Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I mostly lurk anymore, but I recently moved my animals into a large sheltered outdoor/indoor setup. I was very happy to see them make use of the enclosure, and all the space, including the 600 gallons of water they now have.

I did encounter a problem tonight though. I had rubber horse stall matting nailed down along the edge of where the wood meets the one stock tank, so the animals could get in an out easily. Apparently the rubber mat was torn off and loose some time last night (this was a pretty thick mat too)and my larger (about 7', 120lbs or so) female American alligator, Osceola, climbed up over the area, and one of the tops of the nails that had formerly held the mat in place (they have now all been removed) must have caught on her "chest" area as she left the water, and now she has about a 4" long gash that is almost .5" deep, through her hide in that area.

My first thought of course, was get her to the vet an get her on meds and stiched up. Then I wondered, would that really be the best thing, or, would letting it heal without stiches be better ? (for fear of trapping infectious material, her ripping the stiches out, or even thew act of suturing the wound causing an infection ?) What "kind" of med would be the best/most tolerated/helpfull to a crocodilian (a general antibiotic like baytil, as thats what he usually perscribes ?) Forearm injection site ?

I have never had any of my crocodilians have such an injury, so, really do not know much about how to go ahead with treating it.

If stitches would be best, should I then dry dock her, like I would a turtle while they heal ? I know my vet pretty much "follows my lead" when it comes to working on her, so I figured anyone (Cdeiter ?) who had experiance with what works best for these animals in these situations would be good before I act.

Thanks for any help in advance.

The stress of medicating the gator would probably be worse than the wound. I once had 2 female C. porosus fight and one was severely gashed on her side. I had my vet stitch up this 9-10' female and within 5 hours she had torn them loose. She had an uneventful recovery. Crocs have amazing recuperative powers. They have limbs torn off and continue to feed!!! I'd be amazed if there was any problem. thanks.....Tom Crutchfield

NP

I have five seven foot american alligators in the same pond/caged area. One animal grabbed the front leg of another, bit it and spun it right off. We separated the injured animal, set him up in his own private enclosure to heal. No treatment other than clean conditions and private feedings and the stub healed up completely. He has been put back with the general population and is doing fine. The time alone has even helped his self confidence with the other gators. With his handicap you would expect him to be picked on, the opposite seems to have happened. As I write this he is pushing his friends around. The healing factor of the alligator is amazing. Is the inner lining of it's organs okay? That should help the decision of vet needs. Good Luck.