Triage and Emergency Stabilization Flashcards
release criteria
- recovered from initial problem
- able to avoid predators
- able to find food in wild
- cured of secondary problems
- expected to function reasonably within a population
- displays normal behavior and is not habituated to humans
- does not pose a risk to the wild population or the environment
- is not carrying potential zoonotic infection
why is accurate triage important?
it can save months of work, emotional energy and finite resources
poor prognostic indicators
emaciation, heavy ectoparasites, old open fx, joint luxations, spinal fxs, damaged hallux or power talon, severe patagial wounds, fawn with broken leg, bilateral ocular trauma
3 strikes rule
3 major problems = euthanasia
when should you act quickly v let them site in a dark, quiet room?
ACT QUICKLY if the ABCs are compromised such as respiratory distress, significant hemorrhage, severe shock or seizures.
stabilization basics
thermoregulation, hydration, nutrition – in this order!
what is the best way to reduce pain of a fracture?
immobilize it, include the joint above and below the fracture
what mild sedation may be given to a bird in distress?
butorphanol with midazolam
birds in cardiopulmonary arrest should be intubated and positive pressure ventilation every __ seconds with compression over the sternum __ /min
4-5 seconds, 60-80 compressions/minute
Electrocution
can see acute respiratory distress from neurogenic pulmonary edema
consider transfusion if PCV is <__ in birds and < __ in mammals
consider transfusion if PCV is <15% in birds and < 25% in mammals
what is the most common type of shock in wildlife patients?
hypovolemic shock
what level of lead is considered toxic?
> 0.2 ppm
T/F: owls are ok with one functional eye
T
what would a hypoglycemic patient look like and how would you treat?
Frequently show neurologic signs such as ataxia, seizures, loss of consciousness. Apply karo syrup to the gums along with fluids
how should you deliver the fluid deficit?
Half of the fluid deficit should be corrected within the first 24 hours and the remaining half of the fluid deficit is divided over the following 24-48 hours.
crystalloids
contain electrolytes and non-electrolytes that can enter all body fluid compartments so their effects are on interstitial and intracellular compartments
colloids
molecules are too large to cross membranes, so stay in plasma and therefore have an intravascular effect -> only to be given IV or IO
what bones should you not place an IO catheter in for avians?
femur and humerus
head trauma
Mannitol or hypertonic saline can be useful in mammals or birds within 24 hours of event. NSAIDS therapy if outside 24 hour window.
Avian Spinal Trauma
do survey rads and typically see paraplegia, lack of deep pain perception with UMN signs: normal to hyperreflexia spinal reflexes and normal to increased cloacal tone.
Bladder tone with spinal trauma
UMN above S1-S3: overdistended, difficult to express
LMN within S1-S3: dribbles urine, easily expressed
3 day decide fate rule
if a critical patient continues to improve on a 3 day interval
exception is reptiles
analgesia for avians
tramadol, buprenorphine and butorphanol, gabapentin
