![Varanus varius ( Lace Monitor ) [ Original photo copyright © Dr Julian White ]](images/other_life/TVP05021.jpg)
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Class: Reptilia
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Order: Squamata
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Suborder: Sauria
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Family: Varanidae
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Genus: Varanus
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Species: varius
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Common Names
Lace Monitor , Tree Goanna
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Local Names
Tree Goanna
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Region
Australia
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Countries
Australia
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First Aid
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| Description:First aid for bites from lizards, other than helodermatid lizards (such as gila monster & beaded lizard).
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Details:1. Remove the patient from continued exposure to the lizard.
2. If the lizard is still attached to the patient (ie still biting) then carefully prize the jaws open. Do not pull the lizard off as this may increase the extent of skin injury as some of these lizards have very sharp teeth that may lacerate the skin.
3. Note the physical characteristics of the lizard so that, if necessary, it can be described to health care workers. If you have a camera, photograph the lizard.
4. Clean the wound with antiseptic, if available, otherwise use clean, preferably sterile water.
5. If the wound is deep, or there is extensive damage, or if significant pain persists after 30 minutes, seek medical care.
6. Tetanus infection is possible with any bite wound. If the patient does not have current tetanus immunisation, seek medical care.
7. Secondary infection is possible with any bite wound. If the wound initially appears minor, but over the next few days becomes red, tender to touch, more painful, swollen, or develops a discharge, secondary infection may have developed. In this case seek urgent medical care.
8. Systemic (general) effects from oral products of these animals are not expected. If the patient develops any systemic (general) symptoms, such as headache, vomiting, fever, dizziness, weakness, difficulty breathing, or any other general symptom, seek urgent medical care. If breathing is impaired, support using available methods, including mouth-to-mouth breathing if nothing else is available. It is emphasised that such systemic effects are not expected and not reported and this advice is given for completeness, not in the expectation it is likely to be required.
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