Wound Care in Reptiles

Reptiles are often presented to wildlife carers with various types and grades of wounds. Reptile wound healing rates are comparatively slower when compared to healing rates in mammals and birds. With appropriate wound management we hope to significantly reduce wound healing rates. How we manage a reptile‟s wounds will impact on the healing rate and thus influence the reptile‟s required time in care. The principles of the wound healing process will be addressed. Some basic applications to reptile husbandry that can be influenced to promote wound healing will also be explored. Also, wound management techniques will be addressed by reviewing some examples of wound dressings and materials, wound hydrogels and other topical wound medications. Some other special wound considerations related to reptile rehabilitation will also be discussed.