Tapir Foot Problems

[zoo_keeper.rach]

Hi, I'm currently working with a brazillian tapir which is having problems with her feet at the moment, they are cracked and are sore. She is on a treatment of Hibiscrub once daily, Sudocream applied, and purple spray and her lameness is improving but she is not fully back to normal. The pads of her feet seem to be healing well but she is still cracked around the nails. I was just curious if anyone else has or is experiencing similar problems. Also what substrate do you use with your tapirs, could this be the problem?!?!

Thank you in anticipation.

Rachel

 

[Paradoxurus]

I've experienced similar problems. We used formaldehyde to dry out and thicken the skin on the soles. This was applied once daily with a paintbrush. It has to be done quickly as when the solution gets into cuts and raw skin the tapir will jump up. The treatment was successful though.

 

[sarlo518]

Is formaldehyde cancerogenic?

I am just curious as formaldehyde has a very good antiseptic properties.

Are you using it on open cuts or just on unbroken skin.

Do you use any face masks?

 

[JamesB]

Hi, I'm currently working with a brazillian tapir which is having problems with her feet at the moment, they are cracked and are sore. She is on a treatment of Hibiscrub once daily, Sudocream applied, and purple spray and her lameness is improving but she is not fully back to normal. The pads of her feet seem to be healing well but she is still cracked around the nails. I was just curious if anyone else has or is experiencing similar problems. Also what substrate do you use with your tapirs, could this be the problem?!?!

Thank you in anticipation.

Rachel

what zoo do you work for may i ask?

 

[Paradoxurus]

Is formaldehyde cancerogenic?

I am just curious as formaldehyde has a very good antiseptic properties.

Are you using it on open cuts or just on unbroken skin.

Do you use any face masks?

I am not sure if Formaldehyde is carcinogenic. It is a good antiseptic because it kills any cells it comes into contact with - hence it thickened the soles of the Tapir's feet.

I never used a mask though I regretted that one day when I flicked some of the solution into my eye.

It would have been about three years ago that I was doing this. It wasn't recommended to get it on broken skin but this was unavoidable. It wasn't harmful to do so but it was quite painful.

 

[sarlo518]

I am not sure if Formaldehyde is carcinogenic. It is a good antiseptic because it kills any cells it comes into contact with - hence it thickened the soles of the Tapir's feet.

I never used a mask though I regretted that one day when I flicked some of the solution into my eye.

It would have been about three years ago that I was doing this. It wasn't recommended to get it on broken skin but this was unavoidable. It wasn't harmful to do so but it was quite painful.

That is why I have asked you. You should take care if you will use it again. Try to find some chemical safety data sheets about it. You should also have a section regarding first aid and what you should do in case of an accident.

Also check on your behalf regarding the cancerogenic properties of the chemical. The room must be well ventilated when using it.

 

[sarlo518]

Hi, I'm currently working with a brazillian tapir which is having problems with her feet at the moment, they are cracked and are sore. She is on a treatment of Hibiscrub once daily, Sudocream applied, and purple spray and her lameness is improving but she is not fully back to normal. The pads of her feet seem to be healing well but she is still cracked around the nails. I was just curious if anyone else has or is experiencing similar problems. Also what substrate do you use with your tapirs, could this be the problem?!?!

Thank you in anticipation.

Rachel

I have never worked with tapir but you can check with your veterinarian if you can use Betadine Solution or spray and the dry the skin try to use hydrogen peroxide diluted in distilled water. Make sure to evaluate the progress whenever changing any solutions, creams etc during a treatment.

It seems that you are employed in a facility for housing animals so also consult with whover is in charge of the well being of your animal/s before starting new treatment

 

[sarlo518]

I am not sure if Formaldehyde is carcinogenic. It is a good antiseptic because it kills any cells it comes into contact with - hence it thickened the soles of the Tapir's feet.

I never used a mask though I regretted that one day when I flicked some of the solution into my eye.

It would have been about three years ago that I was doing this. It wasn't recommended to get it on broken skin but this was unavoidable. It wasn't harmful to do so but it was quite painful.

I forgot to mention that yes you should use eye, hand and sking protection and including a mask.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

What kind of substrate do you have in the enclosure and indoor housing? It may have something to do with the sore feet and cracks in the soles you are experiencing with the tapir.

For further medical advice also check up on the Indian rhino as a model species. Similar issues with feet in this species too (which spents a considerable part of its time in marshy and riverine habitats)!