RESTRAINT OF EXOTIC ANIMALS

Slide 1:RESTRAINT OF EXOTIC ANIMALS

Elizabeth Dingwell Alyson Plank

Slide 2:Avian Restraint

Observe from a distance and make sure the bird is well enough to withstand the stress of restraint. Advise the owner of possible effects if the bird is very ill. Darken the room just before reaching for the bird. Use a towel for larger birds.

Slide 3:Small Birds

Grasp with head between index and middle finger, allow bird to grasp thumb and pinky finger. Careful not to squeeze too hard or completely encircle the bird!

Slide 4:Small Birds

Or grasp the bird with only thumb opposed and use thumb and index finger to control the head.

Slide 5:Larger Birds

Use a towel to capture them. Restrain head with thumb and forefinger around the neck, pressing up against the mandible. Use the other hand to hold the body, feet, and one wing.

Slide 6:Physical Exam Considerations

Listen to respiration, palpate sternum for body condition. Check the eyes for clarity and discharge, look for nasal discharge (or growths) and mites around head/feet.

Slide 7:Geese and Ducks

Yes! These are people’s beloved pets. Grasp neck to control the head, if lifting, support the weight of the body with the other hand.

Slide 8:Geese and Ducks

Also may grasp the wings with one hand, placing a finger between the two wings.

Slide 9:Snakes

Grasp behind mandible with thumb and forefinger Or place thumb and middle finger behind occiput with the index finger on top of the head. Support the body with the other hand

Slide 10:Lizards

When picking up a lizard, pin down the head first then wrap fingers around the neck and pectoral girdle. With the other hand, near the pelvis, hold the legs and tail.

Slide 11:Lizard Handling

Restraint of a bearded dragon

Slide 13:Physical Exam- Lizards

Lizards also have no diaphragm, careful not to squeeze the breath out of them. Gila monster and beaded lizards are poisonous. Examine rostral end of animal for evidence of damage due to leaping against glass or nasal discharge. Feel the jaw for softness (evidence of osteodystrophy). If skeletal or soft tissue abnormalities are found- do radiographs.

Slide 14:Vago-vagal response

Used to temporarily restrain most small lizards and some turtles and tortoises. Apply gentle digital pressure on eyes for a few moments- induces a 20-30 second drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Will remain quiet and motionless for a few minutes. Loud noises or other external stimuli can abolish the effect. Can be repeated.

Slide 15:Chelonians- Turtles and Tortoises

Grasp turtles or tortoises by the shell laterally just cranial to the hind limbs Be very careful with snapping and soft-shelled turtles- very long necks. Tend to relax when turned upside down. Soft-shelled- use cloth or gloves for a secure hold.

Slide 16:Chelonians

To examine the head- can remove with a large pair of forceps and then place thumb and forefinger behind the occipital condyles. Better way- to examine either end, Can push on the opposite end desired into the shell to cause the desired end to leave the shell due to space limitations.

Slide 17:Chelonians

Handling of a large turtle or tortoise

Slide 18:Chelonians

Small turtle

Slide 19:Physical exam - Chelonians

May have to anesthetize to examine head closely. Observe for nasal discharge, and check tympanic membrane for concavity. Convexity may be due to otitis media. Can check for dehydration as in small animals

Slide 20:PE- cont.

Check shell for hemorrhage or softness- can be due to nutritional deficiencies, bacteria or trauma. Palpate extremities Check cloaca for swelling or discharge. If feces are available, can perform a fecal float.

Slide 22:Amphibians

These animals have a very delicate and sensitive epidermis and mucous covering skin. Handle only if needed and use wet hands. Picture to right is how most toads are handled

Slide 23:Amphibians

African clawed toads- sharp claws, be careful.

Slide 24:Frogs

However, it’s not as easy as it looks, Frogs are extremely slippery. Larger frogs may be held by the back legs if the body is supported.

Slide 25:Chemical Restraint of Amphibians (and fish)

Tricaine Methane Sulfate- 2g/L of water for frogs, toads and fish Tadpoles and salamanders- .5g/L

Slide 26:Physical Exam- Frogs and Toads

There is a sub-Q space for injections over entire dorsal and ventral aspect. Unless animal is large enough to have visible veins, blood is collected from the heart. The sternum is pushed to one side and blood is collected with a 22-26 g needle.

Slide 28:FERRETS

Slide 30:Assistance will be needed with:

Rectal Temperature Injections Oral Meds Biters Nursing females Infrequently handled Young Scared

Slide 31:Two basic restraint methods

Very active or tendency to bite Scruff at back of neck and suspend with all four legs off the table Well mannered Lightly restrain on exam table Pick up with one hand for support under body

Slide 32:**Hint**

Distract with food

Slide 33:RABBITS

Slide 34:Pick Up

Grasp by scruff with one hand Support Hind quarters with other hand NEVER Pick up by ears Let rear legs dangle

Slide 35:Transport

Tuck head under arm

Slide 36:Placing back into cage

Put back end into cage first

Slide 37:Restraint for Physical Exam

One handed palpation-Hold with forearm and tuck into abdomen Two handed palpation- tuck hindquarter into abdomen and face nose away

Slide 38:Wiggly Rabbits

Bunny burrito Rabbit restraint devices Cat bag

Slide 39:GUINEA PIGS

Slide 40:Restraint for Physical Examination

Minimal restraint Owner or assistant places hand on rump to keep from backing away

Slide 41:Transport

Support weight in one hand Cup dorsum with other hand

Slide 42:CHINCHILLAS

Slide 43:CHINCHILLAS

Generally don’t bite, but be cautious If it doesn’t come out of the cage on its own – be fast and on target Lift out of cage One hand under abdomen or around scruff of neck Hold base of tail with other hand

Slide 44:Full Restraint

Two person hold One person restrains the chinchilla on the table with one under the thorax and one hand holding base of tail Examiner holds the scruff with one hand Thanks to Jennifer Periat and Skylar

Slide 45:MICE

Slide 46:Escape easily Very likely to bite

Slide 47:Picking up a mouse

Grab at base of tail Allow forefeet to grasp edge of cage or table Approach from behind and place forefinger and index finger on either side of neck, exerting pressure on body of mandible Hold rest of animal against palm with remaining fingers

Slide 49:Full Restraint

Scruffing Technique Hold by tail base Use forefinger and thumb to gently pin down the head Using the same fingers, grasp a sufficient amount of loose skin over the neck Hold the tail with the little finger of the same hand for additional support

Slide 50:GERBILS

Thanks to Jillian Mancini, baby Rumen and Colic

Slide 51:GERBIL

Can usually pick up and hold loosely in a cupped hand to examine Signs of an angry gerbil Rhythmic thumping of hind limb General and full restraint same as with mice Thanks to Jennifer Periat and Chronic

Slide 52:HAMSTERS

Slide 53:HAMSTERS

More likely to bite Signs of an angry hamster Roll on back Stand on hind limbs Vocalizing

Slide 54:General Restraint

Scoop up in palm of hand

Slide 55:Full Restraint

Modified Scruffing Technique Grasp skin between the tips of all fingers and base of the thumb + lower palm of hand

Slide 56:RATS

Slide 57:RATS

Usually very friendly and accept handling and gentle manipulation Rarely bite

Slide 58:GENERAL RESTRAINT

Grab over neck and shoulders Place forefinger just below mandible on one side of head and thumb on opposite side either above or below forelimb Provide additional support by holding tail and hind limbs with opposite hand

Slide 59:Scruffing Technique Same as in gerbils and mice

Slide 60:Full Restraint

Wrap in thin towel or stockinette Syringe case with air hole Cone shaped polyethylene bag with tip cut off

Slide 61:CHEMICAL RESTRAINT

SEDATION AND TRANQUILIZATION

Slide 62:ACEPROMAZINE

Mild tranquilizer DO NOT use in gerbils - seizures Dose: 0.5 – 2.5 mg/kg IM or SQ Lower dose for IM Higher dose for SQ Hamsters may need up to 5 mg/kg SQ Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas need less 0.5 – 1.5 mg/kg Ferrets 0.1-0.3 mg/kg Im or SQ Rabbits 0.25-1.0 mg/kg Im or SQ

Slide 63:DIAZEPAM

Mild sedation Safe in gerbils Dose: 3-5 mg/kg IM IM injection may be irritating to muscle

Slide 64:FENTANYL/DROPERIDOL

Excellent sedative Can see narcotic induced respiratory depression with higher doses Primarily used in rats and mice

Slide 65:Doses Rats 0.13 – 0.33 ml/kg IM Provides sedation and anesthesia for minor procedures Mice Make a 1:10 dilution 0.0002 – 0.0005 ml/g IM Guinea Pigs 0.08 – 0.44 ml/kg IM Caution – may predispose to self-mutilation Ferrets 0.13 – 0.22 ml/kg IM or SQ

Slide 66:ANTICHOLINERGICS

Used as a premed Decrease salivation (Ketamine, inhalants) Maintain heartrate Atropine 0.05 mg/kg SQ Rabbits 0.8-1.0 mg/kg SQ Glycopyrrolate 0.01 – 0.02 mg/kg SQ

Slide 67:COMBINATIONS

Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas Midazolam: 0.3 mg/kg Ketamine: 5 mg/kg (up to 10 mg/kg for G. Pig, Ferret & Rabbit) Atropine: 0.04 mg/kg IM Ferret: 0.02-mg/kg IM OR Acepromazine: 0.05 mg/kg (0.1 mg/kg for G. Pig) Ketamine: 10 mg/kg Atropine: 0.04 mg/kg IM

Slide 68:CHEMICAL RESTRAINT

INJECTABLE ANESTHESIA

Slide 69:XYLAZINE/KETAMINE

Short duration of action (30 minutes)

Slide 70:Rats Xylazine: 3-5 mg/kg + Ketamine: 40-90 mg/kg IM or IP Mice Xylazine: 5-10 mg/kg + Ketamine: 50-200 mg/kg IM or IP Hamsters Xylazine: 5-10 mg/kg + Ketamine: 50-150 mg/kg IM Gerbils Xylazine: 2-3 mg/kg + Ketamine: 50-70 mg/kg IM or IP Guinea Pigs Xylazine: < 5 mg/kg + Ketamine: 20-40 mg/kg IM Ferrets Xylazine: 1-2 mg/kg + Ketamine: 10-30 mg/kg IM

Slide 71:KETAMINE/ACEPROMAZINE

Adequate restraint for minor surgical procedures DO NOT use in gerbils General Rule: the smaller the species, the greater the dose needed for adequate effect Rats, Mice and Hamsters Acepromazine: 2.5-5 mg/kg + Ketamine 50-150 mg/kg IM or IP Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas Acepromazine: 0.5 mg/kg + Ketamine 20-50 mg/kg IM or IP

Slide 72:TILETAMINE-ZOLAZEPAM

For minor surgical procedures Dose 50-80 mg/kg IM or IP Guinea Pigs and Chinchillas: 20-40 mg/kg IM Ferrets: 22 mg/kg IM Rabbtis: 5-25 mg/kg IM Can have prolonged recovery Used in combination with xylazine Decrease dose to 10-30 mg/kg Better effect and faster recovery

Slide 73:INHALANT ANESTHESIA

Use for any major surgical procedure Induce with gas alone or with injectable anesthetics Isoflurane is the agent of choice

Slide 74:The End

Slide 75:REFERENCES

Birchard, S.J., & Sherding, R.G. (2000). Saunders Manual of Small Animal Practice, Second Edition. Phildephia, PA. WB Saunders Company. Fowler, M.E. (1995). Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals, Second Edition. Ames, IA. Iowa State University Press. Frye, F.L. (1994) Reptile Clinician's Handbook: a compact clinical and surgical reference. Krieger Pub Co. Beynon, P.H. (1992) Manual of reptiles. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Hillyer, E.V., & Quesenberry, K.E. (1997). Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. Philedephia, PA. WB Saunders Company