Exotic Practice and Zoonosis Flashcards
what animals are classed as exotic pets?
small furries (rabbits and guinea pigs)
birds
reptiles
amphibians
fish
what animals must be treated by all veterinary surgeons?
obligation to offer first aid treatment to any animal presented at the surgery
what animals are most practices happy to see?
rabbits and guinea pigs
budgies and cockitiels
small rodents
what animals may be occasionally seen in exotic practice?
tortoises
ferrets
chinchillas
what animals will most practices choose to refer?
lizards and snakes
parrots
birds of prey
fish
when can a vet be classed as an exotic specialist?
if they have a diploma or are a recognised fellow
what sort of exotic vets are there?
some practices have one vet that is interested in one or more exotic species
specialist exotic practices with 24hr on call specialists and nurses
what are the difficulties of having one vet at the practice with exotic interest/experience?
difficulty if out of hours, on call and holidays
what is the issue with specialist exotic practices?
expensive
how long is needed to perform an adequate exotic consult?
at least 20 mins, preferably 30
why do exotic procedures need to be so long?
Thorough history is vital and may be time consuming
Often need to do diagnostic procedures i.e. faecal samples
May need to consult literature
what can make an exotic case run more smoothly?
Good management of the exotic case at reception can make things run much more smoothly.
what role can reception have in exotic consults?
Find out the species of animal to be seen.
Advise on transport of animal
Request feacal samples
Advise owner to bring in food, supplements and photos of environment.
Pre consult questionnaire
how should rabbits and rodents be transported?
secure box or carrier
how should reptiles be transported?
secure box or carrier
provide heating (e.g. hot water bottle or plug in heat mat)
how will snakes be transported?
pillow case or duvet cover
how should birds be transported to the practice?
cage is best, avoid cardboard box as cannot see what the bird is doing and they are difficult to remove
how are birds of prey transported?
travel box or on hand
how should fish be transported?
double bag in a waterproof box
ensure air in the top to allow gas exchange
bring second bag of water
where should birds be housed?
heated tank (30 degrees)
where should reptiles be housed?
vivarium or tortoise table that can provide light and heat
where should rabbits be housed?
away from predators below 22 degrees
what is crucial about all exotic housing?
secure as they are good at escaping
what else needs to be included in exotic housing?
water
food
toys
what equipment is needed when seeing exotic patients?
- Good Microscope
- Crop tubes / stomach tubes
- Fine surgical instruments
- Ventilator, endoscopy, magnification all useful
how should the consult room be set up for exotic
- Secure area. No open doors/windows/air-vents
- Containers for examining small animals
- Sensitive scales
what must happen to rooms after exotic animals have been in?
through disinfection
fogging?
what disinfectant is best for use after exotics have been on the ward?
QAC