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Wildlife Rehabilitation > Orphan Cottontails > Flashcards

Orphan Cottontails Flashcards

1
Q

Scientific name

A

Sylvilagus floridanus

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2
Q

Scientific order

A

Lagomorpha

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3
Q

Cottontail, rabbit, and hare scientific family

A

Leporidae

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4
Q

Meaning of crepuscular

A

term for being active at twilight

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5
Q

Diet

A

herbivorous

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6
Q

Describe cottontail coprophagy habit and benefits

A

On first “pass”, these soft, green pellets pass through the digestive system only partially digested. These pellets, rich in protein and B vitamins, are re-ingested directly from the anus. After reingestion, the pellets are a drier brownish in nature. This practice allows the animals to spend relatively little time exposed to predators while in the field actually feeding. They consume green vegetation rapidly and then make optimum use of it in the safety of their cover.

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7
Q

When is the mating season

A

Feb through September

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8
Q

Average litter size

A

1 to 15

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9
Q

Describe nesting

A

shallow depression made from doe hair, grasses and leaves

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10
Q

Method of nursing

A

2 to 3 times a day at dusk and dawn, the doe crouches over the nest. She does not reside in the nest, but stays in the vicinity.

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11
Q

Describe neonates

A

Altricial; pink skin, closed eyes, flat ears, only able to crawl. 3-4” long. 35-45 grams

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12
Q

When do cottontails get fur?

A

end of first week

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13
Q

When do eyes open?

A

4 to 7 days

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14
Q

When do they begin exploring outside of nest

A

Within days of the eyes opening

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15
Q

When do cottontails leave the nest permanently?

A

10-20 days

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16
Q

Average weaning time

A

3 to 5 weeks

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17
Q

Why should handling be kept to a minium?

A

Cottontails stress easily. They are incredibly sensitive to light, scent, sound, and touch

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18
Q

Describe the natural feature that cottontails possess as a prey species

A

A spinal colum that is easily broken, facilitating a quick death

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19
Q

How does stress affect the digestive tracts of cottontails?

A

It precipitates an imbalance of delicate intestinal bacteria resulting in an overload of pathogenic bacteria causing “stress-induced enteritis”. Rapidly fatal if unchecked.

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20
Q

Properly admitting; Describe steps

A
  1. Get history
  2. Briefly check for shock, injuries, state of hydration, or immediate emergency needs. (optional heat only if needed)
  3. Stimluate to urinate
  4. Allow to rest for a few hours before weighing, feeding, and thoroughly examining
  5. Use masking tape on ears to tag/number
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21
Q

Normal healthy body temperature

A

101-103°

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22
Q

How should supplemental heat be given?

A

Always optional; place it only under part of the habitat used. Unless sick or injured, they will naturally move away from it.

23
Q

Supplemental heat should be provided at temp?

A

85-90°

24
Q

Special needs for infant elimination

A

While they defecate on their own, they need to stimulated to urninate.

25
Q

How often to stimulate urination in infant cottontails?

A

Once each feeding until a few days after their eyes open and they begin urinating on their own

26
Q

What kind of urine indicates cottontails have been eating solids?

A

Urine becomes creamy and opaque

27
Q

Describe how to stimulate the infant to urinate

A

Hold the bunny on its side diagonally across one palm. Using a Q-tip, tissue or cloth, apply light rapid flicking motion to the genital area. Normal full bladders will empty in 15-25 seconds.

28
Q

What is the most common cause of diarrhea in nursing orphans?

A

Overfeeding and not introducing a formula via a rehydrating solution

29
Q

What do cottontails get fed first in attempting to rehydrate them?

A

100% warmed electrolyte solution (Entrolyte, lactated ringers, Pedialyte)

30
Q

How many CCs of electrolyte solution should eyes-closed bunnies get?

A

1.5-2cc

31
Q

How many CCs of electrolyte solution should open-eyed bunnies get?

A

2-3cc

32
Q

When should you add milk replacers?

A

After initial rehydration, incorporate milk replacers into the electrolyte solution and increase by quarters or thirds

33
Q

When/how should solution be replaced with water?

A

After formula has reached full strength, replace gradually with water

34
Q

When should you weigh and record?

A

Daily

35
Q

With a weanling, at what point should weight loss be taken seriously?

A

Anything more than 2 grams

36
Q

Name an effective diarrhea preventative med and dose

A

Bactrim (Roche) given PO BID for 5 days, 0.02mls per 50grams body weight

37
Q

What to do in case of severe dehydration (tenting skin)

A

Warmed isotonic fluids (lactated ringers) SQ in addition to oral fluid replacement (consult vet)

38
Q

Formula recipe

A 
1 part KMR
2 partts water
1.5 parts multi-milk powder
------
1 part Esbilac
1.5 parts water
1 part multi-milk
39
Q

How many feedings a day?

A

Depends on size and condition. Average:
Neonates: 4xday
Furred, eyes-closed: 3xday
Eyes-open: 2xday, gradually weaned to 1
Emaciated, unfurred, eyes-closed: 5xday until weight gains are noted
Abdomen should never appear round and taut

40
Q

Special feeding instructions; syringes

A

Use marked syringes.

Warm in mug of hot water.

41
Q

How long does unused formula keep?

A

Discard after 24 hours

42
Q

When to start introducing solids

A

Gradual weaning. Begin intro-ing solids in a shallow lid of water

43
Q

Best types solid foods

A 
fresh wild greens (grasses, clover, plantain, dandelions)
alfalfa
rolled oats
pieces of apple
salt lick
commerical rabbit food
treats: carrots or corn
44
Q

What to do if diarrhea occurs when intro-ing solid foods

A

Stop milk replacers and food. Feed “rice milk” and add probiotics

45
Q

What should be added to diet along with solid foods?

A

probiotics (Probios)

46
Q

How should cottontails be handled when feeding?

A

Do not hold in bare hands (stress). Wrap in a baby blanket.
Should be held with the palm covering back and shoulders with index finger over top of head to restrain from forward movement. Support against strong kicks, as they can fracture their spine.

47
Q

Describe ideal housing

A

Eyes-closed: Small ventilated boxes with tight fitting lids.
Newly eyes-open: closed box not to exceed 3”
Others: cages or carriers with mesh less than 1”x1/2”
Always drape over the top with white or light colored sheets

48
Q

When to separate to avoid stress

A

When nest is abandoned and increased mobility can be heard. Move to solo cages or two to a cage

49
Q

Ideal release weight

A

100-200 grams

50
Q

How to initially treat cat-caught bunnies

A

Carefully inspect and palpate for two days to locate any lacerations or punctures.
Flush any wounds with a dilute Betadine solution.
Can use prep-H to help numb

51
Q

What should be assumed with all cat-caught bunnies?

A

The bite wounds are infected with pasteurella

52
Q

How to treat bunny for pasteurella infection

A

Injectable Baytril should be used using the dosage for small mammals

53
Q

What rabbit injuries make them a poor candidate for release?

A

Extensive degloving, wounds that require drainage tubes, malocclusion, permanent damage to eyes, fractured femurs, or compound or spinal fractures

Wildlife Rehabilitation (1 decks)

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