Need pain relief for hatchling with possible broken arm/hand

[waltersgirl]

I have a small hatchling who may have a broken front left hand or arm. I am not positive. It is too late to call the vet without waking her. He has uncurled his poor little hand as he sleeps on my thumb but before had he had it all balled up didn't open it and use it as he moved. It appears the arm above it is swollen. I am just looking for any ideas of what I might be able to do for him for pain relief if anything until we can call the vet in the morning. He seems to be content sleeping on my thumb for the moment but his eyes seem a little glazed when he looks at me. Normally the little guy runs from me but right now seems to appreciate the mothering and being away from the other hatchlings. I have made a setup for him for the night by himself but was hoping to find something for pain because he definitely appears to be uncomfortable and not using it. I don't know if any would help but I do have anti inflammatory iburofen cream because I can't take NSAIDS myself. I have silver cream and colloidal liquid both. I also have a closet full of essential oils I just don't know that they are usable in any diluted manner for my babies. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[AHBD]

Poor little dude.....do you have pics ? Are you sure that it's swollen and do you see a cut ? Was he bitten....that's usually the case when they are together. There's nothing you can really do, and these things can often heal on their own. I've had a few in the past that would have a similar condition and they would usually be using the arm again within a week. Hopefullt it's not more serious than that. For now when you feed him, cripple the crickets by shaking them in a jar until they are dazed and toss them right near him so doesn't have to move very much to get them.

 

[waltersgirl]

Okay, thanks for the advice just wish I could do something for the poor little thing. Yes it is swollen compared with his other arm and looks a little darker in color. Sure hope he recovers. He is a beautiful little leatherback. Thanks again.

 

[AHBD]

You're welcome. How is he doing so far ? Has he eaten anything ? If the swelling is bad and the baby is totally letharigic you could see if a vet has the experience to handle it. I have seen them heal on their own, they would keep the arm tucked against their body and get around + still eat until it healed....but if your guy looks really bad, an experienced vet might help. It is difficult to treat tiny babies.

 

[waltersgirl]

She has suggested taping a small piece of a cocktail stir stick wrapped in cotton to it to keep it immobilized but I don't know how he will respond to it. She says we can't really give him anything because of his small size. He is awake but not eating or moving around much. He looks at me expectantly. He does well when I hold him as I think it takes weight off of it and makes him more comfortable. Poor little thing. Wish I knew what happened so I could prevent it in others.

 

[AHBD]

Yeah, poor little one....but it's probably best not to manipulate such a tiny baby, so leaving it to heal is all you can do. Keep offering crix by hand or with a tong a couple times a day. Be sure to gently dribble water on his snout for hydration. I've had babies like that heal just fine in the past, it does happen among the hatchlings once in a while.