Exotics Flashcards
what is considered an ‘exotic’ pet?
anything not included in farm, equine, dogs or cats
how long should an exotics consult be?
ideally 30min (at least 20)
what should be found out about the exotic patient at time of booking?
species of animal to be seen (latin name ideal)
advise on transport
request faecal samples
advise owner to bring in food/supplements/photos of environment
pre-consult questionnaires
how should rabbits/rodents be transported?
in a secure box/carrier
how should reptiles be transported?
secure box/carrier, provide heating (hot water bottle)
how should snakes be transported?
pillow case (duvet cover for larger species)
how should parrots be transported?
cage best, avoid small cardboard box if possible
how should birds of prey be transported?
travel box or on hand
how should fish be transported?
double plastic bag within waterproof box, bring second bag of water
what housing facilities should be provided for birds/reptiles/rabbits?
birds = heated tank (30ºC) reptiles = vivarium or tortoise table rabbits = avoid predators, temp below 22ºC (heat stress)
what special equipment may be needed for exotics consults?
good microscope
crop tubes/stomach tubes
fine surgical instruments
ventilator, endoscopy, magnification
what are the features of an appropriate exotics consult room?
secure area, no open doors/windows/vents
containers for examining small animals
sensitive scales
what are the common disinfectant methods for exotics consult rooms?
quaternary ammonium (F10 common) fogging rooms to disinfect if possible
how promptly should sick birds be seen?
emergency - likely to deteriorate quickly
how fast do reptiles tend to deteriorate?
slowly, but take a long time to recover
what should be involved in first aid of exotics?
ABC stop any haemorrhage warmth for birds and reptiles oxygen supplementation if required rehydration pain relief antibiotics
why shouldn’t reptiles be given oxygen supplementation?
high oxygen levels will discourage breathing
what are the common zoonoses of reptiles?
salmonella
campylobacter
cryptosporidia
pentastomids
what are the common zoonoses of birds?
chlamydophila
salmonella
mycobacteria
avian influenza
what are the common zoonoses of small mammals?
lymphocytic choriomeningitis salmonella rat bite fever ringworm encephalitozoon cuniculi
what is the common zoonosis of fish?
mycobacterium marinum
how is salmonella spread?
part of normal gut flora in reptiles - intermittently shed in faeces
what is chlamydophila?
an intracellular bacteria, carried by a range of birds
how is chlamydophila trasmitted?
inhalation of bodily secretions, faeces, feather dust, sneezing
what are the symptoms of chlamydophila infection in birds?
lethargy, anorexia, and ruffled feathers
ocular or nasal discharge
diarrhoea, excretion of green urates (liver disease)
what are the symptoms of chlamydophila infection in humans?
severe flu like symptoms - fever, muscle and joint pains, non- productive cough, tight chest
how is chlamydophila tested for?
pooled faecal sample or swab for DNA/PCR
antibody blood test
how can chlamydophila be treated?
responds well to antibiotics in humans
difficult to clear infection with antibiotics in birds
what are the symptoms of mycobacterium spp (fish TB) in humans?
local non-healing ulcers
reduced appetite and weight loss
body deformities
how can fish TB be prevented from spreading to humans?
cover any open wounds with waterproof bandage and gloves
wash hands well
do not wash nets and equipment in sinks intended for human use
what is dermatophytosis? how is it spread?
ringworm
spread by contact
how can rignworm infection be prevented?
wear gloves if suspected
wash hands well after handling
(especially hedgehogs)
via what route can exotic mammals be euthanised?
IV or into liver/kidney
by what route should rabbits be euthanised?
ear vein
by what route should rodents and ferrets be euthanised?
cranial vena cava
by what route should reptiles be euthanised?
IV then pith
check heart has stopped with doppler
how should snakes be euthanised?
intracardiac or into liver
by what route should chelonia be euthanised?
jugular or subcarapacial sinus
by what route should lizards be euthanised?
tail vein
cranial vena cava in some small species
by what route should bird be euthanised?
gaseous anaesthesia then IV jugular or tibiotarsal vein in larger birds
can inject into liver
by what routes can fish be euthanised?
anaesthesia (MS222 or phenoxyethanol) followed by phenobarbitone or severing spinal cord behind gill cover
can use oil of cloves to anaesthetise
which musculoskeletal features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
light skeleton, powerful back legs
which respiratory features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
nasal breather
larynx not easily visible
relatively small lungs
prone to respiratory disease
which GI features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
open rooted teeth
large, thin walled stomach, never truly empty
cannot vomit
small and large intestine designed to digest grass
coprophagia
which urogenital features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
males - open inguinal ring, important to close during castration
females - 2 cervices and large thin-walled vagina, often a lot of fat in uterine ligament
which ocular features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
prominent forward-facing eyes
large venous plexus at medial canthus - care during surgery
which parameters are important to assess during rabbit consults?
posture heart rate respiratory rate temperature weight droppings
what is the normal temperature range for a rabbit?
38.3-39.4
what should rabbit droppings look like?
round and plump, should be produced regularly
which factors are important to consider in the hospitalisation environment of a rabbit?
secure non-slip floor correct temperature (susceptible to heat stress) no predators nearby check food and water preferences consider companions out of cage exercise
what are the blood sampling sites for rabbits?
lateral saphenous
marginal ear vein - small samples/IV
cephalic
jugular - large volumes
which vein can be used for taking large samples of blood from a rabbit?
jugular vein
which vein is most common for placing an IV in rabbits?
marginal ear vein
what is the maximum volume of blood which can be taken from a rabbit at a time?
1ml per 100g (recommend less)
what are the routes of medication in rabbits?
oral - syringe down side of cheek subcutaneous intramuscular (quadriceps) intravenous (marginal ear vein) topical (shampoos, creams) parasiticides (spot ons)
why is it advised to give rabbits pain relief, even if unsure whether there is pain?
rabbits will hide signs of pain very well
can rabbits be put in buster collars?
advisable not to - stressful, prevents coprophagia
soft collar preferable and better tolerated
what is the maintenance fluid rate for rabbits?
100ml/kg/24hrs
what routes are available for fluid therapy in rabbits?
oral (difficult to get adequate volume)
subcutaneous
IV (marginal ear vein or cephalic)
all via drip or by bolus
when might colloids be used in rabbits?
to bring up blood pressure or in the case of blood loss
what test should be performed before blood transfusion in a rabbit?
side agglutination cross match - not much is known about rabbit blood groups
how much supportive food should be syringed at a time for rabbits?
1ml at a time - easy amount for rabbit to eat without spitting out, easier to get small tip into mouth
what are some of the most common parasites in rabbits?
mites, fleas
coccidia (faecal flotation or wet prep)
worms (rarely clinically significant)
Cheyletiella parasitivorax
Listrophorus gibbus
what are signs of GI stasis?
anorexia
absence of droppings
abdominal pain - quiet, hunched up, may be grinding teeth
what are the common causes of GI stasis?
pain, stress, inappropriate diet (high carbohydrates)
how can you treat GI stasis?
pain relief (opiates) fluids prokinetics syringe feeding look for underlying cause
which physiological value can be used to assess pain in rabbits?
blood glucose
what is a normal blood glucose level for a rabbit?
5-10
what does a blood glucose level of <5.0 mean in a rabbit?
low due to pathology or inappetence
what does a blood glucose level 10-15 mean in a rabbit?
probably just stressed, maybe some pain
what does a blood glucose level of 15-20 mean in a rabbit?
significant pain
what does a blood glucose level of >20 mean in a rabbit?
very likely to be GI obstruction
why might a rabbit suffer from diarrhoea?
true diarrhoea rare - misuse of antibiotics most common cause
why might a rabbit experience faecal clagging?
Too much carbohydrate
Obesity
Dental disease
Back pain
are respiratory diseases an emergency in rabbits?
yes
what are the common causes of respiratory disease in rabbits?
Pasteurella (abscesses, discharge, can cause pneumonia)
Snuffles (upper respiratory disease)
pneumonia (less common, poor prognosis)
neoplasia may be involved
list some of the possible causes of urinary incontinence in rabbits.
renal disease
bladder infection
bladder sludge, stone or neoplasia
back pain - can cause urine scalding as cannot position to urinate
neurological (Encephalitozoonosis cuniculi)
what is Encephalitozoon cuniculi?
microsporidian parasite, primary pathogen of the kidneys but also affects the central NVS
how is Encephalitozoon Cuniculi spread?
shed in the urine, possible zoonosis in immunosuppressed people
what are the symptoms of Encephalitozoon Cuniculi in rabbits?
Head tilt
Ataxia, hindlimb weakness
Urinary incontinence, renal failure
Cataracts
what is the treatment for Encephalitozoon Cuniculi?
fenbendazole (Panacur 20mg/kg for 4wks)
what are the common skin problems of rabbits?
mites (skin/ear) fly strike ringworm abscesses, wounds pododermatitis (sore feet) otitis
what is otitis?
middle ear infection?
what are the common viral diseases of rabbits?
myxomatosis
viral haemorrhagic disease
how is myxomatosis spread?
biting insects
direct contact with infected animals
what are the symptoms of myxomatosis in rabbits?
swelling around eyes and genitals
ocular discharge
how is viral haemorrhagic disease spread?
fomites or direct contact
what are the symptoms of viral haemorrhagic disease?
sudden death
haemorrhage from mouth, nose and anus
how can viral haemorrhagic disease be prevented?
vaccine - current UK vaccine contains a genetically modified Myxoma virus that also protects against rVHD
what are the British wildlife rehabilitation council’s 3 S’s of wildlife rescue?
Sure - be sure before you try and rescue an animal
Safety - your own safety comes first
Stress - minimising stress to the animal will maximise its chances of survival
how can you minimise stress to wildlife?
warm, dark and quiet conditions
minimum human contact
what are we trying to achieve with wildlife rehabilitation?
to alleviate pain and suffering
to restore the animal to a state where it is able to be returned to the wild and able to survive
to attempt to reduce impact where man-made hazards cause wildlife casualties
species conservation
what are advantages of keeping rescued wildlife in permanent captivity?
imprinted/disabled but otherwise ‘healthy’ animal is not killed
opportunities for captive breeding may be useful with rare species
what are disadvantages of keeping rescued wildlife in permanent captivity?
quality of life for captive wild animals is a debatable issue - prone to anthropomorphism but impossible to really tell
public display of permanent captive for fundraising can cause further stress
what is the advantage/disadvantage of euthanising injured wild animals?
wild animal is not subjected to further stress of captivity
BUT can be viewed negatively by public, particularly individuals who bring in animals
which common species of wildlife are seen in practice?
birds - birds of prey, waterfowl, others hedgehogs bats foxes badgers deer
what do hedgehogs commonly present with?
injuries, dental disease, ringworm, mites, lungworm (in young)
why are rescued deer often euthanised?
often RTA, have damage to muscles from laying on side for a prolonged period
what is the most important aspect of keeping healthy fish?
good quality water = healthy fish
fish are open systems - there is constant exchange between the fish and its surrounding environment
how can fish be anaesthetised?
inhalational anaesthesia (into water) - phenoxyethanol or MS222 tricaine methane gives 5 mins of anaesthesia
what diagnostic tests can be carried out on fish?
mucus scraping gill and fin preparations bacteriology blood sampling radiography ultrasonography
via which routes can be give therapeutics to fish?
in food
injection (epaxials)
topical
what causes ulcer disease in fish?
secondary to septicaemia or trauma - need to identify underlying causes
how can you treat ulcer disease in fish?
GA, debride
clean with iodine and pack
inject antibiotics
correct underlying problem (parasites, water quality)
what other problems are common in fish?
swim bladder issues (esp in goldfish) gill problems (parasites, bacterial)
what first aid advice can you give to clients regarding their fish?
- test water quality
- if low numbers involved, quarantine affected fish
- change 30% of tank/pond water with fresh
- add salt at rate of 2g/L to reduce physiological stress
- stop feeding temporarily
- improve aeration
- do not add medications indiscriminately - makes it difficult to ascertain what original problem was
what are the commonly kept species of amphibians?
frogs - tree frogs, mantellas, poison arrow frogs
toads - fire bellied toads
salamanders - tiger salamander, axolotl
newts
what are the basic husbandry considerations for amphibians?
poikilotherms - provide appropriate temperature
light - most are nocturnal so avoid bright lights
UV light for calcium metabolism
water quality important
high humidity vital but increases risk of bacterial infections
what are the common problems presented with amphibians?
water quality issues
skin infections (bacterial/fungal)
Chytridiomycosis
foreign bodies - pebble/stone ingestion common
metabolic bone disease (UV)
what are the commonly kept species of invertebrates?
giant african land snails spiders - care of fangs and barbed hairs millipedes stick insects scorpions
what are the common problems associated with spiders?
shedding difficulties
mites (insecticides will also kill spider)
nematodes
traumatic injuries
what should be checked in the pre-operative assessment?
respiratory and cardiovascular systems
record an accurate weight
pre-anaesthetic blood samples may be advisable
what possible peri-op problems should be pre-empted before surgery?
blood loss - place catheter and prepare fluids
heat loss - hot hands, heat pads
apnoea - pre-oxygenation
how should small furries be clipped?
only clip area required to reduce heat loss
care as skin may cut/tear very easily (esp rabbits)
how should exotics be skin prepped before surgery?
after clip, prep with clorhex/iodine - avoid alcohol as has cooling effect on body
what support is required under GA for small mammals?
prevention of heat loss intubation of rabbits and ferrets regular monitoring raise chest so lungs have space to expand mechanical ventilation may be helpful
how can you prevent small mammal heat loss during surgery?
bubble wrap silver foil heat mat bear hugger care not to overheat!
which parameters should be monitored during small animal surgery?
direct monitoring of heart and respiration
pulse oximeter
capnograph (esp tubed rabbits)
rectal thermometer
what are the potential post-op complications of small mammal surgery?
haemorrhage hypothermia hypoglycaemia pain gut stasis
how can we monitor for haemorrhage in small animals post-op?
monitor HR, mm, pulse quality for signs of shock
maintain IV access in case required
monitor wounds for haemorrhage
how can we prevent hypothermia in small animals post-op?
maintain in an incubator or on heat pad as recovers
monitor rectal temperature regularly
transfer to cooler environment once temperature normal to avoid overheating
how can we prevent pain in small mammals post-op?
opiate and NSAIDs, difficult to assess to make sure adequate pain relief is given
local blocks for castrates/spays
how can you prevent gut stasis post-op?
encourage to eat ASAP, syringe feed if required
prokinetics - ranitidine
pain relief
monitor for droppings - may not produce any for 24hrs
how can haemostasis be aided during surgery?
electro-cautery or radiosurgery
how can small mammal surgery be made easier?
fine instruments
magnification may help (loops or operating microscope)
what suture material is best for small mammal surgery?
synthetic monofilament absorbable materials
monocryl, caprosyn
what suture material should be avoided in small mammal surgery?
catgut - esp rabbits, generates a pyo-granulomatous reaction as it dissolves
what type of closure is best for small mammal surgeries?
buried skin suture makes less likely to chew out sutures
tissue glue helps secure wounds
how else can surgical wounds be protected in small mammals?
buster collars may be advantageous in some species
clean dry bedding, avoiding hay and straw initially
why might ultrasonography be limited in rabbits and guinea pigs?
gas within the bowel may limit views - still possible to gain useful useful information such as GI motility, presence of free fluid, masses etc.
what is CT scanning used for in small mammals?
mostly teeth and jaw imaging - chinchillas and larger
full anaesthesia required
what common surgical procedures are carried out on small mammals?
neutering - spay/castration/vasectomy (ferrets) lump/abscess removal dentistry GI obstruction enucleation (care in rabbits) liver lobe torsion
which small mammals are most prone to dental issues?
hystricomorph rodents (chinchillas, guinea pigs, degus) and rabbits
which factors may contribute towards molar and incisor malocclusion?
inadequate grass/hay
not enough fibre and different chewing action
calcium in diet may also affect bone quality and teeth formation
breeding can also affect teeth
with what clinical findings might you suspect dental issues?
weight loss
ptyalism
swellings on ventral border of mandible
which methods are used to examine rodents teeth?
otoscope examination
good skull radiographs
can malocclusion be cured?
controlled, but rarely cured
how can spurs be removed from teeth?
using a molar burr with guard
how can incisors be reshaped?
with a dental burr or a cutting disc - never nail clippers
what should be involved in the pre-operative assessment for reptiles?
thorough clinical examination
ideally faecal and blood screening
facilities to maintain animal at preferred body temperature are required
fasting unnecessary
should exotics be fasted before surgery?
no - maybe worth withholding food for a short period in animals that can regurgitate (snakes)
how can we support reptiles breathing under GA?
IPPV
ventilator e.g. vetronics
how can we monitor reptiles under GA?
doppler probe to monitor HR useful
capnograph may be helpful on recovery
why is it difficult to monitor reptiles under GA?
at surgical depths few if any reflexes to monitor, respiration controlled externally
how can you prep reptiles for surgery?
clorhexadine/iodine used, time left to soak between scales
can use a brush to scrub area
clear plastic drapes enable a sterile field while still being able to visualise the patient
why isn’t alcohol used to prep reptiles for surgery?
will lead to cooling
affects oils on skin
what should be considered when positioning reptiles for surgery?
need to try and minimise pressure on the lungs from other organs - lift chest slightly if possible
how can we stimulate reptiles to breathe spontaneously post-op?
gradually reduce respiration rate (1 breath/min) - breathing stimulated by low O2 rather than high CO2
what analgesia is given to reptiles post-op?
NSAID - meloxicam (metacam)
opioids - butorphanol
where are surgical incisions made in reptiles?
between scales rather than through if possible
with which material are surgical wounds closed in reptiles?
non-absorbable monofilament material
which technique should be used to close surgical wounds in reptiles?
everting suture pattern such as horizontal mattress sutures
when are sutures removed from reptiles?
after 4-6 weeks
which suture materials are avoided in reptiles?
cat gut and polyfilament - create a lot of tissue reaction
can tissue glue be used for reptiles?
may be used to aid wound apposition but is not sufficient to close wounds on its own
what is a coeliotomy?
entry into the coelomic cavity
where should the surgical incision be made in snakes?
between the 2nd and third row of lateral scales (counting up from the ventral scale) If possible incising between the scales allows for a better closure
how should the coelom be entered in chelonia?
via a trapdoor in the plastron, made using an oscillating or circular saw
what materials can be used for wound care in reptiles?
dilute iodine to clean (rinse well afterwards)
adhesive dressings (primapore, op-site)
water-based gels/honey can be used to aid wound healing
what are some of the common surgical procedures performed on reptiles?
mass/abscess removal
ovariosalpingectomy
GI obstruction
hemipenile amputation
how is air drawn into the lungs in reptiles?
by muscular body movements - have no diaphragm
why is reptile surgery referred to as coeliotomy rather than laparotomy?
have a single body cavity (coelom - no diaphragm)
which parameters can be monitored fairly easily in reptiles?
weight respiration rate (slow and shallow) defecating/urinating activity shedding environmental temperatures
where is the preferred blood sampling location on a lizard?
ventral tail vein
underside of tail - advance to bone and pull back
why should care be taken when blood sampling from a lizards tail?
lizards display autotomy
where is the preferred location for blood sampling on a snake?
ventral tail vein
OR
cardiocentesis - use doppler
what is the preferred location for blood sampling in chelonia?
right jugular vein
can get lymph as well as blood which alters samples
what other injection site is useful in chelonia?
subvertebral sinus - subcarapacial (under shell) good for anaesthetics
still works if tortoise retracts legs
which routes are available for medicating chelonia?
topical
oral
injection - subcut, IM, IV, IO
why is subcut injection not often performed in reptiles?
difficult due to inelastic skin
where can snakes be injected IM?
epaxial muscles
is IO injection of medication often performed in reptiles?
yes - as affective as IV
requires GA
bridge used in chelonia
what are the available routes of fluid therapy in chelonia?
soaking - esp chelonia oral intracoelomic subcut (not much space) IV (difficult to maintain access) IO
what rate of fluid therapy is given to reptiles?
10-30ml/kg/day - actual requirement unknown
what route is used for assisted feeding in reptiles?
stomach tube of oesophagostomy tube
how do you measure chelonia for a stomach tube?
measure from front of plastron to hinge
what dose rate of meloxicam is given to reptiles?
0.2mg/kg daily/every other day
which type of parasites are more common in reptiles?
endoparasites
how do we test for parasitic infection in reptiles?
wet preparation or faecal floatation
which parasites are common in reptiles?
worms - ascarids and strongyles flagellates coccidia ciliates ticks and mites
what are some of the common medical presentations in reptiles?
anorexia impaction metabolic bone disease shell//scale rot trauma - wounds/burns abscesses retained shed mouth rot pneumonia hypovitaminosis A renal disease
what is the most common medical presentation in reptiles, and what is the most common cause of it?
anorexia
often involves POTZ issues - check lighting and artificial day length
what is the most common cause of impaction in reptiles?
ingestion of bedding material
what is the first line treatment for impactions in reptiles?
warm water enema/bath and lactulose
no liquid paraffin!
how does metabolic bone disease develop?
imbalance between Ca and PO and lack of vitamin D3
what are the symptoms of metabolic bone disease?
shell deformity fractures rubber jaw weakness muscle tremors seizures
how is metabolic bone disease treated?
UV light
calcium and vit D supplement/injections (£££)
which species is especially prone to scale rot?
snakes due to time spent on floor
what is the most common cause of burns in reptiles?
issues with heat supply
what are the 2 types of shell rot?
dry and wet
how is shell/scale rot treated?
tissue removal - remove whole area to healthy border
suture in non-chelonia with everting pattern
how should trauma to chelonia shell be treated?
treat as open wound - flush and cover with absorbent dressing
tape
honey can be used to encourage wound healing
how are abscesses treated?
usually solid - cannot drain, whole area must be removed
what is dysecdysis?
an abnormal pattern of shedding
why does dysecdysis occur?
results from poor husbandry - inadequate humidity
how can dysecdysis be managed?
provide humidity - shedding chamber
gently ease off retained shed
how can mouth rot be managed?
mouth swabs for culture
cleaning (iodine)
surgical debride
what does hypovitaminosis A present as?
eye problems
what are the 2 main groups of small mammals based on dental morphology?
hystricomorphs - hypsodont molars (guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus)
myomorphs - brachyodont molars (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils)
what parameters are fairly easy to assess/monitor in rodents?
eating/drinking
droppings
weight
respiratory rate
what locations are used for blood sampling in rodents?
tail vein
lateral saphenous (guinea pigs)
cranial vena cava
how much blood is safe to take from rodents at a time?
max 1ml/100gms (but safer to only take 1/2ml)
how do you prep the tail before blood sampling from the tail vein?
warm tail before sample to cause vasodilation
how do you take a blood sample from a guinea pig?
lateral saphenous vein
dorsal recumbency, under GA
small gauge needle
what routes are available for medicating rodents?
oral
injectable - subcut, IM, IV
topical - shampoos, creams, parasiticides
how can you assess pain in rats/mice?
grimace score
why might small mammals require higher dose rates than dogs/cats?
higher metabolic rate
what analgesia can be given to rodents?
NSAIDs or opiates
what facial changes in rats/mice indicate pain?
orbital tightening
nose/cheek flattening
ear changes
whisker changes
what is the fluid therapy maintenance rate for rodents?
100ml/kg/day
what routes are available for fluid therapy in rodents?
IV is difficult intraosseous possible subcut oral intra-peritoneal
where do you administer intra-peritoneal fluids to a rodent?
lower right of left quadrant of abdomen
what are some of the common medical problems rodents present with?
mites (sarceoptes, demodex) bite wounds --> abscesses ringworm respiratory problems tumours fractures
how are fractures treated in rodents?
little force through limbs so can be left with analgesia only
or amputation/surgery using pins (£££)
what medical problems are rats prone to?
respiratory infections (mycoplasma) - good hygiene crucial mammary masses
what type of mammary masses do rats typically get?
benign adenomas - remove if too large
hormonal component - spaying/hormonal implant wil prevent
what medical problems are mice prone to?
skin problems - don’t response very well to treatment
what medical problems are hamsters prone to?
overgrown incisors
cheek pouch impaction
‘wet tail’ (proliferative ileitis) - bacterial
demodex mites
pyometra
what medical problems are gerbils prone to?
nasal dermatitis
ventral scent gland tumours
tail slip (normal defence)
epilepsy
what medical problems are guinea pigs prone to?
dental disease, tongue entrapment mites scurvy urolithiasis pregnancy toxaemia pododermatitis cystic ovaries
what is pregnancy toxaemia in guinea pigs?
related to glucose levels, ketoacidosis
fat is metabolised rather than sugar due to anorexia –> liver damage
what is pododermatitis?
inflammation/pressure sores of paw due to poor bedding - can get infected
what are the symptoms of cystic ovaries in guinea pigs?
fur loss
hormonal changes
what are the common medical problems in chinchillas?
dental disease (mainly) respiratory disease
what are the important anatomical features of ferets?
compact muscular body with flexible spine - similar to cat
anal scent glands - removal regarded as mutilation
spleen can vary greatly in size
how can we assess the ferret?
should be alert and inquisitive
pulse/RR/mm assessed as in cat
rectal temperature may be resented - only take if concerned
hydration assessed by skin tenting and moistness of gums
how should we house ferrets in clinic/hospital?
cat cages fine but will escape through wire mesh - use perspex/fine mesh
temperature below 30°C
may be fearful of dogs and cats
keep away from prey species
more secure with hiding spot
line cage with paper/vet bed
how can we provide nutrition for ferrets in hospital?
try to keep on normal diet similar bowls/water drinkers as owner feline critical care oxbow carnivore care designed for ferrets prolonged fasting not recommended
how long should ferrets be fasted before surgery?
max 4 hours - may become hypoglycaemic
where can a blood sample be taken from a ferret?
jugular - easy if sedated/well-behaved
lateral saphenous
cephalic - small
cranial vena cava (under GA)
what injectable routes are available for medicating ferrets?
subcut (scruff)
IM - thigh/lumbar
IV - cephalic/lateral saphenous
what non-injectable route can be used for medicating ferrets?
oral - tablets/suspensions
what analgesia can be given to ferrets?
NSAIDs (meloxicam) - prone to gastric ulceration, GI protectants may be wise
opiates at similar doses to dogs and cats
what routes are available for fluid therapy in ferrets?
oral
subcut
intra-peritoneal (caudo-lateral abdomen up to 30ml/kg)
IV
what is the fluid maintenance rate for ferrets?
100ml/kg/day
what are the common medical problems in ferrets?
persistent oestrus adrenal disease (tumours) lymphoma insulinoma inflammatory bowel disease dental disease
why is persistent oestrus in ferrets considered a medical problem?
until mated, increased oestrogen suppresses bone marrow –> anaemia
how can persistent oestrus in ferrets be managed?
progesterone injection to bring out of season
hormonal implants
mating with vasectomised male
spay
which viruses do ferrets present with?
influenza - may pass from owner to ferret distemper aleutian disease (equivalent of parvo)
can ferrets be vaccinated against distemper?
no licensed vaccines - can use 1/2 dose of dog vaccine (check with manufacturer)
vaccination uncommon as risk is low
what common conditions are seen in African pygmy hedgehogs?
dental disease (calculus) obesity - diet in captivity unclear wobbly hedgehog syndrome renal disease prone to tumours
