Veterinary Leeches | What Can Leeches Be Used For? | Applying Leeches | Maintenance & Products | Downloads
Whilst the leeches should be kept in a cool area, like a fridge, when not being used it is advisable to get them warmer just before using them, removing them from the fridge to get to room temperature is sufficient. Once they are warmer they will move around more and will be more eager to feed.
It is important to be aware that the use of leeches is not recommended within a fortnight of any form of flea treatment, as these
substances are likely to still be in the animal's bloodstream.
The biting end of the leech can be identified by its small size and searching movements, whilse the tail end is used mostly as a sucker for fixation.
It is important to be aware that the use of leeches is not recommended within a fortnight of any form of flea treatment, as these
substances are likely to still be in the animal's bloodstream.
The biting end of the leech can be identified by its small size and searching movements, whilse the tail end is used mostly as a sucker for fixation.
Preparing the site
Veterinarians please be aware that the use of disinfectant or antiseptic on the animal prior to leech treatment will deter the leeches from feeding. To clean the area simply use sterile water.
Depending on where the leech is to be applied, it may or may not be necessary to shave the treatment site as excess fur will discourage the leech from attaching. In instances such as use on an aural hematoma the leeches are usually applied to the underside of the ear and the site is thus fleshy enough to not require any hair removal. However should hair removal be necessary it is best to shave using a normal razor as opposed to a clipper.
For those using leeches to treat aural hematomas it is recommended that the ear hole be plugged with something just in case the leech tries to move elsewhere to feed.
Depending on where the leech is to be applied, it may or may not be necessary to shave the treatment site as excess fur will discourage the leech from attaching. In instances such as use on an aural hematoma the leeches are usually applied to the underside of the ear and the site is thus fleshy enough to not require any hair removal. However should hair removal be necessary it is best to shave using a normal razor as opposed to a clipper.
For those using leeches to treat aural hematomas it is recommended that the ear hole be plugged with something just in case the leech tries to move elsewhere to feed.
How to apply the leech
- Steer the head of the leech towards the desired application site, attachment generally occurs quickly as the leech will be eager to feed once it is at room temperature. However if the leech is reluctant to feed either make a small needle prick on the skin to produce a tiny droplet of blood, or apply a small amount of a sugar and water solution.
- Once the leech has attached it will likely remain in place until it is full and will then drop off of its own accord. However the process should be monitored to ensure that the leech does not move from the desired site. The leech generally feeds for around 15-20 minutes, in which time it will expand to around five times its original size.
- It is important to leave the leech feed until it detaches by itself, never pull off a leech whilst it is feeding. Once the leech has dropped off it can then be replaced into its container with the name of the patient labelled onto it. This will then prevent confusion between used and unused leeches and prevent use on another patient. _
Dealing with leeches after use
Leeches must not be used on another patient and therefore should be disposed of after use. The most humane method of disposing of a leech is by placing it in an initial solution of 8% alcohol, followed by a more potent solution of 70%.
Our new product, LEECH NOSDA™, offers a complete kit to humanely and easily dispose of leeches. For more details on LEECH NOSDA™ please see our Maintenance & Products section.
Our new product, LEECH NOSDA™, offers a complete kit to humanely and easily dispose of leeches. For more details on LEECH NOSDA™ please see our Maintenance & Products section.
Post-bite care of wound
The major therapeutic effect of leech application occurs during the post-bite period, and depends greatly on the care given to the bite wounds. Each bite must be encouraged to bleed by the gentle removal of any locally forming clot at regular intervals. If in a clean environment the wound can be kept open and allowed to continue bleeding freely. If however a clean area is not possible, or if excess blood is not desired the wound may de lightly bandaged, but the blood must still be able to flow freely.
If you require any further assistance or advice do not hesitate to contact us.
If you require any further assistance or advice do not hesitate to contact us.