MASTER THE ART OF SMALL EXOTIC MAMMAL RESTRAINT, …
Restraint and Handling of Small Companion MammalsHeather Darbo-McClellan, CVT, VTS (ECC)LafeberVet R.A.C.E. provider # 776-11130November 16, 2014I.Introduction Predator speciesGenerally quite bold, e.g. FerretCan be approached in a manner similar to that used for cats and dogsB. Many exotic companion mammals (ECM) are prey species1.Can become easily stressed in a hospital setting2.Approach these patients calmly, gently, quietly3. Minimize stress whenever possiblea.Gather or prepare all items that may be needed for exam or procedureb.Visual exam before you lay hands on your patienti.Observe the appearance and mentationii.Up to the stress manual restraint? II.Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera)CaptureMost pet chinchillas are used to being handled Relatively easy to capture and restrainManual restraintPlace one hand under the bodyThe other hand gently grasps the tail base Brief video clip illustrating techniqueCautionsFur slipWarn client in advanceUncommonNever scruff or handle roughlyJumpingIII.Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)CaptureCalm, gentle animalsRarely biteManual restraintPlace one hand gently around the thoraxThe other hand supports the rumpCautionsBottom heavyNo scruffing IV.Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)CaptureUsually very docileRarely thump feet and nipCautionsBroken or dislocated back or legLightweight, delicate skeletonWell-developed back and leg musclesManual restraintNon-slip surfaceLarge, heavy towelPadLight restraint ‘Bunny burrito’Tuck against body like a footballTuck head between side of body and armUse other arm to support rabbit’s body against handler’s bodyReturning safely to the cage: rear end firstV.Rats (Rattus spp.)A.Capture1.Most pet rats are good-natured, friendly2.Used to being handledB.Minimal restraintC.Manual restraintTechnique 1Thumb on one side of rat’s head and index finger on other side Support the bodyTechnique 2Forefinger just beneath jaw on one side of headThumb beneath opposite elbow, gently yet firmly pushing forelimb up towards rat’s faceGently scruff if necessaryTail base can be gently grasped prnVI.Gerbils A.Capture1.Typically docile2.Loosely cup in hands3.Thump feet +/- bite when threatenedB.Manual restraint1.Grasp tail base in one hand2.Scruff loose skin along neck and backC.Tip of tail: risk of degloving injuryVII.Hamsters A.Capture1.More likely to bite when awakened from deep sleep2.If not startled, can be scooped into hands3.Do not tolerate excessive or prolonged handlingB.Manual restraint1.Large amount of loose skin over neck, shoulders, back2.Scruffa.Like a cat: grasp skin between thumb and fingertipsb.Full hand gripi.Use all five fingers plus lower palmii.Support body with other handVIII.Mice (Mus musculus)A.Capture1.Very active, quick to jump away2.Avoid chasing around enclosure, scoop into small container like a cup insteadB.Small, clear container for visual examC.Manual restraint1.Large, amount loose skin around neck, shoulders, back2.Gently grasp tail base3.Scruff IX.Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)A.Spines can cause some discomfort in all but the tamest pets1.Towel, light leather gloves2.‘Puff up’ as a defensive behavior while hissing and spitting B.Techniques to unroll the hedgehog have been described1.Work best on hand-tame pets2.General anesthesia is generally required for complete physical exam3.Subdued lighting in a quiet room can help put the conscious hedgehog at easeX.Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps)A.Easy to handle but difficult to restrainB.Manual restraint1.Do not tolerate being scruffed2.Techniquea.Grasp the tail base while allowing the glider to hold onto a surface with its forefeetb.Then place your thumb on one side of the glider’s head and your index finger on the other side while still supporting the body3.Towel or light leather gloves4.General anesthesia XI.Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)A.Capture1.Usually easily handled 2.Rarely bite, exceptions: a.Nursing females b.Kits nipB.Minimal restraint1.Little petting2.Slow administration of high calorie paste to distract B.Manual restraint1.Necessary when obtaining a rectal temperature, giving injections, or during other uncomfortable procedure2. Scruff3.Stretch a.Grasp over the pelvis and not the caudal abdomenb.Do not hold the legs since most ferrets will struggle 4.Review of brief video clipXII.Restraint for common techniques A.Oral examinationB.Oral medicationC.Nutritional supportD.VenipunctureE.IV catheter placementF.Face mask inductionXIII.Approach to less commonly seen species A.Degu (Octodon degus)B.Prairie dog (Cynomys spp.)C.Fennec fox (Vulpes zerda)XIV.Conclusion XV.ReferencesBays TB, Lightfoot TL, Mayer J (eds). Exotic Pet Behavior: Birds, Reptiles, and Small Mammals. St. Louis, Missouri: WB Saunders: 2006. Fowler ME. Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals. Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell; 2008.Heidenreich B. Force Free Animal Training website. Available at . Accessed on September 29, 2014.Meredith A, Johnson-Delaney C (eds). BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets, 5th ed. Ames, Iowa: Wiley; 2010. Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW (eds). Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2012.Pollock C. Chinchilla restraint. LafeberVet website. Available at . Accessed on September 29, 2014.Pollock C. Syringe feeding herbivorous small mammals. LafeberVet website. Available at . Accessed on September 29, 2014.Tynes VV. Behavior of Exotic Pets. Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell; 2010.XVI.Resources .uk/site/tutorials/BVA/BVA02-Introduction.htmlsmall-mammal-training.htmlXVI.Summary of key points ................
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