Clinical Procedures

Question 1

describe the basics of tube/gavage feeding

Answer 1

do oral treatments last
1. Rules of thumb: the tube should go halfway down the keel or the cranial quarter of the plastron

2. extend the neck for a straight path and watch the glottis to make sure no food is coming up
3. pinch tube and pull out, allow p to have head and put back in cage asap

Question 2

IM injections in reptiles should be given where?

Answer 2

forelimbs

Question 3

sites of avian blood collection

Answer 3

ulnar/basilar/basilic/jugular

Question 4

where is the heart located in a snake?

Answer 4

heart located 22-33% from snout to vent -> if poking sedate them

Question 5

how should you get a fecal sample on a reptile?

Answer 5

they take days to weeks for GI transit so you should collect when they’re in a soak or perform an enema

Question 6

what sites are used for IV catheters in birds?

Answer 6

medial metatarsal and ulnar are most common

Question 7

where to place an IV catheter in chelonians?

Answer 7

jugular

Question 8

radiograph views of birds

Answer 8

2 views of body: VD and lateral

2 views of wings: lateral and skyline

Question 9

radiograph views for reptiles

Answer 9

DV, lateral (horizontal beam), craniocaudal (horizontal beam)

Question 10

wing to body wrap indications

Answer 10

1. immbolization of wing for shoulder injuires: coracoid, clavicle, scapula
2. wing droop of unknown origin
   when in doubt do this bandage

Question 11

when is a figure 8 bandage indicated?

Answer 11

temporary radius/ulna stabilization (bones distal to the elbow)

Question 12

what is a figure 8 bandage not for?

Answer 12

humeral or shoulder injuries

Question 13

when to use an interdigitating bandage?

Answer 13

pad injuries where you still want the patient to be able to perch

Question 14

ball bandage indications

Answer 14

GREAT for pododermatitis or other severe open wounds on the pads and/or toe fractures. It takes the pressure off the foot -> NO perches for these guys.

make sure they can still stand upright

Question 15

what fractures are the best candidates for a tibiotarsal splint?

Answer 15

in the middle of the bone, closer to the joint may indicate surgery

Question 16

T/F: a metatarus is difficult to splint

Answer 16

F, generally easy splint the lateral side and use lightweight small material

Question 17

when should you change a splint?

Answer 17

• as frequent as is required for wound care
• every 3-5 days if bird is young and growing quickly
• physical therapy

Question 18

if you check a limb with a bandage and its cold what does this indicate?

Answer 18

lack of circulation

Question 19

what fractures might heal with cage rest alone if the patient doesn’t tolerate a bandage?

Answer 19

• clavicle, coracoid, scapula
• femurs in very young patients
• partial fractures/green stick fractures

Question 20

why should you perform PE on patients with fractures?

Answer 20

• prevent contracture of patagial ligament
• prevent disuse of joints and stiffness of the wing
• prevents severe atrophy of muscles
• ensures ROM is appropriate
• best prognosis for return to function

Question 21

start physical therapy __ days after the bandage is places and change the bandage every __ days to perform physical therapy

Answer 21

start physical therapy 7-10 days after the bandage is places and change the bandage every 3 days to perform physical therapy

Question 22

Passive ROM PT

Answer 22

You might give some anesthesia for pain and then in 5 minute sessions with 10 second intervals perform PT. Do this twice weekly to EOD

Question 23

Active ROM PT

Answer 23

patient is encourage to use the limb on its own by holding the bird upright by its legs encouraging the bird to flap its wings as it drops and tilts