small animal emergency (MC)

Question 1

If you are presented a flat out ferret < 2 yrs old, what are the most likely causes?

Answer 1

• Heat stress
• Ulcer dz

Question 2

If you are presented a flat out ferret > 2 yrs old, what are the most likely causes?

Answer 2

• Cardiac dz
• Insulinoma
• ECE

Question 3

Which age group of ferret (young, old) is most likely to have the following conditions:

Foreign Bodies

Trichobezoars

ECE

Answer 3

• F.B. - younger
• Trichobezoars - older
• ECE - older

Question 4

Ferret Emergency Differentials

Answer 4

• Cardiomyopathy –
• Dirofilariasis
• Insulinoma
• Ulcer Disease
• Heat Stress

        Lack sweat glands

• Enzoo@c Catarrhal Enteri@s (ECE)

Question 5

What is the lifespan of a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)?

Answer 5

5-8 years +

Question 6

What is it important to do when handling rabbits?

Answer 6

support back legs, back fractures are common

Question 7

Can rabbits vomit?

Answer 7

NO

Question 8

Important facts about rabbit dentition

Answer 8

• All teeth are hypsodont (grow continuously)
• **2 pairs of upper incisors **
• Dental dz is common

Question 9

Small Emerengcy Care

Which animals are considered rodents?

Which are considered non rodents?

Answer 9

• Rodents
  
  • Rats
  • Guinea pigs
  • Chinchilia
  • Prairie dog
• Non Rodents
  
  • Hedgehog
  • Sugar glider

Question 10

Is the sugar glider a hindgut fermenter?

Answer 10

No or minimal hind gut fermentation

Question 11

What type of drugs to you want to avoid in rodent and rabbit therapeutics?

Answer 11

Avoid Gram + directed drugs

(more drugs may cause problems dependent upon the species)

Question 12

Which vitamin do guinea pigs need a constant source of…..

Answer 12

Vitamin C

Question 13

Signs of Hypovitaminosis C/Scurvy (Guinea Pig)

Answer 13

• Break down of connective tissue including bone, blood, skin
• Hemorrhagic diathesis, swollen joints

Question 14

How do you tx Scurvy in the guinea pig?

Answer 14

Inj vit C, Oral

Question 15

What is the issue encountered if the female guinea pig does not have a litter before 6 months of age?

Answer 15

Dystocia

(the pelvic symphysis of the female closes at 6 m of age; will have to do c-section if bred after 6 m with no prior litter)

Question 16

You are presented a flat out guinea pig, what is one thing you should consider?

Answer 16

Dystocia

(pregnant after symphyseal closure)

Question 17

What causes red tears in the rat? Is this of concern?

Answer 17

Harderian Glands

May not be of concern….the Harderian gland secrete porphyrin which make the tears red (usually in sick or stressed rats)

Question 18

What is the primary cause of death in most mice during emergencies?

(can also be a problem in hamsters & gerbils)

Answer 18

dehydration

(100 mL/Kg/day)

Question 19

What is a cause for a flat out rat? What is the tx?

Answer 19

Mammary tumors

-Mammary fibroadenoma

Tx: removal, not invasive

Question 20

Which bone should you use for IO catherization?

Answer 20

proximal femur

Question 21

What is a cause of a flat out sugar glider?

Answer 21

Hindlimb paresis or paralysis

-Nutritional Dz in disguise

Question 22

What are some causes of dyspnea in a Prairie Dog?

Answer 22

• Odontoma
• Obesity

(Remember they are obligate nasal breathers)

Question 23

What is a major problem that can occur while handling a chinchilla

Answer 23

Fur slip

Question 24

Chinchillas are very susceptible to

Answer 24

Heat stroke

Question 25

At what temp. are Chinchillas prone to heat stroke?

Answer 25

> 80ºF