small mammals 7 - Therapeutics and Surgery

Question 1

supportive care - when to warm a small mammal? who should we be careful with?

Answer 1

• If body temperature < 37C
• C – overheat!

Question 2

when should we give oxygen support?

Answer 2

if dyspneic

Question 3

resuscitation fluid regime

Answer 3

• 10-15 mL/kg warmed crystalloid solutions IV or IO, every 15 min

Question 4

maintenance fluids rate

Answer 4

• 60-100 mL/kg/d
• Avoid overhydration (T-fast)
• CRI or 3-6 boluses

Question 5

Nutrition supportive care
- who is it important for? how to do it?

Answer 5

• Very important in herbivores (R, GP, C)
• Syringe-feed
• Nasogastric/ esophagostomy tube
  > Obligate nasal breathers
  > Fine grind

Question 6

antibiotic considerations for hindgut fermenters - what not to use? why?

Answer 6

DO NOT USE
- clindamycin
- lincomycin
- ampicillin
- amoxicillin
- amoxicillin-clavulanic acid
- cephalosporins
- erythromycin
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* Hindgut fermenters – susceptible to clostridial overgrowth

Question 7

preventative medicine for rabbits

Answer 7

• RHDV vaccine (fatal liver dz)
• Selamectin
• Spay females
• 50-80% would develop uterine adenocarcinoma.

Question 8

ferrets preventative medicine

Answer 8

• Annual exam (up to 4 y old)
• Bi-annual exam (afterwards) +/- bloodwork and US
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  Vaccines:
• Rabies (Imrab3)
• Distemper (Recombinant)
• Vaccine reaction (anaphylaxis)
  > Premedication with diphenhydramine (1-2 mg/kg)
  > Monitor for 30 minutes
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  Dirofilariasis(ifendemic)
• Ivermectin or selamectin monthly

Question 9

Radiosurgery means what?

Answer 9

Electro- or Radio- surgery
* Radiosurgery has also become an unofficial but accepted term referring to electrosurgery instruments that fall into the higher frequency range of 3-4 mHz

Question 10

whats this?

Answer 10

Lone Star surgical retractor

Question 11

suture type we commonly use for fascia? needle?

Answer 11

• Aim to retain tensile strength only long enough for tissues to heal
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  Usually
• 4-0/5-0 PDS for fascia
• Taper and reverse-cutting small needles

Question 12

Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive - when to use

Answer 12

small incisions only

Question 13

surgery patient prep for small mammals

Answer 13

• Careful clipping – very easy to cut or tear the skin
• Aseptic preparation
  > Beware of hypothermia
  > Flammable
• Clear, plastic, waterproof, adhesive drapes useful

Question 14

Rabbit – Incisor Extraction
- steps and tips

Answer 14

Question 15

Rabbit – Ovariohysterectomy
- type of uterus? anatomy?
- what additional structure must we ligate?

Answer 15

• Bicornuate uterus, 2 cervices
• Lots of fat around ovaries and in ligaments
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• Ligate circumflex renal artery
• Double ligate (or LigaSure) ovarian and uterine arteries
• Double ligate vagina and vaginal arteries
• Clamp, cut, and remove uterus and cervices
• Suture vaginal stump
• Check for hemorrhage
• Return to abdomen
• Routine closure
• Intradermal skin sutures preferred
• +/- tissue glue

Question 16

Rabbit – Orchidectomy
- what are the approaches?
- pros and cons?

Answer 16

Question 17

Guinea pigs – Ovariectomy
- is it recommended? why?

Answer 17

Routine juvenile ovariectomy recommended
* Prevents cystic ovaries and uterine disease
* Flank approach best
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If cystic ovaries are already present
* Likely also uterine disease
* Ovariohysterectomy best

Question 18

Guinea pigs – Orchidectomy
- common post op complications

Answer 18

• Prone to scrotal abscesses post-op

Question 19

probably the best technique for guinea pig castration

Answer 19

Question 20

Rats and Mice – Mammary Mass
- what is the most common?
- how to reduce risks?

Answer 20

• Benign fibroadenomas are the most common
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• Reduces risk
• 47% to 4% if ovariectomized < 90 days of age
• 95% if <5-7mo
• Reduce fat (estrogen)

Question 21

Orchidectomy and scrotal ablation in a sugar glider
- what should we avoid in prep?
- common post op complications?

Answer 21

• Avoid alcohol prep
• Can self-mutilate post-op