominick Giorgianni.  All Rights Reserved. All gathered data/text, images/graphics and code, unless otherwise stated are the property of D. Giorgianni and cannot be used without written permission.