Veterinary Supplies

The following is a list of items which may not be on hand in a typical veterinary clinic but can prove useful when working with sea turtles:

Monofilament suture material (preferred over multifilament): 

• • Ethilon is good non-absorbable product for skin 
  • Monocryl is good choice for absorbable product

Scale (will need to be elevated so flippers do not touch when patient is weighed)

Spinal needles for blood draws and IV administration in large turtles

GTT for blood samples 

14 gauge jugular catheters

Heated surgery table with hydraulic lift

Ventilator

Silvadene ointment

Wheelbarrow for patient transport

Large scale calipers and measuring tape

Back board and gurney or sling for transport

AMBU bag

Isolation bin for dry dock (a child’s plastic swimming pool works equally well). Towels,diapers, or similar materials provide padding and absorbtion of fluids when placed beneath animals in dry dock.

  

Mouth gags: PVC pipe couplings, canine/feline mouth gags, Markel mouth prop (for smaller turtles),  and avian speculum

Dental picks for debridement

Periosteal elevators for barnacle removal and debridement

This chapter should be cited: Mettee, Nancy. 2014. Veterinary Supplies. Marine Turtle Trauma Response Procedures:  A Veterinary Guide. WIDECAST Technical Report No. 17. Accessed online [date].