VHS Vet Medicine Week 12: Wildlife

What is a zoonotic disease?

Infections that can spread between people and animals

What basic veterinary supplies should a clinic have on hand in case injured wildlife is brought in?

Clean towels, saline solution, soft cloths, scissors, flea treatments, feeding tubes, gram scale, cages, medications, paper towels

How long can a veterinarian keep wildlife without a permit?

Up to 48 hours

How would you advise someone calling about a baby animal found in their yard?

They should call a wildlife rehabilitator immediately, the animal shouldn’t be handled without a wildlife rehabilitator being present. If you must handle the animal always wear gloves, and remember that even if the animal is small they can still injure you or spread diseases to you. Put the animal into a safe container (a box with a soft bottom) Do not give the animal food until you can be sure what it safe to give the animal. Keep the animal warm and in a quiet environment

What are the signs and symptoms of shock?

Extremely excited or subdued, rapid heart rate, pale gums, shallow and rapid breathing, cold and clammy skin

What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration?

Sunken eyes, thick strings of saliva in their mouth, weakness, reduced appetite

What are the signs and symptoms of poisoning?

Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, hyperactivity, high body temp, high blood pressure

What are the signs and symptoms of malnutrition?

Reduced appetite, feeling tired, feeling weaker, wounds take a long time to heal, feeling cold, poor concentration

What are the signs and symptoms of starvation?

Weak, hardly and body fat, loose skin with a dull and rough coat, sunken eyes, humped or sagging backs, small tucked up belly

Why is it important to treat cat-caught animals with antibiotics?

Many cats carry a kind of bacteria in their oral and respiratory tracts that will quickly cause infection and death in small animals, unless antibiotics are administered

How can fluid therapy be used for wild animals?

As animals respond to fluids they become more alert, their eyes become brighter, severity of skin tenting is reduced, gums become less tacky, animal will become more interested in food

What is a wildlife rehabilitator?

A professional who provides care to wild animals that are sick, injured, or orphaned. Their goal is to return the healthy animals back to the wild

How does care compare for different species?

Gloves should always be worn no matter what species you are dealing with, always be aware the animal could have a zoonotic disease. Remember that things that promote positive behavior is domestic animals may be the opposite for wildlife, animals should always be handled with care, no matter the species