Exotics Flashcards
1
Q
what is considered an ‘exotic’ pet?
A
anything not included in farm, equine, dogs or cats
2
Q
how long should an exotics consult be?
A
ideally 30min (at least 20)
3
Q
what should be found out about the exotic patient at time of booking?
A
species of animal to be seen (latin name ideal)
advise on transport
request faecal samples
advise owner to bring in food/supplements/photos of environment
pre-consult questionnaires
4
Q
how should rabbits/rodents be transported?
A
in a secure box/carrier
5
Q
how should reptiles be transported?
A
secure box/carrier, provide heating (hot water bottle)
6
Q
how should snakes be transported?
A
pillow case (duvet cover for larger species)
7
Q
how should parrots be transported?
A
cage best, avoid small cardboard box if possible
8
Q
how should birds of prey be transported?
A
travel box or on hand
9
Q
how should fish be transported?
A
double plastic bag within waterproof box, bring second bag of water
10
Q
what housing facilities should be provided for birds/reptiles/rabbits?
A
birds = heated tank (30ºC) reptiles = vivarium or tortoise table rabbits = avoid predators, temp below 22ºC (heat stress)
11
Q
what special equipment may be needed for exotics consults?
A
good microscope
crop tubes/stomach tubes
fine surgical instruments
ventilator, endoscopy, magnification
12
Q
what are the features of an appropriate exotics consult room?
A
secure area, no open doors/windows/vents
containers for examining small animals
sensitive scales
13
Q
what are the common disinfectant methods for exotics consult rooms?
A
quaternary ammonium (F10 common) fogging rooms to disinfect if possible
14
Q
how promptly should sick birds be seen?
A
emergency - likely to deteriorate quickly
15
Q
how fast do reptiles tend to deteriorate?
A
slowly, but take a long time to recover
16
Q
what should be involved in first aid of exotics?
A
ABC stop any haemorrhage warmth for birds and reptiles oxygen supplementation if required rehydration pain relief antibiotics
17
Q
why shouldn’t reptiles be given oxygen supplementation?
A
high oxygen levels will discourage breathing
18
Q
what are the common zoonoses of reptiles?
A
salmonella
campylobacter
cryptosporidia
pentastomids
19
Q
what are the common zoonoses of birds?
A
chlamydophila
salmonella
mycobacteria
avian influenza
20
Q
what are the common zoonoses of small mammals?
A
lymphocytic choriomeningitis salmonella rat bite fever ringworm encephalitozoon cuniculi
21
Q
what is the common zoonosis of fish?
A
mycobacterium marinum
22
Q
how is salmonella spread?
A
part of normal gut flora in reptiles - intermittently shed in faeces
23
Q
what is chlamydophila?
A
an intracellular bacteria, carried by a range of birds
24
Q
how is chlamydophila trasmitted?
A
inhalation of bodily secretions, faeces, feather dust, sneezing
25
what are the symptoms of chlamydophila infection in birds?
lethargy, anorexia, and ruffled feathers
ocular or nasal discharge
diarrhoea, excretion of green urates (liver disease)
26
what are the symptoms of chlamydophila infection in humans?
severe flu like symptoms - fever, muscle and joint pains, non- productive cough, tight chest
27
how is chlamydophila tested for?
pooled faecal sample or swab for DNA/PCR
| antibody blood test
28
how can chlamydophila be treated?
responds well to antibiotics in humans
| difficult to clear infection with antibiotics in birds
29
what are the symptoms of mycobacterium spp (fish TB) in humans?
local non-healing ulcers
reduced appetite and weight loss
body deformities
30
how can fish TB be prevented from spreading to humans?
cover any open wounds with waterproof bandage and gloves
wash hands well
do not wash nets and equipment in sinks intended for human use
31
what is dermatophytosis? how is it spread?
ringworm
| spread by contact
32
how can rignworm infection be prevented?
wear gloves if suspected
wash hands well after handling
(especially hedgehogs)
33
via what route can exotic mammals be euthanised?
IV or into liver/kidney
34
by what route should rabbits be euthanised?
ear vein
35
by what route should rodents and ferrets be euthanised?
cranial vena cava
36
by what route should reptiles be euthanised?
IV then pith
| check heart has stopped with doppler
37
how should snakes be euthanised?
intracardiac or into liver
38
by what route should chelonia be euthanised?
jugular or subcarapacial sinus
39
by what route should lizards be euthanised?
tail vein
| cranial vena cava in some small species
40
by what route should bird be euthanised?
gaseous anaesthesia then IV jugular or tibiotarsal vein in larger birds
can inject into liver
41
by what routes can fish be euthanised?
anaesthesia (MS222 or phenoxyethanol) followed by phenobarbitone or severing spinal cord behind gill cover
can use oil of cloves to anaesthetise
42
which musculoskeletal features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
light skeleton, powerful back legs
43
which respiratory features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
nasal breather
larynx not easily visible
relatively small lungs
prone to respiratory disease
44
which GI features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
open rooted teeth
large, thin walled stomach, never truly empty
cannot vomit
small and large intestine designed to digest grass
coprophagia
45
which urogenital features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
males - open inguinal ring, important to close during castration
females - 2 cervices and large thin-walled vagina, often a lot of fat in uterine ligament
46
which ocular features are important to consider when examining rabbits?
prominent forward-facing eyes
| large venous plexus at medial canthus - care during surgery
47
which parameters are important to assess during rabbit consults?
```
posture
heart rate
respiratory rate
temperature
weight
droppings
```
48
what is the normal temperature range for a rabbit?
38.3-39.4
49
what should rabbit droppings look like?
round and plump, should be produced regularly
50
which factors are important to consider in the hospitalisation environment of a rabbit?
```
secure
non-slip floor
correct temperature (susceptible to heat stress)
no predators nearby
check food and water preferences
consider companions
out of cage exercise
```
51
what are the blood sampling sites for rabbits?
lateral saphenous
marginal ear vein - small samples/IV
cephalic
jugular - large volumes
52
which vein can be used for taking large samples of blood from a rabbit?
jugular vein
53
which vein is most common for placing an IV in rabbits?
marginal ear vein
54
what is the maximum volume of blood which can be taken from a rabbit at a time?
1ml per 100g (recommend less)
55
what are the routes of medication in rabbits?
```
oral - syringe down side of cheek
subcutaneous
intramuscular (quadriceps)
intravenous (marginal ear vein)
topical (shampoos, creams)
parasiticides (spot ons)
```
56
why is it advised to give rabbits pain relief, even if unsure whether there is pain?
rabbits will hide signs of pain very well
57
can rabbits be put in buster collars?
advisable not to - stressful, prevents coprophagia
| soft collar preferable and better tolerated
58
what is the maintenance fluid rate for rabbits?
100ml/kg/24hrs
59
what routes are available for fluid therapy in rabbits?
oral (difficult to get adequate volume)
subcutaneous
IV (marginal ear vein or cephalic)
all via drip or by bolus
60
when might colloids be used in rabbits?
to bring up blood pressure or in the case of blood loss
61
what test should be performed before blood transfusion in a rabbit?
side agglutination cross match - not much is known about rabbit blood groups
62
how much supportive food should be syringed at a time for rabbits?
1ml at a time - easy amount for rabbit to eat without spitting out, easier to get small tip into mouth
63
what are some of the most common parasites in rabbits?
mites, fleas
coccidia (faecal flotation or wet prep)
worms (rarely clinically significant)
Cheyletiella parasitivorax
Listrophorus gibbus
64
what are signs of GI stasis?
anorexia
absence of droppings
abdominal pain - quiet, hunched up, may be grinding teeth
65
what are the common causes of GI stasis?
pain, stress, inappropriate diet (high carbohydrates)
66
how can you treat GI stasis?
```
pain relief (opiates)
fluids
prokinetics
syringe feeding
look for underlying cause
```
67
which physiological value can be used to assess pain in rabbits?
blood glucose
68
what is a normal blood glucose level for a rabbit?
5-10
69
what does a blood glucose level of <5.0 mean in a rabbit?
low due to pathology or inappetence
70
what does a blood glucose level 10-15 mean in a rabbit?
probably just stressed, maybe some pain
71
what does a blood glucose level of 15-20 mean in a rabbit?
significant pain
72
what does a blood glucose level of >20 mean in a rabbit?
very likely to be GI obstruction
73
why might a rabbit suffer from diarrhoea?
true diarrhoea rare - misuse of antibiotics most common cause
74
why might a rabbit experience faecal clagging?
Too much carbohydrate
Obesity
Dental disease
Back pain
75
are respiratory diseases an emergency in rabbits?
yes
76
what are the common causes of respiratory disease in rabbits?
Pasteurella (abscesses, discharge, can cause pneumonia)
Snuffles (upper respiratory disease)
pneumonia (less common, poor prognosis)
neoplasia may be involved
77
list some of the possible causes of urinary incontinence in rabbits.
renal disease
bladder infection
bladder sludge, stone or neoplasia
back pain - can cause urine scalding as cannot position to urinate
neurological (Encephalitozoonosis cuniculi)
78
what is Encephalitozoon cuniculi?
microsporidian parasite, primary pathogen of the kidneys but also affects the central NVS
79
how is Encephalitozoon Cuniculi spread?
shed in the urine, possible zoonosis in immunosuppressed people
80
what are the symptoms of Encephalitozoon Cuniculi in rabbits?
Head tilt
Ataxia, hindlimb weakness
Urinary incontinence, renal failure
Cataracts
81
what is the treatment for Encephalitozoon Cuniculi?
fenbendazole (Panacur 20mg/kg for 4wks)
82
what are the common skin problems of rabbits?
```
mites (skin/ear)
fly strike
ringworm
abscesses, wounds
pododermatitis (sore feet)
otitis
```
83
what is otitis?
middle ear infection?
84
what are the common viral diseases of rabbits?
myxomatosis
| viral haemorrhagic disease
85
how is myxomatosis spread?
biting insects
| direct contact with infected animals
86
what are the symptoms of myxomatosis in rabbits?
swelling around eyes and genitals
| ocular discharge
87
how is viral haemorrhagic disease spread?
fomites or direct contact
88
what are the symptoms of viral haemorrhagic disease?
sudden death
| haemorrhage from mouth, nose and anus
89
how can viral haemorrhagic disease be prevented?
vaccine - current UK vaccine contains a genetically modified Myxoma virus that also protects against rVHD
90
what are the British wildlife rehabilitation council's 3 S's of wildlife rescue?
Sure - be sure before you try and rescue an animal
Safety - your own safety comes first
Stress - minimising stress to the animal will maximise its chances of survival
91
how can you minimise stress to wildlife?
warm, dark and quiet conditions
| minimum human contact
92
what are we trying to achieve with wildlife rehabilitation?
to alleviate pain and suffering
to restore the animal to a state where it is able to be returned to the wild and able to survive
to attempt to reduce impact where man-made hazards cause wildlife casualties
species conservation
93
what are advantages of keeping rescued wildlife in permanent captivity?
imprinted/disabled but otherwise 'healthy' animal is not killed
opportunities for captive breeding may be useful with rare species
94
what are disadvantages of keeping rescued wildlife in permanent captivity?
quality of life for captive wild animals is a debatable issue - prone to anthropomorphism but impossible to really tell
public display of permanent captive for fundraising can cause further stress
95
what is the advantage/disadvantage of euthanising injured wild animals?
wild animal is not subjected to further stress of captivity
| BUT can be viewed negatively by public, particularly individuals who bring in animals
96
which common species of wildlife are seen in practice?
```
birds - birds of prey, waterfowl, others
hedgehogs
bats
foxes
badgers
deer
```
97
what do hedgehogs commonly present with?
injuries, dental disease, ringworm, mites, lungworm (in young)
98
why are rescued deer often euthanised?
often RTA, have damage to muscles from laying on side for a prolonged period
99
what is the most important aspect of keeping healthy fish?
good quality water = healthy fish
fish are open systems - there is constant exchange between the fish and its surrounding environment
100
how can fish be anaesthetised?
```
inhalational anaesthesia (into water) - phenoxyethanol or MS222 tricaine methane
gives 5 mins of anaesthesia
```
101
what diagnostic tests can be carried out on fish?
```
mucus scraping
gill and fin preparations
bacteriology
blood sampling
radiography
ultrasonography
```
102
via which routes can be give therapeutics to fish?
in food
injection (epaxials)
topical
103
what causes ulcer disease in fish?
secondary to septicaemia or trauma - need to identify underlying causes
104
how can you treat ulcer disease in fish?
GA, debride
clean with iodine and pack
inject antibiotics
correct underlying problem (parasites, water quality)
105
what other problems are common in fish?
```
swim bladder issues (esp in goldfish)
gill problems (parasites, bacterial)
```
106
what first aid advice can you give to clients regarding their fish?
1. test water quality
2. if low numbers involved, quarantine affected fish
3. change 30% of tank/pond water with fresh
4. add salt at rate of 2g/L to reduce physiological stress
5. stop feeding temporarily
6. improve aeration
7. do not add medications indiscriminately - makes it difficult to ascertain what original problem was
107
what are the commonly kept species of amphibians?
frogs - tree frogs, mantellas, poison arrow frogs
toads - fire bellied toads
salamanders - tiger salamander, axolotl
newts
108
what are the basic husbandry considerations for amphibians?
poikilotherms - provide appropriate temperature
light - most are nocturnal so avoid bright lights
UV light for calcium metabolism
water quality important
high humidity vital but increases risk of bacterial infections
109
what are the common problems presented with amphibians?
water quality issues
skin infections (bacterial/fungal)
Chytridiomycosis
foreign bodies - pebble/stone ingestion common
metabolic bone disease (UV)
110
what are the commonly kept species of invertebrates?
```
giant african land snails
spiders - care of fangs and barbed hairs
millipedes
stick insects
scorpions
```
111
what are the common problems associated with spiders?
shedding difficulties
mites (insecticides will also kill spider)
nematodes
traumatic injuries
112
what should be checked in the pre-operative assessment?
respiratory and cardiovascular systems
record an accurate weight
pre-anaesthetic blood samples may be advisable
113
what possible peri-op problems should be pre-empted before surgery?
blood loss - place catheter and prepare fluids
heat loss - hot hands, heat pads
apnoea - pre-oxygenation
114
how should small furries be clipped?
only clip area required to reduce heat loss
| care as skin may cut/tear very easily (esp rabbits)
115
how should exotics be skin prepped before surgery?
after clip, prep with clorhex/iodine - avoid alcohol as has cooling effect on body
116
what support is required under GA for small mammals?
```
prevention of heat loss
intubation of rabbits and ferrets
regular monitoring
raise chest so lungs have space to expand
mechanical ventilation may be helpful
```
117
how can you prevent small mammal heat loss during surgery?
```
bubble wrap
silver foil
heat mat
bear hugger
care not to overheat!
```
118
which parameters should be monitored during small animal surgery?
direct monitoring of heart and respiration
pulse oximeter
capnograph (esp tubed rabbits)
rectal thermometer
119
what are the potential post-op complications of small mammal surgery?
```
haemorrhage
hypothermia
hypoglycaemia
pain
gut stasis
```
120
how can we monitor for haemorrhage in small animals post-op?
monitor HR, mm, pulse quality for signs of shock
maintain IV access in case required
monitor wounds for haemorrhage
121
how can we prevent hypothermia in small animals post-op?
maintain in an incubator or on heat pad as recovers
monitor rectal temperature regularly
transfer to cooler environment once temperature normal to avoid overheating
122
how can we prevent pain in small mammals post-op?
opiate and NSAIDs, difficult to assess to make sure adequate pain relief is given
local blocks for castrates/spays
123
how can you prevent gut stasis post-op?
encourage to eat ASAP, syringe feed if required
prokinetics - ranitidine
pain relief
monitor for droppings - may not produce any for 24hrs
124
how can haemostasis be aided during surgery?
electro-cautery or radiosurgery
125
how can small mammal surgery be made easier?
fine instruments
| magnification may help (loops or operating microscope)
126
what suture material is best for small mammal surgery?
synthetic monofilament absorbable materials
| monocryl, caprosyn
127
what suture material should be avoided in small mammal surgery?
catgut - esp rabbits, generates a pyo-granulomatous reaction as it dissolves
128
what type of closure is best for small mammal surgeries?
buried skin suture makes less likely to chew out sutures
| tissue glue helps secure wounds
129
how else can surgical wounds be protected in small mammals?
buster collars may be advantageous in some species
| clean dry bedding, avoiding hay and straw initially
130
why might ultrasonography be limited in rabbits and guinea pigs?
gas within the bowel may limit views - still possible to gain useful useful information such as GI motility, presence of free fluid, masses etc.
131
what is CT scanning used for in small mammals?
mostly teeth and jaw imaging - chinchillas and larger
| full anaesthesia required
132
what common surgical procedures are carried out on small mammals?
```
neutering - spay/castration/vasectomy (ferrets)
lump/abscess removal
dentistry
GI obstruction
enucleation (care in rabbits)
liver lobe torsion
```
133
which small mammals are most prone to dental issues?
hystricomorph rodents (chinchillas, guinea pigs, degus) and rabbits
134
which factors may contribute towards molar and incisor malocclusion?
inadequate grass/hay
not enough fibre and different chewing action
calcium in diet may also affect bone quality and teeth formation
breeding can also affect teeth
135
with what clinical findings might you suspect dental issues?
weight loss
ptyalism
swellings on ventral border of mandible
136
which methods are used to examine rodents teeth?
otoscope examination
| good skull radiographs
137
can malocclusion be cured?
controlled, but rarely cured
138
how can spurs be removed from teeth?
using a molar burr with guard
139
how can incisors be reshaped?
with a dental burr or a cutting disc - never nail clippers
140
what should be involved in the pre-operative assessment for reptiles?
thorough clinical examination
ideally faecal and blood screening
facilities to maintain animal at preferred body temperature are required
fasting unnecessary
141
should exotics be fasted before surgery?
no - maybe worth withholding food for a short period in animals that can regurgitate (snakes)
142
how can we support reptiles breathing under GA?
IPPV
| ventilator e.g. vetronics
143
how can we monitor reptiles under GA?
doppler probe to monitor HR useful
| capnograph may be helpful on recovery
144
why is it difficult to monitor reptiles under GA?
at surgical depths few if any reflexes to monitor, respiration controlled externally
145
how can you prep reptiles for surgery?
clorhexadine/iodine used, time left to soak between scales
can use a brush to scrub area
clear plastic drapes enable a sterile field while still being able to visualise the patient
146
why isn't alcohol used to prep reptiles for surgery?
will lead to cooling
| affects oils on skin
147
what should be considered when positioning reptiles for surgery?
need to try and minimise pressure on the lungs from other organs - lift chest slightly if possible
148
how can we stimulate reptiles to breathe spontaneously post-op?
gradually reduce respiration rate (1 breath/min) - breathing stimulated by low O2 rather than high CO2
149
what analgesia is given to reptiles post-op?
NSAID - meloxicam (metacam)
| opioids - butorphanol
150
where are surgical incisions made in reptiles?
between scales rather than through if possible
151
with which material are surgical wounds closed in reptiles?
non-absorbable monofilament material
152
which technique should be used to close surgical wounds in reptiles?
everting suture pattern such as horizontal mattress sutures
153
when are sutures removed from reptiles?
after 4-6 weeks
154
which suture materials are avoided in reptiles?
cat gut and polyfilament - create a lot of tissue reaction
155
can tissue glue be used for reptiles?
may be used to aid wound apposition but is not sufficient to close wounds on its own
156
what is a coeliotomy?
entry into the coelomic cavity
157
where should the surgical incision be made in snakes?
between the 2nd and third row of lateral scales (counting up from the ventral scale) If possible incising between the scales allows for a better closure
158
how should the coelom be entered in chelonia?
via a trapdoor in the plastron, made using an oscillating or circular saw
159
what materials can be used for wound care in reptiles?
dilute iodine to clean (rinse well afterwards)
adhesive dressings (primapore, op-site)
water-based gels/honey can be used to aid wound healing
160
what are some of the common surgical procedures performed on reptiles?
mass/abscess removal
ovariosalpingectomy
GI obstruction
hemipenile amputation
161
how is air drawn into the lungs in reptiles?
by muscular body movements - have no diaphragm
162
why is reptile surgery referred to as coeliotomy rather than laparotomy?
have a single body cavity (coelom - no diaphragm)
163
which parameters can be monitored fairly easily in reptiles?
```
weight
respiration rate (slow and shallow)
defecating/urinating
activity
shedding
environmental temperatures
```
164
where is the preferred blood sampling location on a lizard?
ventral tail vein
| underside of tail - advance to bone and pull back
165
why should care be taken when blood sampling from a lizards tail?
lizards display autotomy
166
where is the preferred location for blood sampling on a snake?
ventral tail vein
OR
cardiocentesis - use doppler
167
what is the preferred location for blood sampling in chelonia?
right jugular vein
| can get lymph as well as blood which alters samples
168
what other injection site is useful in chelonia?
subvertebral sinus - subcarapacial (under shell) good for anaesthetics
still works if tortoise retracts legs
169
which routes are available for medicating chelonia?
topical
oral
injection - subcut, IM, IV, IO
170
why is subcut injection not often performed in reptiles?
difficult due to inelastic skin
171
where can snakes be injected IM?
epaxial muscles
172
is IO injection of medication often performed in reptiles?
yes - as affective as IV
requires GA
bridge used in chelonia
173
what are the available routes of fluid therapy in chelonia?
```
soaking - esp chelonia
oral
intracoelomic
subcut (not much space)
IV (difficult to maintain access)
IO
```
174
what rate of fluid therapy is given to reptiles?
10-30ml/kg/day - actual requirement unknown
175
what route is used for assisted feeding in reptiles?
stomach tube of oesophagostomy tube
176
how do you measure chelonia for a stomach tube?
measure from front of plastron to hinge
177
what dose rate of meloxicam is given to reptiles?
0.2mg/kg daily/every other day
178
which type of parasites are more common in reptiles?
endoparasites
179
how do we test for parasitic infection in reptiles?
wet preparation or faecal floatation
180
which parasites are common in reptiles?
```
worms - ascarids and strongyles
flagellates
coccidia
ciliates
ticks and mites
```
181
what are some of the common medical presentations in reptiles?
```
anorexia
impaction
metabolic bone disease
shell//scale rot
trauma - wounds/burns
abscesses
retained shed
mouth rot
pneumonia
hypovitaminosis A
renal disease
```
182
what is the most common medical presentation in reptiles, and what is the most common cause of it?
anorexia
| often involves POTZ issues - check lighting and artificial day length
183
what is the most common cause of impaction in reptiles?
ingestion of bedding material
184
what is the first line treatment for impactions in reptiles?
warm water enema/bath and lactulose
| no liquid paraffin!
185
how does metabolic bone disease develop?
imbalance between Ca and PO and lack of vitamin D3
186
what are the symptoms of metabolic bone disease?
```
shell deformity
fractures
rubber jaw
weakness
muscle tremors
seizures
```
187
how is metabolic bone disease treated?
UV light
| calcium and vit D supplement/injections (£££)
188
which species is especially prone to scale rot?
snakes due to time spent on floor
189
what is the most common cause of burns in reptiles?
issues with heat supply
190
what are the 2 types of shell rot?
dry and wet
191
how is shell/scale rot treated?
tissue removal - remove whole area to healthy border
| suture in non-chelonia with everting pattern
192
how should trauma to chelonia shell be treated?
treat as open wound - flush and cover with absorbent dressing
tape
honey can be used to encourage wound healing
193
how are abscesses treated?
usually solid - cannot drain, whole area must be removed
194
what is dysecdysis?
an abnormal pattern of shedding
195
why does dysecdysis occur?
results from poor husbandry - inadequate humidity
196
how can dysecdysis be managed?
provide humidity - shedding chamber
| gently ease off retained shed
197
how can mouth rot be managed?
mouth swabs for culture
cleaning (iodine)
surgical debride
198
what does hypovitaminosis A present as?
eye problems
199
what are the 2 main groups of small mammals based on dental morphology?
hystricomorphs - hypsodont molars (guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus)
myomorphs - brachyodont molars (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils)
200
what parameters are fairly easy to assess/monitor in rodents?
eating/drinking
droppings
weight
respiratory rate
201
what locations are used for blood sampling in rodents?
tail vein
lateral saphenous (guinea pigs)
cranial vena cava
202
how much blood is safe to take from rodents at a time?
max 1ml/100gms (but safer to only take 1/2ml)
203
how do you prep the tail before blood sampling from the tail vein?
warm tail before sample to cause vasodilation
204
how do you take a blood sample from a guinea pig?
lateral saphenous vein
dorsal recumbency, under GA
small gauge needle
205
what routes are available for medicating rodents?
oral
injectable - subcut, IM, IV
topical - shampoos, creams, parasiticides
206
how can you assess pain in rats/mice?
grimace score
207
why might small mammals require higher dose rates than dogs/cats?
higher metabolic rate
208
what analgesia can be given to rodents?
NSAIDs or opiates
209
what facial changes in rats/mice indicate pain?
orbital tightening
nose/cheek flattening
ear changes
whisker changes
210
what is the fluid therapy maintenance rate for rodents?
100ml/kg/day
211
what routes are available for fluid therapy in rodents?
```
IV is difficult
intraosseous possible
subcut
oral
intra-peritoneal
```
212
where do you administer intra-peritoneal fluids to a rodent?
lower right of left quadrant of abdomen
213
what are some of the common medical problems rodents present with?
```
mites (sarceoptes, demodex)
bite wounds --> abscesses
ringworm
respiratory problems
tumours
fractures
```
214
how are fractures treated in rodents?
little force through limbs so can be left with analgesia only
or amputation/surgery using pins (£££)
215
what medical problems are rats prone to?
```
respiratory infections (mycoplasma) - good hygiene crucial
mammary masses
```
216
what type of mammary masses do rats typically get?
benign adenomas - remove if too large
| hormonal component - spaying/hormonal implant wil prevent
217
what medical problems are mice prone to?
skin problems - don't response very well to treatment
218
what medical problems are hamsters prone to?
overgrown incisors
cheek pouch impaction
'wet tail' (proliferative ileitis) - bacterial
demodex mites
pyometra
219
what medical problems are gerbils prone to?
nasal dermatitis
ventral scent gland tumours
tail slip (normal defence)
epilepsy
220
what medical problems are guinea pigs prone to?
```
dental disease, tongue entrapment
mites
scurvy
urolithiasis
pregnancy toxaemia
pododermatitis
cystic ovaries
```
221
what is pregnancy toxaemia in guinea pigs?
related to glucose levels, ketoacidosis
fat is metabolised rather than sugar due to anorexia --> liver damage
222
what is pododermatitis?
inflammation/pressure sores of paw due to poor bedding - can get infected
223
what are the symptoms of cystic ovaries in guinea pigs?
fur loss
| hormonal changes
224
what are the common medical problems in chinchillas?
```
dental disease (mainly)
respiratory disease
```
225
what are the important anatomical features of ferets?
compact muscular body with flexible spine - similar to cat
anal scent glands - removal regarded as mutilation
spleen can vary greatly in size
226
how can we assess the ferret?
should be alert and inquisitive
pulse/RR/mm assessed as in cat
rectal temperature may be resented - only take if concerned
hydration assessed by skin tenting and moistness of gums
227
how should we house ferrets in clinic/hospital?
cat cages fine but will escape through wire mesh - use perspex/fine mesh
temperature below 30°C
may be fearful of dogs and cats
keep away from prey species
more secure with hiding spot
line cage with paper/vet bed
228
how can we provide nutrition for ferrets in hospital?
```
try to keep on normal diet
similar bowls/water drinkers as owner
feline critical care
oxbow carnivore care designed for ferrets
prolonged fasting not recommended
```
229
how long should ferrets be fasted before surgery?
max 4 hours - may become hypoglycaemic
230
where can a blood sample be taken from a ferret?
jugular - easy if sedated/well-behaved
lateral saphenous
cephalic - small
cranial vena cava (under GA)
231
what injectable routes are available for medicating ferrets?
subcut (scruff)
IM - thigh/lumbar
IV - cephalic/lateral saphenous
232
what non-injectable route can be used for medicating ferrets?
oral - tablets/suspensions
233
what analgesia can be given to ferrets?
NSAIDs (meloxicam) - prone to gastric ulceration, GI protectants may be wise
opiates at similar doses to dogs and cats
234
what routes are available for fluid therapy in ferrets?
oral
subcut
intra-peritoneal (caudo-lateral abdomen up to 30ml/kg)
IV
235
what is the fluid maintenance rate for ferrets?
100ml/kg/day
236
what are the common medical problems in ferrets?
```
persistent oestrus
adrenal disease (tumours)
lymphoma
insulinoma
inflammatory bowel disease
dental disease
```
237
why is persistent oestrus in ferrets considered a medical problem?
until mated, increased oestrogen suppresses bone marrow --> anaemia
238
how can persistent oestrus in ferrets be managed?
progesterone injection to bring out of season
hormonal implants
mating with vasectomised male
spay
239
which viruses do ferrets present with?
```
influenza - may pass from owner to ferret
distemper
aleutian disease (equivalent of parvo)
```
240
can ferrets be vaccinated against distemper?
no licensed vaccines - can use 1/2 dose of dog vaccine (check with manufacturer)
vaccination uncommon as risk is low
241
what common conditions are seen in African pygmy hedgehogs?
```
dental disease (calculus)
obesity - diet in captivity unclear
wobbly hedgehog syndrome
renal disease
prone to tumours
```
