EXOTIC PET MANAGEMENT FOR THE TECHNICIAN Preface Michelle S. Schulte and Agnes E. Rupley xi Rodent Husbandry and Care 201 Cynthia J. Brown and Thomas M. Donnelly This article reviews the husbandry, care and normal behavioral preferences of pet rats and mice. It covers recognition of signs of pain, illness and abnormal responses, and describes necessary skills such as handling, blood collection and drug administration. Animal-human responses in owning and caring for rats and mice are considered. Included is advice on suitability of pet rats with children, neutering and dental examinations. The conclusion lists recommended textbooks, pet owner manuals, instructional CDs, and websites. Ferret Care and Husbandry 227 Heather Bixler and Christine Ellis Convivial and playful, the ferret has cohabited with humans for hundreds of years. Maintenance of this mustelid s health and quality of life is paramount for the endurance of the human-animal bond. This review article for veterinary care givers, veterinarians, and staff, encompasses discussions on: husbandry, clinical techniques, prevalent diseases, history taking, physical examination, vaccination, and pain recognition. This article also enables the veterinary community to contribute to the care and welfare of ferret patients by offering facts to distinguish these animals from dogs and cats. Hedgehog Care and Husbandry 257 Elisabeth A. Simone-Freilicher and Heidi L. Hoefer An understanding of the unique behavior of hedgehogs is discussed, and is instrumental in approaching their nutrition, husbandry, and medical care. Physical examination, sample collection, anesthesia, hospitalization, and common signs of illness are presented. VOLUME 7 Æ NUMBER 2 Æ MAY 2004 v
Prairie Dog Care and Husbandry 269 Anthony A. Pilny and Laurie Hess The species of prairie dog most commonly found in the pet trade is the black-tailed prairie dog, Cynomus ludovicianus. These prairie dogs are active, playful, and strong rodents that can make wonderful, affectionate pets when they are properly socialized and given attention. However, with a life span of 8 to 12 years, prairie dogs require a lot of care and a long-term commitment. Prairie dogs live in colonies; thus, they are highly social animals. Potential owners should understand a prairie dog s need for attention before adopting one. Marsupial Care and Husbandry 283 Kathryn C. Gamble Although startlingly different in anatomy and physiology from the placental mammals common to private veterinary practice, clinical care for marsupial mammals can be approached from similar perspectives. Marsupials remain undomesticated animals with challenging needs in diet and care that must consider their native environment to be successful. As wild animals, veterinary care and clinical problems of marsupials as pets can present from sources of stress, restraint, and husbandry. Veterinary professionals can prevent many of these concerns by advising caretakers on appropriate care and feeding of these species. Rabbit Care and Husbandry 299 Teresa Bradley This article provides information for the veterinary staff to be better prepared to care for the special needs of rabbit patients as they are presented in increased frequency for veterinary care. Housing, nutrition, restraint, and recognizing illness are covered in detail. Descriptions of techniques for blood collection, oral medication administration, and injection sites are included. Preventive care recommendations for examinations from first visit to geriatric visits are outlined as well as indications for spaying and neutering. Also provided are lists that will aid the veterinary staff in providing instructions when the appointment is made, recommendations for boarding, surgical, and anesthetic considerations and clinical signs that are associated with pain in rabbits. Avian Care and Husbandry 315 Michelle S. Schulte and Agnes E. Rupley Birds are becoming more popular as pets, and the need for veterinary professionals to learn more about these pets is crucial. This article introduces the veterinary staff to basic information required to provide high-quality care to avian patients. High-quality nutrition for a variety of species and ages is included in this article. The importance of proper husbandry and intellectual stimulation with toys is also discussed. Special emphasis is placed on instructions vi
for clients when making appointments, as well as recognizing signs of illness for both clients and veterinary staff. Capture, restraint, and sample collection are an important part of this article, as well as medication administration, anesthesia, supportive care, preventive care and grooming. A variety of aspects concerning the care of the avian patient are covered for the benefit of the client and veterinary technician. Guinea Pig and Chinchilla Care and Husbandry 351 Thomas M. Donnelly and Cynthia J. Brown This article reviews breeds and coat colors of guinea pigs and chinchillas, their husbandry, care and anatomy. The unusual reproductive physiology and reproductive diseases of these animals are described. We cover nutrition, the potential for disease on poor diets, and the vocalization of hystricomorph rodents. Skills such as handling, sexing, blood collection and drug administration, including antibiotic toxicity are described. The conclusion lists recommended textbooks, pet owner manuals, and websites. Nursing Care of Lizards 375 Michael McBride and Stephen J. Hernandez-Divers This article should introduce to the veterinary staff some of the basic information that is required to provide high-quality medicine to lizards. This article begins with a brief introduction to lizards and their husbandry, including caging, lighting, humidity, and diet. Making appointments for lizards, taking a history, manual restraint, venipuncture, fecal sampling, catheterization, medications, administering fluids, giving injections, radiology, and anesthesia are all detailed for veterinary technicians and veterinary animal care staff. Each section details differences between lizards and typical mammalian patients while trying to emphasize the common approach to both groups of animals. Pet Fish Care and Husbandry 397 Barbara D. Petty and Ruth Francis-Floyd This article guides the technician through the basic principles of fish health. Nutrition, including the proper storage of fish foods, is discussed, as are the varying dietary needs of fish. The ability to recognize water-quality problems is emphasized, especially the conditions that commonly result in high mortality. Collection of specimens for microscopic examination or other diagnostic tests is explained. Snake Care and Husbandry 421 Mark A. Mitchell The snake has long been a contradictory species; you either love them or hate them. In the United States, these reptiles are popular pets. There is also a significant amount of energy placed into developing vii
captive breeding programs to produce different color morphs for many species. In some cases, such as the ball pythons (Python regius), these color morphs can sell for $20,000 to $30,000 each. In comparison to domestic mammals, snakes are long-lived. It is not uncommon for corn snakes (Elaphe guttata guttata) to live for 15 to 25 years and for ball pythons to live 35 to 45 years. Because of the longevity and value of these animals, more snakes are being presented to the veterinarian to manage medical and surgical problems, as well as for routine medical care. Veterinary personnel working with snakes should familiarize themselves with the specific husbandry and medical requirements of these animals so that they can make informed decisions regarding their management. Turtle Care and Husbandry 447 Sharon M. Wappel and Michelle S. Schulte Chelonians (turtles, tortoises, and terrapins) are not as well represented in private reptile collections as are snakes and lizards. This may be due in part to the fact that they often require more space and time for proper care. Nonetheless, they are still popular pets. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of what constitutes proper care for these animals. This article will discuss basic captive husbandry and nutrition issues of common chelonians, as well as recognizing illness, capture and restraint, sample collection, medication administration, and preventive care. Invertebrate Care 473 John E. Cooper Invertebrates are attracting increasing interest within the veterinary profession. They are also significant in their own right; as the Council of Europe s Charter on Invertebrates points out, they are the most important component of wild fauna as well as providing food, contributing to agriculture and forestry, and aiding medicine, industry, and crafts. Whenever invertebrates are kept in captivity they should be subject to high standards of management and care and veterinary attention whether by the veterinarian or by the veterinary technician should be based on sound biological and humanitarian principles. Laboratory Procedures 487 Carolyn Cray and Julia Zaias The main foundation to veterinary medicine is the availability of laboratory tests. These tests may be performed in-clinic or at diagnostic laboratories. In-clinic testing is advantageous in producing quick results, but demands sound technical ability, basic equipment, and access to some routine and special reagents. Laboratory-based testing can back up those routine techniques that may or may not be available at the clinic level as well as provide specialized testing. The knowledge of commercially available diagnostic viii
services is important as well as preparation and proper shipping of samples for accurate determinations. Index 519 Subscription Information ix