Tortoise dog attack

RE: Tortoise dog attack

Gareth C. — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 17:55:02 GMT

thanks for that. the nurse mentioned in my post was also using iodine dressings she obtained from work . Tortoise did really well.

RE: Tortoise dog attack

Rob Loxley — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 01:08:06 GMT

[quote user="Julian Earl"]Sorry Gareth but repeated CPD has told me not to use Povidene or chlorhexidine on open wounds for flushing because it damages the healing tissue. No references except my CPD-notes somewhere![/quote]

The evidence in humans (though I do accept tortoises are not humans!) would also disagree. e.g.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195670110002434 "Based on the available evidence from clinical trials, iodine is an effective antiseptic agent that shows neither the purported harmful effects nor a delay of the wound-healing process, particularly in chronic and burn wounds. The antiseptic effect of iodine is not inferior to that of other (antiseptic) agents and does not impair wound healing. Hence, iodine deserves to retain its place among the modern antiseptic agents."

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1743919117305368 "Povidone iodine in wound healing: A review of current concepts and practices. Results and conclusion: Povidone iodine has many characteristics that position it extraordinarily well for wound healing, including its broad antimicrobial spectrum, lack of resistance, efﬁcacy against bioﬁlms, good tolerability and its effect on excessive inﬂammation. Due to its rapid, potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, and favorable risk/beneﬁt proﬁle, povidone iodine is expected to remain a highly effective treatment for acute and chronic wounds in the foreseeable future."

RE: Tortoise dog attack

David Mills — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 23:13:48 GMT

[quote user="Julian Earl"]Povidene or chlorhexidine on open wounds for flushing because it damages the healing tissue.[/quote]

Chlorhex has been shown to in vitro, iodine not. Non in vivo, which is the only relevant measure really.

RE: Tortoise dog attack

Julian Earl — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 21:45:40 GMT

Sorry Gareth but repeated CPD has told me not to use Povidene or chlorhexidine on open wounds for flushing because it damages the healing tissue. No references except my CPD-notes somewhere! Since ten I have only ever used normal saline or Hartmanns to flus wounds. Just my two-pence-worth!

RE: Tortoise dog attack

Gareth C. — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 17:29:52 GMT

agree with most of the above, we have treated plenty like this. We use iodine on wounds (and to prepare corneas for surgery so don't agree about toxicity) . If s/he stops eating may need an o-tube placing. Last one we had was owned by a geriatric nurse who just used the dressings from her work changing every few days. They can take months to heal but are very satisfying cases. o-tube also allows medication to be admin easily.

RE: Tortoise dog attack

David Mills — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 13:01:23 GMT

[quote user="Julian Earl"]Iodine is toxic to open wounds though [/quote]

???

RE: Tortoise dog attack

Julian Earl — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 10:08:38 GMT

Repeated copious flushing initially then daily for infection control, plus topical therapy for the wounds. Iodine is toxic to open wounds though so I would be wary of flushing etc with that. Just normal saline. I'd seek manufacturer's advice on doses I think.

Don't forget that the shell is sensitive before doing any trimming etc. It is not like a fngernail. Like Judith says, warm baths and encourage fluid intake that way. Good luck with this nasty wound!

RE: Tortoise dog attack

Judith Archbold — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 22:39:33 GMT

Metacam inj as painful and antibiotics - ideally ceftadiazime q72 hours or Marbocyl q24hrs by injection.

Copiously clean wounds with providing iodine then wet to dry daily drawing changes.

This would be my first aid treatment . Then review damage over next few days once more comfortable and eating. Warm baths etc.

once infection infection control the front of the plastron can be repaired with Epoxy Putty.

my own tortoise ( Hector) damaged his shell in this area by bonking a brick! So I replace the putty every few years.

i think the loose shell on the side of the carapace needs pulling off if possible as I don‘t think it looks substantial enough and viable enough to be wired back on. BUT I don’t want to give the wrong advice as I’m just looking at a picture so if I’m doubt DON’T REMOVE IT YET.

seek advice from John Chitty et. al.

Hope it’s a happy outcome.