mammal, 8 Small exotic animal and wildlife nursing Sharon Redrobe and Anna Meredith This chapter is designed to give information on: • • • • •
The principal aspects of hospitalization of the exotic pet and wildlife patient The common diseases of these animals The main points of perioperative care of these species Zoonoses of these species and how to minimize the risks associated with their handling The correct administration of medicines to these species
Introduction
8.1
This chapter will deal with the group of small animals commonly presented for veterinary treatment that are ‘not cats or dogs’. This includes common pet small mammals, birds and reptiles. The reptile group includes snakes, lizards and chelonians. The term chelonian refers to those reptiles that possess a shell (turtles, terrapins and tortoises). Some native UK wild animals that are brought into the veterinary surgery by the public will also be considered. All these animals require a different approach to inpatient care from that given to dogs and cats. Correct veterinary nursing forms a vital part of the care of these patients and affects whether treatment is successful or otherwise.
Suggested sites for identification microchip (based on guidelines of the British Veterinary Zoological Society)
Animal Fish Amphibians Reptiles
Chelonians
Crocodilians Lizards
Hospitalization • • • • •
Weigh patients daily to evaluate body condition and clinical progress and to ensure accurate treatment dosage Handle correctly to minimize stress, trauma and injury to both handler and animal Minimize handling to reduce stress (tame social species are an exception) Offer correct feed to stimulate the animal to eat and to prevent gastrointestinal upset and dietary deficiencies Ensure that each individual animal can be identified from the moment it is admitted to the veterinary surgery. A description of the animal is sufficient in some cases; stickers with names may be affixed to reptile shells; and cages should be clearly labelled. Some species may be microchipped for permanent identification (Figure 8.1).
Snakes
Birds
Mammals
Suggested site Midline, anterior to dorsal fin Lymphatic cavity It is recommended that tissue glue is placed over the needle entry site in all reptiles Subcutaneously in left hindleg (intramuscularly in thin-skinned species) Subcutaneously in the tarsal area in giant species Cranial to nuchal cluster Left quadriceps muscle, or subcutaneously in this area (all species) In very small species, subcutaneously on the left side of the body Subcutaneously, left nape of neck placed at twice the length of the head from the tip of the nose Left pectoral muscle Exceptions: ostriches – pipping muscle; penguins – subcutaneously at base of neck Large: left mid neck subcutaneously Medium and small: between scapulae
Clinical parameters It is important to be able to distinguish the normal from the abnormal animal. The level of activity or stress should be
Small mammal, exotic animal and wildlife nursing
171