philanddeb818
Established Member
SBCK meeting July 28, 2009 recap of things Dr. Stein says we should have on-hand for our Chameleons.
Guest speaker:
Dr. Geoff Stein, DVM
Graduate UC Davis
Practicing veterinarian 23 years
Dr. Shipp’s Animal Hospital
351 Foothill Rd.
Beverly Hills, CA. 90210
(310) 550-0101
Dr. Stein says he is available for any questions and welcomes calls.
List of things to have on hand at home to medically treat your Chameleon (this does not mean we are suggesting that you do not take your Chameleon in need to a veterinarian, this is what we all need to have on hand for emergency but not to exclude veterinarian care:
Jeweler’s headset
Used for seeing tiny areas of the Chameleon that may need medical attention. Some also come with lights.
Tweezers
For extracting tiny bits of shed on eyes, etc. This takes a steady hand and tweezers can be purchased in very tiny sizes for extremely intricate work.
Ear Loop
Metal ear scrapper for removal of ear wax in humans, but may be used in removal of infection; used to scoop out the infected area of an open wound.
Curved syringe
Flushing out a wound with saline solution.
Chlorhexidine
This is an antiseptic used on a 10 to 1 scale, meaning 10 is the water volume and 1 is the Chlorhexidine. (Same with Betadine). These are used typically to areas of the Chameleon’s body that have been damaged due to abrasion, irritation or the like. It impedes infection. If used in full volume, it will cause the further irritation.
Saline Solution
This is used for flushing the eyes when debris is present.
Force Feeding Tube (Red)
The feeding tube can be fed through the mouth and down into the belly with little worry about flooding the lungs because the Chameleon will not breathe while the tube is in place. It is important to make sure that the tube goes low enough into the belly of the Chameleon to allow the food to be placed. Interestingly, the food suggested is baby food (meat) and Ensure. The food cannot be too much in volume as to cause regurgitation.
Silvaderm Cream (Sulphur)
This is used for burns on human skin and works remarkably well on reptiles. Dr. Stein suggests that the thinner the layer the better.
Silver Nitrate Sticks
Used for cauterizing small wounds. It stings however so use it quickly. It also can turn your fingers black while using it, so take precaution. Styptic pencils work as well for smaller wounds.
#15 & #11 scalpel blades
Used for incisions.
Vetbond
This is a tissue adhesive used to close a wound. The wound edges must be pinched upward (not inverted) before the glue is applied.
Guest speaker:
Dr. Geoff Stein, DVM
Graduate UC Davis
Practicing veterinarian 23 years
Dr. Shipp’s Animal Hospital
351 Foothill Rd.
Beverly Hills, CA. 90210
(310) 550-0101
Dr. Stein says he is available for any questions and welcomes calls.
List of things to have on hand at home to medically treat your Chameleon (this does not mean we are suggesting that you do not take your Chameleon in need to a veterinarian, this is what we all need to have on hand for emergency but not to exclude veterinarian care:
Jeweler’s headset
Used for seeing tiny areas of the Chameleon that may need medical attention. Some also come with lights.
Tweezers
For extracting tiny bits of shed on eyes, etc. This takes a steady hand and tweezers can be purchased in very tiny sizes for extremely intricate work.
Ear Loop
Metal ear scrapper for removal of ear wax in humans, but may be used in removal of infection; used to scoop out the infected area of an open wound.
Curved syringe
Flushing out a wound with saline solution.
Chlorhexidine
This is an antiseptic used on a 10 to 1 scale, meaning 10 is the water volume and 1 is the Chlorhexidine. (Same with Betadine). These are used typically to areas of the Chameleon’s body that have been damaged due to abrasion, irritation or the like. It impedes infection. If used in full volume, it will cause the further irritation.
Saline Solution
This is used for flushing the eyes when debris is present.
Force Feeding Tube (Red)
The feeding tube can be fed through the mouth and down into the belly with little worry about flooding the lungs because the Chameleon will not breathe while the tube is in place. It is important to make sure that the tube goes low enough into the belly of the Chameleon to allow the food to be placed. Interestingly, the food suggested is baby food (meat) and Ensure. The food cannot be too much in volume as to cause regurgitation.
Silvaderm Cream (Sulphur)
This is used for burns on human skin and works remarkably well on reptiles. Dr. Stein suggests that the thinner the layer the better.
Silver Nitrate Sticks
Used for cauterizing small wounds. It stings however so use it quickly. It also can turn your fingers black while using it, so take precaution. Styptic pencils work as well for smaller wounds.
#15 & #11 scalpel blades
Used for incisions.
Vetbond
This is a tissue adhesive used to close a wound. The wound edges must be pinched upward (not inverted) before the glue is applied.
