Bats (British Microchiroptera species)

Bats (British Microchiroptera species)

Drug	Dose	Comments
Anaesthesia: Gaseous anaesthetic alone is usually preferable in bats
Analgesics
Buprenorphine	0.1 mg/kg s.c., p.o. q6–12h a	For treatment of moderate pain
Meloxicam (use 0.5 mg/ml product)	0.2 mg/kg p.o. q24h a,b	NSAID for mild/moderate pain and inflammation If diluted for use, make up a fresh dilution daily The usual considerations for the careful use of NSAIDs in dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypertensive animals, as well as those with underlying gastrointestinal disease, should be observed Avoid use in pregnant animals
Antibiotics Antibiotic use (both appropriate and inappropriate) imposes a powerful selection pressure on bacteria and is the primary driver of antibiotic resistance. Eliminating unnecessary use in people and animals is, therefore, essential to safeguard this invaluable resource. Prudent use is especially indicated where treated wild animals are being returned to the wild. The reader is referred to the Guidelines for responsible antibiotic use https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/formulary/backmatter/exotic-petsguidelinesforresponsibleantibioticuse for more information
Amoxicillin/clavulanate (co-amoxiclav)	30 mg/kg p.o. q12h b	Broad-spectrum Duration of treatment according to response (minimum 5 days)
Enrofloxacin	10 mg/kg p.o. q12h b	Broad-spectrum Fluroquinolones should ideally be reserved for infections where culture and sensitivity testing predict a clinical response and use of first- and second- line antimicrobials would not be considered effective Duration of treatment according to response (minimum 5 days) Not to be used in growing animals If diluted for use, make up a fresh dilution daily
Miscellaneous:
Kaolin suspension	1 ml/kg as total daily dose (given as a divided dose p.o. q6h)c	For use in animals with non-specific diarrhoea
Simethicone	400 mg/kg p.o. q6h a,b	For use in animals with bloat

NSAID(s) = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(s)

References and further reading

aLollar A (2018) The rehabilitation and captive care of insectivorous bats. Bat World Sanctuary, Texas

bBexton S and Couper D (2010) Handling and veterinary care of British bats. In Practice 32, 254–262

cCouper D (2016) Bats. BSAVA Manual of Wildlife Casualties, 2nd edition, ed. E Mullineaux and E Keeble, pp. 175–192. BSAVA Publications, Gloucester

Bat Conservation Trust https://www.bats.org.uk

BSAVA Library https://www.bsavalibrary.com/