Wild life q's based off past exams

Question 1

Describe the initial assessment you would take with a hedgehog?

Answer 1

-Initial hands off assess, check RR and pattern
-Gait and balance to ensure there is no lameness/ataxia
-Hands on assess next while wearing gloves as they can carry dermatophytes
-Auscultate respiration, note any wheezing
-Examine skin for parasites, and any wounds
-Detailed exam around anus, mouth, ears, genitals for fly eggs/maggots
-Dehydration assessment by skin tent
-Facial examination for fx, mouth examined for teeth condition

Question 2

Can you keep a grey squirrel for hand rearing?

Answer 2

No, under section 23 (6) of the wildlife act 1976-2012, a licence is needed to hand rear an orphaned animal, however this is not a protected species under this act and so a licence can not be permitted

Question 3

What does the wildlife act 1976-2012 stand state?

Answer 3

It states any person wanting to rear an orphaned wild animal must obtain a licence from the NPWS

Question 4

What is stated in the veterinary practice act 2005?

Answer 4

All vets must provide emergency treatment to any species of animal to relieve suffering, this treatment may include euthanasia, if considered appropriate

Question 5

What does the animal health and welfare act 2013 do?

Answer 5

It protects all species (including invasive)

Question 6

What advice should be given to a client wishing to transport a bird to the practice? (i.e sparrowhalk)?

Answer 6

-At risk of danger from talons and beak, so advice use of stout leather gloves
-Whole bird should be covered with a blanket or towel, allowing talons to grip and restrain the legs
-Once captured, bird should be picked up so the wings can not be forced open
-The bird may be carried this way for a short journey or placed in a darkened secure box with ventilation holes

Question 7

How should an assessment of a bird be carried out?

Answer 7

-Ensure quiet, dark environment. Initial hands off assess, check RR, demeanour, wing position, movement
-Following hands off, approach from behind, wrap in a towel, fold wings into body and hold legs between fingers
-Full exam: check for fx, wounds, feather damage, MM, beak, hydration, BCS, vitals
-Check eyes
-Check each wing seperately and palpate/manipulate the joints, check flight/gripping

Question 8

In what instances would euthanasia be warrented? exp : bird of prey

Answer 8

To be suitable for release, an animal must have an equal chance of survival in the wild to its conspecifics
-Damage to beak
-Loss of an eye, vision damage
-Permanent loss of wing function
-Fx of a limb
-Fx of wing involving/ close to a joint

Question 9

How can you unroll a hedgehog in practice?

Answer 9

-Gently bounce or rock them, stoking the spines craniocaudally
-Avoid touching head or face
-Dim the lighting and turn on tap to mimic running water
-Be patient, give time to acclimise to surroundings
-Once unrolled, gently elevate hind legs so that it is in wheelbarrow position with the forelimbs resting on a non slip surface