Hospitalisation and Nursing of Rabbits, Rodents and Ferrets Flashcards
what are the main musculoskeletal features of rabbits?
skeleton is very light but have hugely powerful hind limbs which means they can damage themselves
what are the main respiratory tract features of rabbits?
obligate nasal breather
larynx is hard to visualise so are difficult to intubate
small lungs relative to size
what are the main digestive features of rabbits?
hypsodont aradicular teeth
large, thin walled stomach
small and large intestine designed to digest grass
GI tract makes up large proportion of body weight
coprophagia
are rabbits able to vomit?
no
does the stomach fully empty in rabbits?
stomach is never fully empty and contains hair balls which may be problematic if animal becomes dehydrated
what are the main urogenital features of rabbits?
males have open inguinal ring which should be closed on castration
females have 2 cervices and large thin walled vagina
lots of fat in uterine ligament
why are rabbit spays difficult?
lots of fat in uterine ligament
what are the main eye features of rabbits?
prominent, forward facing eyes
have large venous plexus at medial canthus
how may increases pressure in the vena cava be seen in rabbits?
eye will protrude due to large venous plexus at medial canthus
when should the rabbit be first assessed?
in the cage alone before it is handled
what must be assessed about a rabbit?
posture HR RR temperature droppings weight
is HR easy to monitor in rabbits?
no - very rapid
describe the RR of rabbits
fast and shallow
what is the correct temperature range for rabbits?
38.3-39.4 degrees
what should rabbit droppings look like?
round, plump and produced regularly
what is one of the most crucial things to monitor in the hospitalised rabbit?
droppings
what can be done to make hospitalisation as good as possible for rabbits?
secure non-slip floor correct temperature to avoid heat stress no predators offer water from bottle and bowl bring food from home companion should be brought as well wherever possible out of cage exercise to increase gut motility
what veins can be used for blood sampling in rabbits?
lateral saphenous
marginal ear vein
cephalic
jugular
how should the rabbit be restrained for lateral saphenous blood sampling?
lateral recumbancy
what is the marginal ear vein useful for?
small samples
IV catheterisation
what is the jugular vein useful for in rabbits?
large volumes e.g. blood transfusion
what level of restraint is required for jugular vein sampling?
very good conscious restraint or sedate to reduce risk of jugular laceration
what volume of blood can be safely taken from rabbits?
max 1ml/100g but less is better
via what routes can rabbits be medicated?
oral SC IM IV topical shampoo cream pesticides (spot on)
what muscle is most commonly used for IM injections in rabbits?
quadriceps
why is it vital that rabbits have pain controlled?
improve QOL and encourage eating to avoid gut stasis
why is pain so difficult to assess in rabbits?
natural response is to hide signs due to prey status
what signs of pain may a rabbit show?
quieter than normal teeth grinding (severe pain)
what can be used to assess rabbit pain levels?
rabbit grimace scale
what analgesia may be given to rabbits?
NSAIDS - e.g. meloxicam
Opioids - e.g. buprenorphine or methadone
when should rabbits not receive NSAIDs?
if dehydrated
if in doubt about a rabbits pain status what should you do?
give analgesia
are buster collars tolerated by rabbits?
not that well - can be stressful and prevent coprophagia
when may it be necessary to put a buster collar on a rabbit?
to prevent chewing through drip lines and dressings although some will still chew through drip lines with one on!
what is the prefurrable type of buster collar for rabbits?
soft
what is the fluid maintenance calculation for rabbits?
100ml/kg every 24 hours
why is rabbits fluid maintenance rate high than dogs and cats?
due to higher metabolism
through what routes can fluid therapy be provided to rabbits?
oral
SC
IV
what is the disadvantage of oral fluid therapy?
difficult to get volume in to replace deficits
what volume of fluid can be given subcutaneously?
~100 mls
what veins may be used in the rabbit for IVFT?
marginal ear
cephalic
lateral saphenous in an emergency as hard to secure
how may IVFT be given to rabbits?
drip
bolus - no fluid line so may be better tolerated by rabbit
what fluids are most commonly used for IVFT in rabbits?
crystalloids (0.9 NaCl or Hartmann’s)
what may colloids be used for in rabbits?
raising BP or in the case of blood loss
are blood transfusions used in rabbits?
yes - not much known about blood types so matching is recommended
what test can be used to match blood in rabbits before transfusion?
slide agglutination cross match
how may rabbits be fed if unwilling to eat on their own?
syringe feeding
what size syringe is needed to syringe feed rabbits?
1ml
describe how to syringe feed rabbits
1ml at a time so rabbit can eat without spitting anything out
small tip of syringe into side of mouth
what type of food should be syringe fed?
finely ground grass based
what type of fibre must be supplied to rabbits?
long chain fibre
what can be used to get long chain fibre into a rabbit’s diet?
strong flavored herbs or dandilions
what parasites are rabbits affected by?
mites
fleas
coccidia
worms
how can rabbit mites be diagnosed?
hair plucking
what mites are commonly found on rabbits?
Cheyletiella paristivorax
Listrophrus gibbus - fur mite
what are the signs of mites found on rabbits?
hair loss and irritation
how are mites on rabbits treated?
ivermectin
what sort of fleas do rabbits often get?
rabbit fleas rare in domesticated rabbits
most often cat fleas
what is caused by Coccidia in rabbits?
GI upset
how is Coccidia diagnosed in rabbits?
faecal floatation or wet prep
are rabbits routinely wormed?
no as worms are rarely of clinical significance
what is the main GI issue found in rabbits?
gastrointestinal stasis
is gut stasis in rabbits an emergency?
yes
what is gut stasis?
reduced or stopped intestinal motility so food doesn’t pass through
what are the presenting sings of gut stasis?
anorexia
absence of droppings
abdominal pain (quiet, hunched up, bruxism)
what are the main causes of gut stasis in rabbits?
pain
stress
inappropriate diet
other concurrent disease
how is gut stasis treated?
analgesia fluids prokinetics syringe feeding - crucial look for underlying cause
what prokinetic drug is used for rabbits?
metaclopromide - although not ideal
what level of substance in the blood is useful for assessing pain levels?
glucose
what does a glucose reading of <5 indicate in rabbits?
low due to pathology or inappetance
what does a glucose reading of 5-10 indicate in rabbits?
normal rabbit
what does a glcose reading of 10-15 indicate in rabbits?
probably just stressed - maybe some pain
what does a glucose reading of 15-20 indicate in rabbits?
significant pain
what does a glucose reading of 20+ indicate in rabbits?
very likely GI obstruction or liver lobe torsion
what are the main GI issues seen in rabbits?
GI stasis
GI obstruction
liver lobe torsion
dental disease
what lobe of the liver becomes twisted during torsion?
caudate
what is the presentation of GI obstruction in rabbits similar to?
gut stasis
why is diarrhoea not common in rabbits?
due to acidity of stomach acid
what is the most common cause of true diarrhoea in rabbits?
misuse of antibiotics
what is faecal clagging?
impaction of faecal material around bottom as caecotrophs are not being eaten
what can cause faecal clagging in rabbits?
too much carbohydrate in diet so number of caecotrophs increase
obesity
dental disease and back pain preventing coprophagia
what are the signs of serious respiratory issues in rabbits?
open mouth breathing
difficulties breathing
is respiratory distress in rabbits an emergency?
yes
what types of respiratory disease are common in rabbits?
URT
pneumonia is less so
secondary to neoplasia
what bacteria can cause rabbits respiratory issues?
Pasturella
what are the main causes of polyuria in rabbits?
renal disease
dental pain - drink more to soothe mouth
what are the main reasons for urinary incontinence in rabbits?
polyuria bladder infection bladder sludge, stone or neoplasia back pain neurological
why can back pain lead to urine scalding?
unable to position correctly to urinate
what are the main signs of vestibular disease in rabbits?
head tilt
circling
rolling
what are the causes of vestibular disease?
middle ear infection
Encephalitozoon Cuniculi
toxoplasma
what sort of organism is Encephalitozoon Cuniculi?
microsporidian parasite - single celled
what is Encephalitozoon Cuniculi a primary pathogen of?
the kidneys
what other system does Encephalitozoon Cuniculi affect?
CNS
how is Encephalitozoon Cuniculi shed?
in the urine and spread through ingestion of urine contaminated food/water
is Encephalitozoon Cuniculi zoonotic?
potentially - especially for immunocompromised people
at are the symptoms of Encephalitozoon Cuniculi?
head tilt ataxia hindlimb weakness urinary incontinence renal failure cataracts if passed from mother
how is Encephalitozoon Cuniculi treated?
fenbendazole (Panacur 20 mg/kg for 4 weeks)
what are the main skin problems of rabbits?
mites - skin and ear fly strike ringworm abscesses wounds pododermatitis otitis
what is fly strike caused by?
urine scald or flagging due to the animal not eating caecotrophs
becomes a site for flies to lay eggs and maggots become present
animal will rapidly deteriorate
how are abscesses treated in rabbits?
often surgical removal
what is pododermatitis?
sore feet due to loss of hair and formation of pressure sores
what are the 2 main viruses which affect rabbits?
Myxomatosis
viral haemorrhagic disease (Calici virus)
is myxomatosis endemic in the UK?
yes
how is myxomatosis spread?
biting insects
direct contact with infected animals
what are the symptoms of myxomatosis?
swelling around eyes and genitals
occular discharge
what is the prognosis of myxomatosis?
fatal and very painful
how long has viral haemorrhagic disease been in the UK?
since 1992
what is viral haemorrhagic disease spread by?
fomites or direct contact
what are the symptoms of viral haemorrhagic disease?
sudden death
haemorrhage from mouth, nose and anus
is there vaccination available for viral haemorrhagic disease?
yes
when should the first viral haemorrhagic disease vaccine be given?
age varies
what is found in the current UK rabbit vaccine?
genetically modified myxoma virus that also protects against viral haemorrhagic disease
what is the difference between the new strain of viral haemorrhagic disease and the old?
lower mortality and varying clinical signs in new strain
some rabbits will die - others have no symptoms
are the current UK vaccines protective against viral haemorrhagic disease?
not fully
what vaccines may be used to protect against new viral haemorrhagic disease strains?
RHD2 imported from europe
what are the main small mammals seen in practice?
rats mice gerbils hamsters guinea pigs chinchillas degus
what are the 2 main groups of rodents based on their dental morphology?
hystricomorphs - open rooted molars
myomorphs - closed rooted molars
what rodents fall into the hystricomorph group of rodents?
guinea pigs
chinchillas
degus
what animals fall into the myomorph group of rodents?
rats
mice
hamsters
gerbils
describe the incisors of all rodents
hypsodont - continually growning
do rodents often dhow signs of illness?
no - hide signs well as they are prey species
what is the effect on health of rodents that they hide illness well?
they often have advanced illness before they are seen and are difficult to assess
what can you monitor to get a picture of a rodents health?
eating and drinking
droppings
weight
RR
why is heart rate in rodents difficult to monitor?
very high - can be counted in multiples of 10
where should rodents be kept away from in hospital?
any predators
why is temperature control crucial for rodents during hospitalisation?
most are prone to heat stress above 24 degrees
what is crucial about the housing of rodents while hospitalised?
escape proof enclosures
suitable diet and bedding
hide areas
is blood sampling easy in rodents?
very difificult
where can blood samples be taken from in rodents?
tail vein (difficult)
lateral saphenous
cranial vena cava
how much blood should be taken from rodents when sampling?
max 1ml per 100g but safer to take 1/2 ml
is sampling blood form the cranial vena cava how should the patient be restrained?
dorsal
under GA
via what routes may medication be given to rodents?
oral SC IM IV shampoos creams spot on (pestacides)
how can pain be assessed in rodents?
difficult - use rat/mouse grimace scale
what analgesia is often given to small rodents?
NSAID or opiates
what dose of analgesia is needed for rodents?
higher than that for dogs and cats (e.g. 1-2 mg/kg meloxicam for rats)
why do rodents need higher analgesia doses than larger animals?
have higher metabolic rates
what is the maintenance fluid requirement for rodents?
100 ml/kg/day
via what route may fluids be given in rodents?
IV (difficult) IO SC (good unless animal shocked) oral IP (last resort)
what are the common medical problems seen in all rodents?
mites bite wounds abscesses ringworm (zoonotic) respiratory problems tumours fractures
what mite are commonly seen in rodents?
sarcoptes
demodex
how are fractures in rodents left to heal?
can be left to heal with analgesia only as there is little force put through the bones
amputation possible
surgical repair
what are the common medical conditions seen in rats?
respiratory infections
what can prevent respiratory infections in rats?
good hygiene
what is thought to be a significant cause of mammary masses in rats?
hormonal - could be prevented by spaying or hormonal implant
what type of tumour are the mammary masses seen in rats?
usually benign adenoma which can be removed
are mice commonly seen in veterinary practice?
no
what are the most common medical problems seen in mice?
skin problems
do skin issues in mice tend to respond to treatment?
no
what are the common medical problems seen in hamsters?
overgrown incisors cheek pouch impaction 'wet tail' (diarrhoea) demodex epitheliotrophic lymphoma pyometra
how can overgrown incisors in hamsters be treated?
burring
what are the common medical problems seen in gerbils?
nasal dermatitis
ventral scent gland tumor
tail slip (degloving)
epilepsy
what are the common medical problems seen in guinea pigs?
dental disease mites scurvy (hypovitaminosis C) urolithiasis pregnancy toxaemia pododermatitis cystic ovaries
what dental issues can guinea pigs have?
tongue becomes entrapped by molars due to overgrowth
how can hypovitaminosis C be treated in guinea pigs?
good quality, fresh, in date food
how is urolithiasis in guinea pigs caused?
high Ca2+ diet
what is pregnancy toxaemia in guinea pigs caused by?
inappetance leading to low glucose levels and ketoacidosis as a response
what is pododermatitis?
pressure sores on feet due to poor bedding which can become infected
what are the signs of cystic ovaries?
fur loss
hormonal changes
how can cystic ovaries in guinea pigs be treated?
surgical removal
medical treatment
what are the common medical problems seen in chinchillas?
dental disease (main issue) respiratory disease
what order and family are ferrets in?
Carnivora
Mustelid
what are ferrets used for?
some work
becoming a popular pet
what are the MSK features of the ferret?
compact muscular body with a very flexible spine
what organ within a ferret can vary greatly in size?
spleen
can ferret anal scent glands be removed?
no - regarded as mutilation
what animal can ferrets be regarded as similar to?
cats
how should ferrets be on exam?
alert and inquisitive
what parameters can be assessed on the ferret?
pulse
RR
MM
hydration (skin tent and moistness of MM)
rectal temperature (only if concerned as not tolerated well)
how should a kennel be set up for a ferret?
cat cages generally fine
need a perspex front or fine mesh to prevent escape
away from cats and dogs as may be fearful
away from prey species
temperature below 30 degrees
line cage with paper or vet bed
give something to hide under
how should ferrets be fed in hospital?
normal diet as fed by owner
use similar bowls and water bottles to owner
what diets can be fed to hospitalised ferrets?
feline critical care diets e.g. Hills a/d
oxbow carnivore care
should ferrets be fasted before surgery?
no more than 4 hours as are at risk of hypoglycaemia
how can blood samples be taken from ferrets?
sedation or GA needed jugular lateral saphenous cephalic (catheters mainly) cranial vena cava
how can medication be given to ferrets?
SC (into scruff)
IM (thigh or lumbar muscles)
IV - cephalic or lateral saphenous
oral - tablets or suspensions
what dosage of medication is required for ferrets?
similar to cats although specific ferret formularies are now available
what analgesia may be given to ferrets?
NSAId or opiates
what is the issue with giving NSAIDs to ferrets?
prone to GI uleration so need GI protectants
what opioid doses should ferrets be given?
similar to dogs and cats
what routes are available for fluid therapy in ferrets?
oral
SC (scruff or lateral abdomen)
IP - caudo-lateral abdomen
IV
how mush fluid can be given to ferrets IP?
up to 30ml/kg
what is the maintenance fluid requirement for ferrets?
100 ml/kg/day
what are the common medical problems seen in ferrets?
persistent oestrus adrenal disease lymphoma insulinoma inflammatory bowel disease dental disease
what is persistent oestrus in ferrets?
Jill will remain in season until mated
what is the problem with persistent oestrus in ferrets?
oestrus suppresses bone marrow which leads to anaemia
how can persistent oestrus in ferrets be prevented?
progesterone injections to bring out of season
hormonal implants
vasectomised male
spay
what are the problems with spaying ferrets?
leaves them predisposed to adrenal disease as without oestrogen there can be adrenal hypertrophy
what are the signs of lymphoma in ferrets?
enlarged lymph nodes
what are the signs of insulinoma in ferrets?
hypoglycaemia
what may help treat insulinoma?
steroids
are system is problematic in ferrets?
GI
what are the main dental diseases seen in ferrets?
periodontal disease
calculus
where can ferrets get influenza from?
passes from owner to ferret
what viruses can ferrets get?
influenza
distemper
aleutian disease (parvo in ferrets)
are there distemper vaccines available that are licensed for ferrets?
no but can use 1/2 dose of a dog vaccine
what must you check before giving canine distemper vaccines to ferrets?
ensure that the vaccine has not been cultured in ferret cell line
what are the common conditions seen in African pygmy hedgehogs?
dental disease (calculus) obesity wobbly hedgehog disease (unknown cause and treatment) renal disease tumours
