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Initial consultation
/content/chapter/10.22233/9781910443132.chap1
Initial consultation
- Authors: Emily Fletcher and Rebecca Lea
- From: BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pet and Wildlife Nursing
- Item: Chapter 1, pp 1 - 33
- DOI: 10.22233/9781910443132.1
- Copyright: © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
- Publication Date: January 2012
Abstract
This chapter is designed to give information on providing telephone advice; strategies to reduce stress for exotic pets in the veterinary surgery; the role of the nurse in obtaining history; safe handling techniques; triage of emergency cases, and the core principles of clinical examination. Includes self-assessment questions and client questionnaires.
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Figures
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1.1
A cat carrier can be used to transport rabbits. There is newspaper in the bottom, which can easily be replaced if it becomes soiled. A water dispensing bottle can be attached to the carrier door. (Courtesy of Sarah Pellett) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.1
A cat carrier can be used to transport rabbits. There is newspaper in the bottom, which can easily be replaced if it becomes soiled. A water dispensing bottle can be attached to the carrier door. (Courtesy of Sarah Pellett)
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1.3
A degu with a degloving injury. (Courtesy of E. Keeble). © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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A degu with a degloving injury. (Courtesy of E. Keeble).
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1.4
Porphyrin staining around the eyes and nose of a rat. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Porphyrin staining around the eyes and nose of a rat.
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1.5
Gerbils may be transported (a) in a carrier or (b) in their exercise ball. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Gerbils may be transported (a) in a carrier or (b) in their exercise ball. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
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1.6
(a) Ferrets can be transported in a pet carrier. (b) This may contain a hammock. (Courtesy of Sarah Pellett) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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(a) Ferrets can be transported in a pet carrier. (b) This may contain a hammock. (Courtesy of Sarah Pellett)
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1.7
Ruffled feathers can mask weight loss. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Ruffled feathers can mask weight loss. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
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1.8
An Amazon parrot with unilateral sinusitis. Note the swollen cere, sinus and displaced globe on the parrot’s right side. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.8
An Amazon parrot with unilateral sinusitis. Note the swollen cere, sinus and displaced globe on the parrot’s right side. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
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1.9
A hooded Harris’ hawk. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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A hooded Harris’ hawk.
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1.10
(a) A clear plastic transport box can be used to transport a leopard gecko. Kitchen towel (or similar) is a good substrate as it can easily be changed if it becomes soiled. Note the use of a wrapped heat pad. (b) A pillow case secured at the top can be used to transport small to medium-sized snakes. Larger snakes may require duvet covers. (Courtesy of Sarah Pellett) (c) Tortoises can be transported in open-topped plastic containers. Note the use of a hot water bottle, covered with a towel. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.10
(a) A clear plastic transport box can be used to transport a leopard gecko. Kitchen towel (or similar) is a good substrate as it can easily be changed if it becomes soiled. Note the use of a wrapped heat pad. (b) A pillow case secured at the top can be used to transport small to medium-sized snakes. Larger snakes may require duvet covers. (Courtesy of Sarah Pellett) (c) Tortoises can be transported in open-topped plastic containers. Note the use of a hot water bottle, covered with a towel. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
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1.12
Wearing gloves is advised when handling hedgehogs. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Wearing gloves is advised when handling hedgehogs.
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1.14
A swan hook in use. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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A swan hook in use.
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A swan bag. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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A swan bag.
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1.16
Having a separate waiting room for exotic pets will reduce stress levels. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Having a separate waiting room for exotic pets will reduce stress levels.
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1.17
A rabbit wrapped securely in a towel. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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A rabbit wrapped securely in a towel.
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1.18
(a) Restraint of a rabbit in dorsal recumbency for syringe-feeding. (b) Restraint of a rabbit in sternal recumbency for blood sampling. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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(a) Restraint of a rabbit in dorsal recumbency for syringe-feeding. (b) Restraint of a rabbit in sternal recumbency for blood sampling.
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(a) Mice can be restrained by lifting them by the base of the tail, supporting the forelimbs once lifted. (b) Scruffing may occasionally be required. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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(a) Mice can be restrained by lifting them by the base of the tail, supporting the forelimbs once lifted. (b) Scruffing may occasionally be required.
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Rats can be restrained by grasping them around the shoulders, with the other hand holding the hindfeet. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Rats can be restrained by grasping them around the shoulders, with the other hand holding the hindfeet.
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Scruffing a hamster. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Scruffing a hamster.
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1.22
Supporting the hindquarters of a guinea pig will prevent spinal damage. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Supporting the hindquarters of a guinea pig will prevent spinal damage.
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1.23
Chinchillas should be held gently around the chest and be supported around their pelvis and hindlegs. (Courtesy of J. Hedley) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Chinchillas should be held gently around the chest and be supported around their pelvis and hindlegs. (Courtesy of J. Hedley)
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1.24
Handling a tame ferret. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Handling a tame ferret.
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1.25
Restraint of a sugar glider using a towel. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Restraint of a sugar glider using a towel.
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1.26
Restraint of an African grey parrot in a towel. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Restraint of an African grey parrot in a towel.
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1.27
Restraint of a Harris’ hawk. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Restraint of a Harris’ hawk.
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1.28
Handling a tawny owl. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Handling a tawny owl.
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1.29
Restraint of an Aylesbury-cross duck. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Restraint of an Aylesbury-cross duck.
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Gentle handling of a pigeon. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Gentle handling of a pigeon.
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Restraint of a chicken. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Restraint of a chicken.
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1.32
Handling a bearded dragon. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Handling a bearded dragon.
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1.33
Handling an iguana. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Handling an iguana.
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1.34
The vasovagal reflex used in the iguana. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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The vasovagal reflex used in the iguana.
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1.35
The head of the snake must be restrained. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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The head of the snake must be restrained.
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1.36
Both hands should be used to hold both sides of the tortoise’s shell, behind the front legs. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.36
Both hands should be used to hold both sides of the tortoise’s shell, behind the front legs.
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The ‘wheelbarrow’ approach used for examining hedgehogs.
The ‘wheelbarrow’ approach used for examining hedgehogs. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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The ‘wheelbarrow’ approach used for examining hedgehogs.
The ‘wheelbarrow’ approach used for examining hedgehogs.
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1.38
It is useful to look at the colour of the feet in rodents such as guinea pigs, as assessing mucous membrane colour can be difficult. (Courtesy of Sarah Pellett) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.38
It is useful to look at the colour of the feet in rodents such as guinea pigs, as assessing mucous membrane colour can be difficult. (Courtesy of Sarah Pellett)
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1.39
Paraphimosis in a chinchilla. Note the swollen penis distal to the constriction. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.39
Paraphimosis in a chinchilla. Note the swollen penis distal to the constriction. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
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Using a paediatric stethoscope to listen to the heart of a budgerigar during clinical examination. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
Using a paediatric stethoscope to listen to the heart of a budgerigar during clinical examination. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Using a paediatric stethoscope to listen to the heart of a budgerigar during clinical examination. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
Using a paediatric stethoscope to listen to the heart of a budgerigar during clinical examination. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
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Position of the brachial artery (red line) and vein (blue line) with respect to the elbow joint in a chicken.
Position of the brachial artery (red line) and vein (blue line) with respect to the elbow joint in a chicken. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Position of the brachial artery (red line) and vein (blue line) with respect to the elbow joint in a chicken.
Position of the brachial artery (red line) and vein (blue line) with respect to the elbow joint in a chicken.
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View of the glottis in a wood pigeon.
View of the glottis in a wood pigeon. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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View of the glottis in a wood pigeon.
View of the glottis in a wood pigeon.
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Placement of a crop tube in a red-naped shaheen.
Placement of a crop tube in a red-naped shaheen. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Placement of a crop tube in a red-naped shaheen.
Placement of a crop tube in a red-naped shaheen.
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1.40
View of an open glottis in an iguana. This is comparable with other reptilian species. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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View of an open glottis in an iguana. This is comparable with other reptilian species. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
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1.41
Intubation of a snake. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Intubation of a snake. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
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Hedgehog with burnt spines after being caught in a bonfire. (Courtesy of D. Hunter) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Hedgehog with burnt spines after being caught in a bonfire. (Courtesy of D. Hunter)
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1.43
This incubator is ideal to create a warm environment for hypothermic animals. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.43
This incubator is ideal to create a warm environment for hypothermic animals.
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1.44
A tear in the wing of a pipistrelle bat. Despite the large size of this wing tear, it is likely to heal on its own in a matter of weeks. (Courtesy of Sergio Silvetti) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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A tear in the wing of a pipistrelle bat. Despite the large size of this wing tear, it is likely to heal on its own in a matter of weeks. (Courtesy of Sergio Silvetti)
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1.45
Radiograph of a fishing hook swallowed by a herring gull. (Courtesy of D. Hunter) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.45
Radiograph of a fishing hook swallowed by a herring gull. (Courtesy of D. Hunter)
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1.46
A group of oiled mallards. (Courtesy of D. Hunter) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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A group of oiled mallards. (Courtesy of D. Hunter)
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1.47
Mute swan with a fractured beak. (Courtesy of D. Hunter) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Mute swan with a fractured beak. (Courtesy of D. Hunter)
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1.48
Intravenous catheter placed in the medial metatarsal vein of a swan. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.48
Intravenous catheter placed in the medial metatarsal vein of a swan.
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1.49
The physical examination of bird patients can be very helpful in making a diagnosis. (a) Vitamin A deficiency can cause rhinoliths to form. (b) An example of feather chewing or barbering in an African grey parrot. (c) Hyperkeratosis caused by vitamin A deficiency in an Amazon parrot. (Courtesy of A. Humphries) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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The physical examination of bird patients can be very helpful in making a diagnosis. (a) Vitamin A deficiency can cause rhinoliths to form. (b) An example of feather chewing or barbering in an African grey parrot. (c) Hyperkeratosis caused by vitamin A deficiency in an Amazon parrot. (Courtesy of A. Humphries)
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1.50
Monitoring the heart beat in an anaesthetized bearded dragon using a Doppler ultrasound probe. (Courtesy of J. Hedley) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Monitoring the heart beat in an anaesthetized bearded dragon using a Doppler ultrasound probe. (Courtesy of J. Hedley)
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1.51
Using a tongue depressor to open the mouth of a bearded dragon to allow oral examination. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.51
Using a tongue depressor to open the mouth of a bearded dragon to allow oral examination.
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1.52
A normal tympanic membrane on the side of the head in a bearded dragon. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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A normal tympanic membrane on the side of the head in a bearded dragon.
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1.53
Weighing an overweight bearded dragon. Note the wide tail due to fat deposited here. © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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1.53
Weighing an overweight bearded dragon. Note the wide tail due to fat deposited here.
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1.54
A severely emaciated frilled lizard. Note the prominent spine and pelvic bones. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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A severely emaciated frilled lizard. Note the prominent spine and pelvic bones. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)
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Cloacal prolapse in a snake. Note the desiccation of the tissues. (Courtesy of C. Dodd) © 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
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Cloacal prolapse in a snake. Note the desiccation of the tissues. (Courtesy of C. Dodd)