Other small mammals Flashcards
Meerkats
Undomesticated species
live in colonies in the wild so need interaction with other meerkats
Insectivorous/omnivorous
need large areas for exploration and digging
Meerkat diseases
Behavioural
Trauma/wounds
Inappropriate husbandry
Toxoplasma gondii
renal disease
dental disease
infectious disease and parasites
African pygmy hedgehogs
Nocturnal
Solitary
Insectivorous/omnivorous
from central/equatorial Africa (need 24-30 degrees)
do not undergo hibernation
require lots of space
Weights of African pygmy hedgehogs
Male: 500g
Female: 400g
Diet of an African pygmy hedgehog
High in protein and low in fat
- reduced calorie cat food/pelleted AP Hedgehog food PLUS
- thawed mixed veg plus supplement
- live insects (not just mealworms) several times a week
Common problems in African pygmy hedgehogs
Obesity
Liver disease/heptatic lipidosis
Neurological signs (too cold)
Wobbly hedgehog syndrome
Respiratory disease (low temperatures plus opportunistic bacteria)
Cystitis/urolithiasis (only fed cat food)
Ringworm
Dental disease and oral carcinomas
Hydrometra/pyometra/prostatic disease
Sugar gliders
Marsupials (austroindonesia)
can move in all directions
are prone to self mutilation
Diet of a sugar glider
1/3 pelleted food
1/3 a nectar mixture
1/3 fresh vegetables, fruit, and insects, as well as a supplement
Skunks
Striped skunk - North American
Diet of a skunk
Pelleted food
insects
vegetables occasional fruit/nuts
cooked poultry
egg
chicks/mice
Common conditions in skunks
Infection
dental disease
hepatic disease
The law surrounding wildlife in UK - who is the owner?
The finder is the ‘owner’
There must be a transfer of ownership and consent for treatment
Rehabilitators or vets taking in wildlife need to consider a relinquishing of ownership form
Wildlife and Countryside Act in relation to vets
Allows for injured wildlife to be taken in for treatment or euthanasia as indicated
Gives all birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates listed in schedule 5 ‘protected status’
It is an offense to:
- take, injure, kill, or sell them
- possess them
- disturb them while nesting or sheltering
- release a barn owl without license
- release or allow the escape of non-indigenous or invasive species (e.g. grey squirrel)
- specific offenses for rare birds
- a protected species may be kept only for tending to it until it is no longer ill/disabled
Schedule 4 birds (WCA)
Inspectors/rehabilitators can keep disabled individuals for up to 15 days rehabilitation but must notify DEFRA within 4 days of receipt
A vet can keep them for up to 6 weeks whilst under treatment
Specific records must be kept for each individual
Legislation related to the care of wildlife
Protection of Badgers Act
Deer Act
Conservation of Seals Act
Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act
Game Acts
Wild Mammals Protection Act
Protection of Animals Act (does not cover free living wildlife)
Invasive Alien species regulation
Cannot breed, import, sell, use for commercial gain, or release
If already owned pre going on the list can continue as such without license for life span
Post going on list need to be licensed and identifiable e.g. microchip
Can be transported under certain strict conditions
How heavy do European hedgehogs need to be to into hibernation successfully
600g
European hedgehogs
Insectivorous
Numbers declining rapidly
Winter hibernation
May be overwintered by people if to small to hibernate
Common conditions of European hedgehogs
Lungworm and intestinal parasites
External parasites (fleas and ticks)
Fly strike
Traumatic wounds
Ocular damage
Dental disease
What should you feed European hedgehogs?
Cat or ferret food
Common conditions of foxes
Internal parasites
External parasites
Viral diseases
Dental disease
RTAs/trauma
Common conditions of badgers
Internal parasites
External parasites
Trauma
Contagious and zoonotic diseases (bTB)
Remember specific legislation
Common conditions of Muntjac deer
RTA/ trauma
They are an invasive species so care when rehabilitating etc.
Common conditions of wild rabbits
Infectious disease
Trauma
Parasites
Common conditions of bats
Trauma
Parasites
Rabies risk?
BCT rehabilitators
What to do if you find a fledgling
Should be left where found
If removed and cannot be returned, will need feeding until self supporting
Best to go to someone with an aviary
What to do if you find a nestling
Need to understand the stimuli that make nestlings ‘gape’
Weigh regularly and keep the weight increasing
Traumatic injuries in wild birds
Consider if they will be suitable for release
- mid shaft fractures should be fine
- if joint involved, 100% flight fitness unlikely
- wounds and fractures in birds heal fast
- bruising in birds is green (biliverdin)
Give pain relief
Flush and clean wounds, suture where indicated
Common conditions of pigeons and doves
Trichomoniasis
Paramyxovirus
Salmonella
Trauma
Common conditions of birds of prey and owls
Trichomoniasis
Trauma
Malnourished
Poisoning - lead, poisons
Common conditions of corvidae
May be specific legislation
WNV
Swifts, house martins etc.
Need 100% flight fitness before autumn migration
Swifts need assistance to get airborne
Common conditions of swans
Trauma
Entanglements
Viruses e.g. AI
Poisoning - lead, toxins, botulism