Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i took my iguana outside earlier and brought him in like i usually do. i go over to check on him later and there's blood everywhere. he's bleeding out of one of the toes on his back feet. i don't know what to do. i tried to wrap it up in toilet paper but the bundle is too big and it'll just come off of him. i need something to do for him fast. i don't know what to do.

ok. first stop freaking out. it will be ok. stuff like that happens all the time. there are things at walmart over with the bandaids and stuff. they're styptic sticks i think. i dont know exactly what they're called. they kinda look like a piece of chalk. they're used to stop bleeding for minor cuts and scrapes. i have to use them a lot- my bunnies dont like having thier nails trimmed so if i cut one too short, i put the stick on it and it helps stop the bleeding. if youre worried about infection, i use neosporin on my dogs and cats and once used it on a monitor. i have not had any bad side affects or anyhting like that from it. im sure theres 100 people on here that are going to freak out about using 'people meds' on animals. i once checked the ingredients on a neosporin tube and the cream the dr. gave me- same stuff- same amounts- check it yourself. neo costs 5 bucks dr. cream 27 bucks.... you pick.
if you aren't comfortable using neosporine- dont. its not going to make that big of a diff. i like it b/c it helps cuts heal faster.... anyway- try the styptic sticks (or whatever theyre called) also- if you happen to have a mouse or rat or something thats a pet. there are some feed cubes. they're brown- the dust from those will also help coagulate (sp*) the cut...
Beth
good luck
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

Our dog groomer keeps at hand a powdery substance that is anti-bacterial as well. Might be able to find it at Petsmart or Petco. Stops the bleeding immediately and prevents infections.

It's pretty common, so don't worry, but it can, and will, become serious if you don't keep it clean, and medicated.

-IJ

I was freaking out because there was so much blood everywhere and he couldn't understand that he needed to sit still while I treated his wounds. He's never been injured before so when I saw blood, I immediately panicked.

The bleeding finally stopped after much blood soaked bath tissue and I tried to keep him with me but he wanted to be in the closet for some reason so I let him go. I figure he would know if it bothered him and he would act accordingly. I'll try to find the sticks you're talking about and I have neosporin. Since it's just the claw on his toe, I'll try it out.

Thank you guys.

I love those little stick things. i have like 8 of them. they're really great and you can wash them off so you dont have to worry about spreading an infection to another animal (or your husband in my case). glad it stopped bleeding and you're ok now. I know what its like to see a bunch of blood all of a sudden. its scary. anway- glad you had success!
Beth
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

Iguanas are wild animals and thrive in the wild where the environment isnt sterile and they have minor injuries on a regular basis.
Your igunana did act accordingly. In the wild an iguana would not stop an nurse its wound, that would just get it eaten. If the wound was survivable, the iguana would carry on and do what is natural. Those same instincts are in your pet iguana.
Due to the iguana's natural habitat, I would not worry too much about treating the wound every five seconds for bacteria. Iguanas live with bacteria every day. Keep it from getting out of hand and apply an antiseptic, but other than that, too much treatment will stress it out. A stressed out iguana will have a weaker immune system. That is when infections take over.
Good luck.