Triage of Exotic Species During Emergency

EventsJavier G. Nevarez DVM, PhDjnevarez@vetmed.lsu.edu

225-578-9657

It’s all about metabolism!

Immediate NeedsHousing

Food

HousingWell ventilated

Easy to clean and disinfect

Escape resistant

HousingMinimal space

Birds: stretch wings and turn 360o

Small mammals: stand up and turn 360o

Reptiles: turn 360o ideal but not critical

Space for emergency situations is not the same as for long term housing

Can use the same transport cages

HousingOptions

Sky kennels or similar cages Plastic boxes with lids

Work well for snakes and small reptiles Pillow cases for transporting snakes Aquariums Wire cages

FoodMaintenance

Birds: seeds and pelleted diets

Small mammals: pelleted diets, hay, veggies

Reptiles: veggies, insects, rodents

FoodCritical Care

Oxbow critical care: herbivore and carnivorehttp://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com

Lafeber Emeraid: herbivore, omnivore, carnivorehttp://www.lafebervet.com

Hill’s A/D or similar Pellet “smoothie”

Birds

Birds Higher metabolism = higher energy requirement

Should not fast > 12 hours

Sensitive to extreme temperatures Aim for 75-85oF

Sensitive to environmental stressors Maintain in quiet rooms with no predators

Sensitive to inhaled substances Diesel or gas fumes during transport, chemicals, etc…

May bite Use experienced personnel

BirdsHousing considerations

Use “bird resistant” cages Perches Toys Secured or heavy bowls Newspaper substrate

BirdsVery sensitive to their environment

Become stressed easily

The following non-specific clinical signs would warrant additional veterinary evaluation: Keeping eyes closed Fluffed feathers Abnormal posture Spending more time on the floor Respiratory signs Anorexia

BirdsZoonoses

Chlamydophila psittaci Aspergillosis Mycobacteriosis

Birds with respiratory signs, naso-ocular discharge should be isolated and examined by a veterinarian

Small mammalsHigher metabolism = higher energy

requirement Should not fast > 12 hours

More sensitive to warm temperatures Aim for 65-85oF, <80% humidity

Less sensitive to environmental stressors Tolerate being housed with other mammals

Strong fight or flight response May injure themselves inside the cage

Small MammalsMay develop fur matting and perianal

dermatitis in small cages due to contact with urine and feces

Diseases of Concern Heat stress Bloat/colic/ileus Diarrhea Pasteurella multocida – rabbits Mycoplasma pulmonis – rats

Reptiles Slow metabolism = lower energy requirement

Can fast for days to months according to body condition and species Herbivores: feed daily to every other day Omnivores: feed every 2-3 days Insectivores: feed every 2-3 days Carnivores: feed once q1-2 weeks

Sensitive to low temperatures Aim for 75-95oF

Less sensitive to environmental stressors

May bite, scratch, constrict, etc…. Use experienced personnel

ReptilesHaving food available may be challenging

May have to force feed critical care diets

Need calcium supplementation Crushed fruit flavored TUMS

ReptilesDiseases of Concern

Salmonella sp. ZoonoticSalmonellosis is rare in reptiles

Upper respiratory infections – snakes and chelonians

Herpes virus – chelonians Mycoplasma sp. – chelonians Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism

SummaryKnow metabolism!!!!

Determine housing and nutritional requirements

Assess general health status

Assign experienced personnel

Keep species separated as much as possible

Have quarantine area

Have an expert available for consultations

Questions?