emergency first aid kit

[hbvet]

There is a general lack of suitable tortoise friendly "out of hours" veterinary facilities: I realised after reading fluffytorts post that in our area, there would be a similar problem.
When we are closed, our clients use an out of hours clinic that do not do "exotics", so would be facing at least a £100 bill and probably minimal treatment. (the emergency vets do have my mobile as do most of my clients so we sort of get round it)
If your pet is sick, obviously I would seriously recommend seeing a vet. However, in reality I think having an "emergency" box at home for your torts is a really good idea as well.

I have seen threads noting first aid kits and thought I'd add to the list of things to keep at home for those hopefully rare emergencies where veterinary treatment is going to be delayed for whatever reason. Anyone can be found in such a predicament and this might help? However, I dont think people should just use these medicines willynilly without seeking appropriate advice.

So to add to sarah and ossypetes lists from previous threads ( hope you dont mind me repeating them!)

syringes of various sizes, spreull needle, plastic tubing, povodine iodine, cotton wool and cotton buds, tweezers, forceps, scales

Medicine wise:
Baytril ( antibiotic)
Metacam ( non steroidal pain killer/anti-inflammatory)
Disinfectant ( F10 or Trigene)
Drontal Puppy Suspension ( multi wormer)
Panacur Paste/liquid (round wormer)
Viscotears (artificial gel tears for dry/sticky eyes)
Maxitrol (antibiotic.steroid eye drops)
Fucithalmic ( antibiotic eye gel)
Dermisol cream ( excellent for wounds that need removing dead tissue)
Flamazine (cream for wound healing, has silver in, used for bites and wounds)
Critical Care Formula ( powder that can be re-constituted with water to provide excellent nutrient fro sick/anorexic tort)
Reptoboost

Always isolate sick torts asap - in a separate airspace as well as separate container, and disinfect everything!

[Henry-flash]

Very helpful Hannah, most certainly appreciated input!

[Angeeeeee...]

This is very useful, thank you. Are all of these products obtained
easily or would they need to be purchased from your vet?

[Laraine]

Those that need to be obtained from your vet, could be purchased at the reception so you don't get charged consultation fee as well. Hannah is my vet, but is far away for some things, (we have a 3 to 4 hour round trip) so I go to a local vet, who is happy for me to buy items over the counter that I have discussed with Hannah.

Unforutnately I have most of these things in stock now, after a few rehomers not being too well.

Thanks for the updated list Hannah.

[hbvet]

Some of these are prescription only, so yes you would need to have seen a vet with a tortoise within 6 months to acquire these, but then once got them are handy to keep! As Laraine said, as long as tort has been seen , another more local vet (usually) would be happy to supply what recommended. This noteably applies to Baytril and Metacam, Maxitrol and Fucithalmic.

[hbvet]

Just incase you dont know: leopard/star keepers dont go for Baytril, go for something like Marbocyl or Synulox ( tablets and oral suspension) . ( thanks laraine I was in such a hurry to put a list up I didnt mention those species dont always react well to Baytril. )

another good medicine to keep in is Fibreplex ( Protexin): fab for helping guts reload good bacteria, most tortoises like the flavour of it.

additionally Avipro ( vetark professional_
Liquid Paraffin
( been looking through my box!)

[yakface77]

Thanks Hannah, that list is so handy, im starting to stock up tommorrow.
Great stuff. thanks
craig

[linda]

very useful thanks hannah

[Dr.Dolittle]

Very helpful! Thanks hannah!
DD