doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com OT What to put in my bird dogs first aid kit?

Lots of good advice here. The only thing I didn't see mentioned is a check chord/ lead rope. In case the dog gets over heated (which she will) it makes it much easier to control her for a few minutes, then let her go on her way again. Just a few feet of any light rope with a snap will do. Would also serve as a (crappy) tournequet.

Gil,

I keep one or the other in my vest at all times, guess I never thought of it as a first aid item.

This is one of the most useful threads I've read on this site. Thanks to Chuck H for starting it. After reading about the vitamin C stuff I called my vet and he had never heard of this kind of treatment for snake bites, but he said it made sense. Needless to say, I immediately went to my truck, pulled the Brittany first aide pack and included a bottle of vitamin C. In Arizona, during quail season, you need all the help you can get. Thanks again for some great information.

Gentlemen: I'm making no value judgments but simply saying if a MD and a Vet know nothing about Vit C for snakebite, it might be reasonable to assess this data with some skepticism.

Here's some more websites and you can decide if this all sounds reasonable:
http://phoenix.about.com/cs/desert/a/snakebite_2.htm :rolleyes:
(BTW: Signing out of an ER AMA is not usually the most discernful maneuver in the management of one's health)
This site DOES suggest sucking the venom BY MOUTH : http://www.pathlights.com/nr_encyclopedia/16pois01.htm

These are excellent sites regarding conventional evaluation and management:
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2143.htm
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020401/1367.html

Fortunately, Vitamin C toxicity is very rare:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm

And here are a couple re: management of snakebite in dogs
http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/sb.html
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_rattlesnake_bites_in_californi.html

Bottom line:
"A snake bite should always be treated as an emergency even in a vaccinated dog.
If your dog is bitten by a rattlesnake, seek veterinary attention immediately."

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I bought a tool case that looks a bit like an alum covered guncase that has dividers for the storage. I'll see the vet just before I leave. I'll see if I can convince him to set me up with a syringe of Benedryl. Needle and suture or thread will get in there. One of the things I learned from vets around horses was to not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or other strong anti-bacterial on large wounds that need to be closed back up. The peroxide or other a/b will kill tissue and not facilitate mending growth back together, according a vet that told me this.

"not use hydrogen peroxide"
That is correct Chuck-the best irrigation solution is the squeeze bottle of saline. I can't emphasize enough the importance of complete removal of ANY dirt and debris before closing a wound.
And we're all asking to get dog bit attempting to suture without using lidocaine first-unless you're truly in the middle of nowhere, this is also a job for a Vet.

Chuck
My dog was a pup when I got him but he just kept on growing and growing and growing. I wanted a small lab.Now he is a monster. I will run the vitamin c thing through that doc at Loma linda and see what he says.If you must sew on the dog, include a muzzle.

Chuck: All are good comments, but I carry my kit in a fanny pack so the stuffs available when I need it. A severely injured dog, or human companion in the field with a first aid kit in a car/truck several miles away is something to avoid. You can fit everything you need in one, at least enough to get you back to the car and its not that heavy either. John

John
I agree. Certain things should be along with you on foot. Figuring out what's practical to carry and what's gonna stay in the truck is the critical part. I've bought way more stuff than I can practically carry while hunting.

May I suggest that you forget the needle and suture, instead talk to your vet about a surgical stapler. If the vet agrees, have them show you the proper use. It is very quick.

I would still bring the peroxide. I don't use it to clean wounds. Mixed with water, it induces vomiting in a dog. It acts very rapidly by the way. I have a large syringe with some surgical tubing on the end, that I put together. I have used it to force the mixture down the dog's throat. Especially useful when you catch dog lapping up anti-freeze, etc.

Pete