Exotic nursing Flashcards
what is meant by exotics?
animals not included in farm, equine or cats and dogs
how do you become an exotic vet?
get a special diploma
what are key factors of exotic consults?
ideally 30 minutes
thorough history vital
often need diagnostic tests
how can reception advise owners when bringing exotics into practice?
advise transport request faecal samples ask to bring in food and supplements bring photos of environment pre-consult questionnaire
how should rodents and rabbits be transported?
secure carrier
what needs considering when transporting reptiles?
heating provisions
how should snakes be transported?
pillow case
how should birds be transported?
cages
how should fish be transported?
double plastic bag in waterproof box
second bag if need anaesthesia recovery
what facilities are needed in practice for exotics?
heated tank for birds
vivarium for reptiles
cool area for rabbits
list some equipment used in exotic consults
good microscope crop tubes fine instruments ventilator endoscopy magnification sensitive scales disinfectants
why do exotics often present with progressed diseases?
hide illness
once presenting rapidly deteriorate
what is first aid for exotics?
check ABCs stop bleeding provide correct temperature oxygen except reptiles rehydration analgesia
why is oxygen provision to reptiles given cautiously?
stop breathing in high oxygen
define zoonoses
infectious disease that can pass from animal to human
list common zoonoses in reptiles
salmonella
campylobacter
pentastomids
list common zoonoses in birds
chlamydohila
salmonella
mycobacterial
avian influenza
list common zoonoses in small mammals
dermatophytosis
E. cuniculi
salmonella
state a common zoonoses in fish
mycobacterium marinum
what are symptoms of mycobacterium spp. in fish?
local non-healing ulcers
reduced appetite
weight loss
body deformities
what is the effect of mycobacterium spp in humans?
localised lesions
how is mycobacterium spp zoonoses spread prevented?
cover open wounds with water proof dressings
gloves
wash hands well
wash equipment separate to sinks for human use
how is dermatophytosis spread?
skin contact with the fungus
what are signs of dermatophytosis infection?
scaly, itchy patches on skin
how can you prevent spread of dermatophytosis?
wear gloves
wash hands well
how are exotics euthanised?
gaseous or injectable anaesthetic
how are exotic mammals euthanised by injectables?
IV to ear vein or cranial vena cava
injection into kidney or liver
how are reptiles euthanised by injection?
IV to tail vein or jugular
injection into liver or heart
destroy spinal cord with needle
how are birds euthanised by injection?
IV to jugular or tibiotarsal
into liver
how are fish euthanised?
anaesthetic in water
pentobarbitone injection
sever spinal cord behind gill cover
list some anatomical features specific to rabbits
light skeleton powerful hindlegs can cause damage nasal breathers larynx hard to visualise for intubation open rooted teeth cant vomit coprophagic open inguinal ring so need closed castration 2 cervices prominent forward eyes
list parameters assessed in rabbits
posture HR RR temperature weight droppings
what is normal rabbit temperature?
38.3-39.4
what environmental features are needed for hospitalising rabbits?
secure non-slip floor cool to prevent heat stress no predators near normal food and water can keep with bonded pair
where are rabbit blood samples taken from?
lateral saphenous
marginal ear vein
cephalic
jugular
what is maximum recommended volume of blood to take from rabbit?
1ml/100g
what are ways of giving medication to rabbits?
syringe into side of cheek SC IM quads IV ear vein shampoo cream
what are signs of pain in rabbits?
naturally hide pain
quiet
grinding teeth
grimace scale
what are fluids used for in rabbits?
crystalloids to correct imbalance
colloids to bring up BP
what is maintenance fluids for rabbits?
100ml/kg/24hrs
4ml/kg/hr
what are the preferred routes of fluid provision to rabbits?
IV marginal ear vein or cephalic
SC
why are buster collars not recommended for most rabbits?
stressful
prevent coprophagia
describe how to supportively feed rabbits
1ml syringe feeding so easy to eat without spitting
feed finely ground grass based food as still need long chain fibre
what are examples of parasites found in rabbits?
mites
fleas
coccidia
worms
what are signs of GI stasis in rabbits?
anorexia
absence of droppings
bloated abdomen
abdominal pain
what causes GI stasis in rabbits?
pain
stress
wrong diet
concurrent disease
how is GI stasis treated in rabbits?
analgesia IVFT prokinetics syringe feeding encourage eating find and treat underlying cause
what do different BG levels in rabbits suggest?
less than 5- pathology, inappetance 5-10 normal 10-15- stress, pain 15-20- significant pain over 20- GI obstruction
list GI diseases that can be present in rabbits
GI stasis GI obstruction liver lobe torsion dental disease diarrhoea
what are signs of respiratory disease in rabbits?
difficulty breathing
open mouth breathing
what are examples of respiratory disease in rabbits?
snuffles
pneumonia
neoplasia
what are causes of urinary incontinence in rabbits?
renal disease dental pain bladder infection, stone, neoplasia back pain e cuniculi
what are signs and causes of vestibular disease in rabbits?
head tilt and circling
e cuniculi
what is e cuniculi in rabbits?
parasite effecting kidneys and CNS
how does e cuniculi in rabbits spread?
shed in urine
eat infected urine on grass
list symptoms of e cuniculi in rabbits
head tilt ataxia hindlimb weakness urinary incontinence renal failure cataracts
how is e cuniculi treated in rabbits?
fenbendazole
list some skin problems in rabbits
mites flystrike abscesses pododermatitis otitis
what are causes of faecal clogging?
no caecotrophy so collects on back end too much carbs obesity so cant reach dental disease back pain
how is myxomatosis spread in rabbits?
biting insects
direct contact
list symptoms of myxomatosis in rabbits
swelling around eyes and genitals
ocular discharge
how is rabbit haemorrhagic disease spread?
fomites
direct contact
what are symptoms of rabbit haemorrhagic disease?
sudden death
haemorrhage from nose, mouth, anus
list animals considered wildlife
birds hedgehogs bats foxes badgers deer
what are aims of wildlife rehab?
alleviate pain
restore so can be returned to wild and survive
reduce impacts on wild life caused by humans
species conservation
what are considerations when rescuing wildlife?
make sure they actually need rescuing
own safety first
minimise stress to animal
when is it better to euthanise wildlife?
cant release animals if wont survive or likely to have complications
what are advantages and disadvantages of keeping wildlife in captivity?
adv- healthy but wouldnt survive in wild, breed rare species
disadv- affects quality of life, increased stress
why is water quality so important to fish?
constant exchange between fish and water so good quality water means healthy fish
how are fish anaesthetised?
phenoxethanol or MS222 tricane methane
LA with systemic effect
depth depends on amount of agent in water and how long left in
to recover place in fresh water
what are some diagnostic tests that can be done on fish?
mucus scrapings for parasites gill and fin preparations bacteriology bloods radiography ultrasound
what are advantages and disadvantages of admin of therapeutics for fish?
adv- injections last long due to slow metabolism, topical good
disadv- in pond kills bacteria, in pond and food inaccurate
what is causes of ulcer disease in fish?
septicaemia
trauma
how is ulcer disease in fish treated?
GA debridement iodine cleaning antibiotics correct underlying disease
state some first aid advice to give to fish owners
check water quality
can quarantine affected fish
change 30% water to dilute toxins
improve aeration
what are basic husbandry requirements for amphibians?
polikotherms so need good temperature nocturnal UV light for calcium metabolism good water quality high humidity
list common amphibian problems
skin infections
chytridiomycosis
foreign bodies
metabolic bone disease
what are common problems associated with invertebrates?
shedding issues
mites
nematodes
trauma
list anatomical features specific to reptiles
exotherms inflexible skin covered in scales shed skin as grow bony shell in chelonia contains vessels and nerves no diaphragm coelom is single body cavity
what is monitored for reptiles?
weight RR excretions activity shedding environmental temperature
what is needed for hospitalising reptiles?
environmental temperature control
heated tank or vivarium
tortoise table
where are bloods taken from in reptiles and why are they hard?
ventral tail vein
snakes- ventral tail vein, cardiocentesis
tortoise- jugular, subvertebral
relies on landmarks as hard to palpate
how are medications administered to reptiles?
topical oral deep SC IM to back legs IV IO
what are methods of fluid therapy in reptiles?
soaking oral intracoelomic SC IV IO
what is recommended volumes for fluid therapy in reptiles?
10-30ml/kg/day
describe how to assist feeding in reptiles
stomach or oesophagostomy tube
prevent refeeding syndrome
electrolytes and AA
what are common parasites seen in reptiles?
worms
coccidia
ticks
mites
what are common medial problems in reptiles?
anorexia impaction metabolic bone disease scale or shell rot trauma abscess retained shell renal disease dysecdysis
what causes metabolic bone diseases in reptiles?
imbalance of C and PO
lack of vitamin D
what are signs of metabolic bone disease in reptiles?
shell deformity
fractures
rubber jaw
seizures
how is metabolic bone disease in reptiles treated?
UV light
Ca and vitamin D supplements
how are abscesses in reptiles treated?
remove whole capsule as solid so cant drain
what causes dysecdysis?
poor husbandry
lack of humidity
retention of spectacles, around toes, mouth and eyes
how is dysecdysis treated?
provide humidity
shedding chamber
ease of shed
what is significant about dentition of rodents?
myomorphs have closed rooted molars
hysricomorphs have open rooted molars
all have continually growing incisors
what parameters are assessed in rodents?
eating drinking droppings weight RR HR but hard as so rapid
what are considerations for hospitalising rodents?
keep away from predators keep below 21 degrees to prevent heat stress escape proof suitable diet hide areas
where are bloods taken from rodents?
tail vein
lateral saphenous
cranial vena cava
what is recommended amount of blood to take from rodents?
1ml/100g max
usually 0.5ml/100g
how are medications administered to rodents?
oral SC IM but little muscle IV topical
why do rodents need high drug doses?
high metabolic rate
what is maintenance fluids for rodents?
100ml/kg/day
how are fluids usually given to rodents?
SC
oral
intraperitoneal
what are common medical issues for rodents?
mites bite wounds abscesses ringworm respiratory problems tumours fractures
what are common medical issues in rats?
respiratory infections
mammary masses
what are common medical issues in hamsters?
ingrown incisors cheek pouch impactions wet tail demodex skin cancer pyometra
what are common medical issues in guinea pigs?
dental disease mites urolithiasis pregnancy toxaemia cystic ovaries
what are common issues in chinchillas?
dental disease
respiratory disease
list anatomical features specific to ferrets
compact muscular body with flexible spine
similar to cat in different proportions
anal scent glands
what is assessed in ferrets?
alert and inquisitive mentation pulse RR MM rectal temperature hydration
what are considerations for hospitalising ferrets?
cat cage but secure all escape routes
below 30 degrees
away from prey
what is nutrition requirements for ferrets in hospital?
normal diet and similar bowls to home
feline critical care diet
dont fast as cause hypoglycaemia
how are bloods taken from ferrets?
under GA jugular lateral saphenous cephalic cranial vena cava
how are medications given to ferrets?
SC in scruff
IM to thigh or lumbar
IV
oral
how are fluids administered to ferrets?
oral
SC
IP
IV
what is maintenance for ferrets fluids?
100ml/kg/day
what are common medical problems seen in ferrets?
persistent oestrus adrenal disease lymphoma insulinoma IBD dental disease influenza
how is persistent oestrus resolved in ferrets?
hormones
mate with neutered male
what is the consequence of persistent oestrus in ferrets?
high oestrogen supresses bone marrow causing severe anaemia
what is the affect of spaying ferrets?
adrenal hypertrophy and disease due to gonads inhibiting adrenal glands
what are common conditions seen in african pygmy hedgehogs?
dental disease obesity wobbly hedgehog syndrome renal disease tumours
what is included in pre op assessment of small mammals?
thorough exam to check for hidden illness
check respiration and CV
record accurate weight
pre-anaesthetic bloods
how are small mammals prepped for surgery?
prepare for things going wrong as little room for error, including IV placed, warmers, fluids, pre-oxygenation
clip skin gently and small area to reduce heat loss
how are small mammals supported under GA?
prevent heat loss intubate to secure airway manual monitoring to prevent machine error raise chest mechanical ventilation as needed
how is post op haemorrhage prevented in small mammals?
monitor HR, MM, pulses for shock or internal bleeding
maintain IV
monitor wounds
how is temperature in recovery managed in small mammals?
incubator or heat pad
monitor rectal temperature
prevent overheating
how can hypoglycaemia be prevented in recovery in small mammals?
encourage to eat
monitor glucose
how can you prevent gut stasis in small mammals in surgery recovery?
encourage eating as soon as possible
prokinetics, ranitidine
analgesia
monitor for droppings
how is surgery in small mammals made easier?
adapted techniques from cats and dogs
use fine instruments and magnification
good haemostasis
how are wounds sutured in small mammal surgery?
synthetic monofilament absorbable
buried skin sutures to prevent chewing out
tissue glue can be used
what are radiographs and CT good for in small mammals?
teeth assessment
skull imaging
why can imaging be hard in small mammals?
small size makes interpretation hard
free fat and fluid reduces contrast in abdomen
gas in abdomen can limit views
poor resolution
what are ultrasounds good for assessing in small mammals?
bladder
masses
GI status
what are common surgical procedures in small mammals?
neutering lump removal GI obstruction liver lobe torsion dentistry
what can contribute to malocclusion in small mammals?
lack of grass to wear down
calcium affects formation of teeth
breeding
describe what is looked for in dental exams in small mammals
weight loss ptyalism swellings on mandible otoscope looking at teeth skull radiographs
how can dental problems in small mammals be treated?
dental burr to wear down and reshape
correct diet
hard to cure malocclusion
what is included in reptiles pre op assessments?
clinical exam
faecal and blood screens
monitoring temperature
how are reptiles supported under GA?
IPPV or ventilator
maintain temperature
why is anaesthetic monitoring of reptiles difficult?
few reflexes when at surgical depth
externally controlled respiration
how are reptiles prepared for surgery?
chlorhex or iodine soak between scales
clear drapes for visualisation
positioned to minimise pressure on lungs
how are reptiles recovered from anaesthesia?
gradually reduce RR
breathing stimulated by low oxygen not high CO2
monitor breathing with capnography
keep preferred temperature
where are surgical incisions made in reptiles?
between scales
how are reptile surgical wounds sutured?
monofilament
everting suture pattern as skin naturally inverts
removed after 4-6 weeks
can use tissue glue with sutures
what are common surgical procedures in reptiles?
mass removal
ovariosalpingectomy or ovariectomy
GI obstruction
hemipenile amputation
why is imaging reptiles useful?
hard to palpate to find problems
describe basic husbandry for parrots
perches from non-toxic trees regular bathing 12 hour day night cycle UV for vit D synthesis enrichment
why are seed based diets not recommended for birds?
high in calories deficient in nutrients, EAA, fibre, omega 3 poor Ca to P ratio can have fungal contamination encourages selective feeding
what is the main cause of disease in birds?
malnutrition from poor diet
what causes calcium and vitamin D deficiency in birds?
nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism
what is the effect of hypocalcaemia in birds?
seizures
thin egg shells
dystocia
how is hypocalcaemia diagnosed in birds?
radiography
serum ionised calcium
how is hypocalcaemia in birds treated?
supplements
diet
UVB light
what are the effects of obesity in birds?
hepatic lipidosis
mineralisation of arterial walls
lipoma
what are the effects of hypovitaminosis A in birds?
squamous metaplasia of epithelium
secondary infection
poor feather quality
diarrhoea
describe methods of converting birds from seed to pellets
mix in with pellets and gradually reduce seeds limit time with seeds place pellets on mirror hand feed may need hospitalising
what can cause feather damaging behaviour in birds?
females
boredom
medical conditions
how is feather damaging behaviour in parrots tried to be treated?
rule out medical cause pellet diet increase humidity maximum 12 hours light destress improve ventilation
what are considerations for hospitalising birds?
often critical as hide illness
history
bring pictures of environment
list signs of illness in birds?
sick bird syndrome change in water and food intake vomiting abnormal behaviour open mouth breathing discharge abnormal stance straining change in excretions
how should birds be handled?
support body with wings under control
dont restrict sternal movement as no diaphragm to breathe
what are considerations for clinical exam on birds?
may need to stabilise or GA before
diagnostic tests important
get weight and BCS
what are considerations when hospitalising birds?
away from predators
perches and appropriate substrate
access to food and water
how are sick birds managed?
keep environment at 30 degrees normal diet weigh daily nursing care barrier nursing manage hygiene separate wild from pets
how are sick birds treated generally?
crop tubing
flush sinuses for respiratory tract infections
nebulisation for respiratory disease
injections
how is crop tubing done in birds?
use largest tube
extend neck and pass into left side of mouth into oesophagus
palpate right base of neck to confirm in crop
feed every 2-8 hours with food at 38-40 degrees
list injection sites in birds
SC to inguinal fold, intrascapular region
IM to distal third pectoral
IV jugular, ulnar, basilic, metatarsal veins
IO to ulna or tibiotarsus
what is maintenance fluids for birds?
50-100ml/kg/day
how are birds fluids managed?
assume all sick are 5-10% dehydrated
maintenance and half deficit day 1
rest of deficit and maintenance over 2-3 days
how are fluids administered to birds?
oral
SC
IV
IO
how are bloods taken from birds?
easier under GA
right jugular
basilic
median metatarsal vein
what is maximum blood that can be taken from birds?
1% BW if healthy, less if sick
what is feather moulting in birds?
moult annually after breeding season
new feathers with blood supply grow
old feathers blood supply regresses and feather unfurls from sheath
why is wing clipping not reccomended?
sternal injury if crash land
physiological problems
can still glide
needs to be bilateral
how are microchips placed in birds?
3rd pectoral
direct down
tissue glue to close skin
how are birds euthanised?
under gaseous GA
IV to jugular, wing or median tarsal vein
injection into liver
what are examples of diagnostic procedures in birds?
radiography bloods PCR culture and cytology faecal parasitology endoscopy biopsy post mortem
how is radiography performed in birds?
right lateral and ventrodorsal standard views
under GA
barium contrast for GIT and coelom investigation
what can endoscopy used for in birds?
cloaca sexing lungs air sacs kidney GIT gonads
how are birds stabilised before anaesthesia?
IVFT crop tubing 25-30 degrees to reduce metabolic demand analgesia short fasting
why in inhalational anaesthesia used in birds?
fast induction and recovery
what are the benefits of intubation for birds under anaesthesia?
provide airway
reduce dead space
protect aspiration
IPPV
what are potential complications following intubating birds?
pressure necrosis if cuffed
tracheal damage
strictures
how is birds temperature supported in surgery?
heat source
low GA time
warm and humidified gases
warmed fluids
describe how to position birds for surgery
lateral recumbency
why are masks not used for induction in water fowl?
stimulates dive reflex causing bradycardia and apnoea
what are the benefits of air sac perfusion anaesthesia in birds?
good for head surgery or tracheal obstruction
can leave 3-5 days
how is air sac perfusion tubes placed in birds?
drip tube or ETT with holes in side into left caudal airspace
behind last rib
list anaesthetic monitoring for birds
withdrawal, corneal, palpebral reflexes HR temperature capnography pulse oximetry BP
list some complications of birds in surgery
hypoventilation
hypothermia
hypoglycaemia
apnoea
how are respiratory complications in birds during surgery managed?
apnoea- reduce anaesthesia and provide oxygen, check ETT patency
IPPV if RR less than 4
how are birds recovered from anaesthesia?
100% oxygen ventilation IVFT extubate when breathing well and swallowing keep warm encourage eating quickly
what can cause slow recovery in birds?
pre-anaesthetic meds hypothermia hypovolaemia hypoglycaemia haemorrhage pain
list common zoonotic diseases in birds
chlamydia psittaci salmonellosis campylobacteriosis aspergillosis avian influenza
how are zoonoses in birds prevented?
good hygiene
PPE
what are signs of chlamydia psittaci in birds and humans?
birds- conjunctivitis, respiratory signs, hepatopathy
humans- flu like, pneumonia, death
what are common causes of GIT disease in birds?
infection heavy metal toxicity malnutrition obstruction crop impaction
what is looked for in clinical exams of birds with GIT disease?
weight and BCS dysphagia crop abnormality vomiting and regurgitation defecation
how are GIT diseases diagnosed in birds?
faecal smears crop wash culture and sensitivity PCR and serology radiography and contrast endoscopy
list some causes of respiratory disease in birds?
obstruction inhaled toxins infection hypersensitivity dyspnoea
what is observed for in birds with respiratory disease?
discharge swellings conjunctivitis sneezing check URT cough dyspnoea weight loss cyanosis
how are respiratory diseases in birds diagnosed?
haematology radiography PCR and serology culture and cytology endoscopy biopsy post mortem
how are respiratory diseases in birds treated?
rule out chlamydia psittaci
nebulise
air sac tube if obstruction
what are common reproductive diseases in birds?
egg binding
egg yolk coelomitis
what predisposes birds to egg binding?
malnutrition
hypocalcaemia
obesity
excess egg production
what problems are caused by egg binding in birds?
metabolic disturbance and shock due to compression of pelvic and renal vasculature
list clinical signs of egg binding in birds
depression lethargy weakness reduced activity straining dyspnoea coelomic distension low frequency of defecation
how is egg binding in birds diagnosed?
history
palpable egg
radiography
ionised calcium on biochemistry
how is egg binding in birds treated?
IVFT nutritional support lubrication and manual manipulation ovocentesis and egg collapse surgical removal
what is egg yolk coelomitis in birds?
yolk released into coelomic cavity causing inflammation and secondary infection
how are fractures in birds treated?
immobilisation wings with figure 8 bandage or body wrap splint legs heal fast maintain joint function
