Treating small animals Flashcards
What are the clinical signs of myxomatosis in small animals?
Swelling, redness and/or ulcers
Nasal and eye discharge
Blindness
Respiratory signs e.g. dyspnoea
Lethargy and anorexia
What are the clinical signs of rabbit haemorrhagic disease?
Sudden death
Anorexia
Lethargy
Neurological signs
- anything from ataxia to seizures
Internal bleeding
Jaundice
How is Rabbit Haemorrhagic disease spread?
Fomites (most common)
- even human can bring it into house so beware indoor bunnies
Direct contact
What should a rabbit vaccination appointment include?
History and husbandry review
- make sure they aren’t kept alone
Full clinical examination
Vaccination (Initial at 7 weeks, yearly booster)
- (Guinea pigs do not require routine vaccinations)
Neutering discussion (Males 12 weeks, Females 16 weeks)
What anthelmintics are used for rabbits?
Panacur (Fenbendazole) – Licensed, but paste is difficult to dose accurately so puppy/kitten suspension often used off licence
Baycox (Toltrazuril) – Used for coccidia, not licensed
How can infectious disease be managed in small mammals?
Reduce stocking density
Improve ventilation
Routine surveillance
Preventative medicine (e.g. vaccination)
Biosecurity (e.g. closed groups, hand washing)
Isolating infected animals
Quarantine &/or test new animals
What do we vaccinate rabbits against?
Myxomatosis
Rabbit Haemorrhagic disease
- strains 1 & 2
How is myxomatosis spread?
Biting insects
Direct contact
Fomites
Which ectoparasiticides are used for rabbits?
Advantage (imidacloprid): licenced
Stronghold (selamectin): not licenced
Advocate (imidacloprid/moxidectin): not licenced
Xeno (Ivermectin): licensed but variable response
Which antiparasitic drug is toxic to rabbits?
Frontline (Fipronil) – DO NOT USE!
Should small mammals receive routine deworming?
No, routine worming is not recommended. Instead, perform faecal egg counts every 6 months
Can increase/decrease frequency based on findings & lifestyle (e.g. every 3m if high worm burden or every 12m if low/no worm burden & lives inside)
When should ectoparasitic treatments be used in small mammals?
To reduce resistance risk only when clinical problem is present – routine prevention is not necessary
Ensure you do usual skin work up to diagnose (e.g. skin scraps, tape strips, hair plucks)
What factors should be considered before using antibiotics in small mammals?
Are antibiotics needed?
What bacteria are likely involved?
Are the antibiotics safe and effective?
Are they licensed for rabbits?
Are they first-line treatments?
A rabbit presents with mild lethargy & intermittent sneezing, bilateral watery eyes & thick white discharge from both nostrils. Chest auscultation reveals referred upper respiratory tract noises only.
Pasteurella likely involved
What are common underlying causes of gut stasis in rabbits & guinea pigs?
Pain
Stress
Incorrect diet
Lack of caecotrophy
Gastrointestinal infections (bacterial, viral, parasites)
(remember gut stasis is not a diagnosis itself, always look for underlying cause)
How is gut stasis treated?
Analgesia
Syringe feeds (pro-biotics in critical care formulas already)
Prokinetics
- Metoclopramide
- Ranitidine
- Cisapride
Why do exotic vets often use Penicillin G injections?
Sensible first line antibiotic
Licensed for Pasteurella infections in cattle
Often Baytril & Sulfatrim have been tried by the time these cases are referred
Owner compliance is usually better in referral or more specialist settings (e.g. reliable with injections).
Why is syringe feeding important in gut stasis cases?
Provides nutrition and oral fluids
Stimulates gut motility
Includes probiotics to support gut health
What happens during gut stasis?
It is in the hind gut, gas builds up in intestines
Not the same as bloat (gas build up in stomach)
What are the safe antibiotics in small mammals?
What antibiotics need to be used with caution/under specific circumstances in small mammals?
What type of bacteria are Pasteurella and Bordetella?
They are Gram-negative bacteria
Which antibiotic does Pasteurella have very good sensitivity to?
Penicillin G
Enrofloxacin
Trimethoprim-sulfonamides (TMPS)
Which antibiotic is the most effective against Bordatella?
Trimethoprim-sulfonamides (TMPS)
Why is Metronidazole not effective against Pasteurella and Bordetella?
Metronidazole is only effective against anaerobes, and Pasteurella and Bordetella are not anaerobic bacteria
What antibiotics are licensed in rabbits?
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
Enrofloxacin
Why should enrofloxacin not be used as a first-line antibiotic?
Enrofloxacin should be protected & only used in cases where other antibiotics fail & if infection is more severe (e.g. pneumonia)
What is a sensible first-line antibiotic for mild upper respiratory tract infections in rabbits?
Trimethoprim-sulfonamides (TMPS)
What are some key considerations when using Penicillin injections in small mammals?
MUST NOT BE INGESTED = FATAL
Clean thoroughly if any spillage (companion rabbits groom)
Some formulations must be kept in fridge
Bring sharps back to the practice
Do not use if allergic to penicillin
Off licence consent form MUST be signed by the owner
