Zoo Medicine

Question 1

human safety is put first

Answer 1

must know all potential hazards in working hands-on with any species and know how to protect self from them

Question 2

prevention is key

Answer 2

quarantine
keeper communication
annual fecal exam
regular physical exam
being prepared for emergencies
necropsy

Question 3

quarantine

Answer 3

30-60 days
isolation from all other animals of like taxa
complete physical exam
placement/check of microchip ID
3 negative fecal samples
housed in lowest-stress conditions possible
coordination with previous and “permanent” keepers reedit, behavior enrichment
released to exhibit area at end of quarantine and when has clean bill of health

Question 4

keeper communication

Answer 4

behavior, enrichment
food consumption
periodic weights
fecal and urine appearance, quantity, consistency, and smell

Question 5

annual fecal exams

Answer 5

test fecal cortisol (stress levels)
fecal viral tests, hormone tsts, etc…
tells a low without anesthesia
cytology-parasites

Question 6

regular physical exam

Answer 6

every 1-2 years
temperature, pulse, respiration (vital signs)
blood (CBC, Chem, specific disease screening)
weight
eyes, ears, nose, mouth, all orficies checked
palpation of all limbs, joints, body overall
vaccines given (species-specific)
dental cleaning (if teeth present)
radiographs (X-Rays)
ultrasound/endoscopy/laparoscopy (if necessary)

Question 7

restrain and anesthesia

Answer 7

maintain human safety
minimize stress to the animal
-training
-physical restraint
-squeeze cage
-dart or jabstick
-anesthesia
--'last resort'
--injection, inhalation, or combination
--continuous monitoring of vital signs and depth of anesthesia