Many of us don't think to have a first aid kit readily available. That can be a very bad thing so I've attempted to put together a resonable kit for the new hobbyist and old hobbyist alike. I've tried to include a why for each item as well.
Medicines
- Povidone-iodine - It has been recognized as an effective broad-spectrum bactericide, and it is also effective against yeasts, molds, fungi, viruses, and proteases. One can usually purchase it under the name Betadine in a 10% solution that is perfect for reptiles.
- Hydrogen Peroxide - Used medically for cleaning wounds, removing dead tissue, and as an oral debriding agent. Peroxide stops slow (small vessel) wound bleeding/oozing, as well. Most over-the-counter peroxide solutions are not suitable for ingestion.
- Silver Sulfadiazine - It is a sulfa derivative topical antibacterial used primarily as a topical burn cream on second- and third-degree burns. The cream is kept applied to the burned skin at all times, for the duration of the healing period. It prevents the growth of a wide array of bacteria, as well as yeast, on the damaged skin. Silver sulfadiazine is typically delivered in a 1% solution suspended in a water-soluble base. The chemical itself is poorly soluble, and has only very limited penetration through the skin. This can be purchased under a number of names such as Silvadene, Flamazine andThermazene.
- Neosporin Original - It is important you use ONLY the Original Neopsorin not the Pain Relief version. The original ointment contains three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. Other brand names for this mixture include Mycitracin and Topisporin. It has uses in many issues concerning reptiles from scratches to bites and even tail tips being crushed or lost. A bit of Neosporin each day will really help.
- Kwik Stop Powder - Kwik Stop is a styptic powder used to instantly stop bleeding from a broken nail, clipped wing, minor superficial cuts or a nail trimmed too short. Should not be used in deep wounds, body cavities, or serious cuts.
- Mineral Oil - Perfect for lubricating feeding tubes and other small blunt tip objects. Can be used to help remove retained eyecaps and other bad shed.
- KY Jelly - Without spermicide; for lubricating feeding tips.
- Sterile Saline - Saline (also saline solution) is a general term referring to a sterile solution of sodium chloride (table salt) in water.
Tools
- Stethoscope - A valuable tool for hearing a reptiles breathing or lack thereof and heart beat.
- Magnifying Glass - Great for seeing things the naked eye cannot.
- Penlight - Great for seeing into a larger snakes mouth.
- Sharp Scissors - Dull objects cause more injuries than sharp ones.
- Nail Trimmer - The horror stories I've heard of people not keeping their reptiles nails in proper shape is sad.
- Nail File - See above.
- Flat Tweezers -Perfect for getting out anything that has injured your pet. Splinters, glass etc.
- Disposable Rubber Gloves - Cleanliness. Need I say more?
- Assorted Feeding Tubes - Sometimes it takes these to keep a reptile going.
- Eye Dropper - Useful for doling out medicine for reptiles.
- Assorted Syringes and Needles - Using needles for blood samples should only be done by trained professionals.
- Paper First Aid Tape - Goes against reptile skin and releases without damaging the skin.
- Adhesive First Aid Tape - Goes on top of paper tape.
- Variety Of Tape Widths - Vareity insures you will have tape needed for any reptile or incident.
- Vetrap - Goes on top of adhesive or paper tape to make the bandage water resistant and harder for the reptile to get off.
- Bandages, Gauze - Normal bandage and gauze used for humans will suffice here. Just make sure it can breathe.
- Condoms - This may sound funny but they make great occlusive bandages for snakes. Cut the end off and then slide it down the snake head first never from the tail and then once over the bandaged area tape with paper tape as it won't hurt. When you cut the tape round it off don't cut straight. This will help keep the tape from peeling back as the snake moves.
- Cotton Swabs - Swabs are great for use on spreading out Betadine and other such items.
- Hemostats - These can be used to hold swabs when dealing with bigger snakes that way you are less likely to be tagged.
- Small Notepad And Pen - Keeping notes of what you've done for the vet is a solid idea and helps them know what to do.
- Towel - Can be used to wrap around the heating pad or reptile.
- Heating Pad - Reptiles are ectothermic and need heat so please make sure you have this handy to keep them warm in a fix.
- Hot Water Bottle - Perfect to keep your reptile warm when not near an outlet with the heat pad, on a short trip or having to transport to the vet.
As I said this is a reasonable First-Aid kit. there could be much more to add to it. Maybe in time I will make an all-inclusive type kit up. I hope this helps you in the future.
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