Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual (1998)

Medical recordsThorough and accurate medical records are essential to learn and understand more about the medicalproblems of any of our captive species. Medical records should be systematic and entries shouldidentify the history, physical findings, procedures performed, treatments administered, differentialdiagnosis, assessment, and future plans for treatment.A computerized medical record system, which can help tract problems and can be easily transmittedfrom one institution to the next are extremely beneficial. The small-clawed otter SSP encourages theuse of MedARKS (Medical Animal Records Keeping System, International Species InformationSystem, 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd., Apple Valley, MN 55124-8151) as a universal medicalrecord program. Many institutions already use this program making it easy to transfer informationbetween them.Identification:Transponder Chips:The small-clawed otter SSP recommends that all otters be identified as soon as possible afterbirth with a Trovan ® (InfoPet Inc, 415 W. Travelers Trial, Burnsville, MN 55337-2548)transponder chip placed subcutaneously above the bridge of the nose over the forehead. Thislocation makes the chip easy to read when the animal comes to the front of the cage.Transponders placed in the shoulder or back can migrate and may be broken or lost duringfighting and breeding attempts.Tattoos:Small-clawed otters should have their studbook number tattooed on the medial thigh as soon asthey reach adult size. This should be applied to the left medial thigh for females and the rightmedial thigh for males.Preventative Health CareAll small-clawed otters should have an annual examination during which the following is done:• Transponder and tattoos should be checked and reapplied if they are not readable.• Baseline physiological parameters, such as weight, body temperature, heart rate, andrespiratory rate should be obtained and recorded.• The oral cavity and all dentition should be examined. Teeth should be cleaned and polishedif necessary. Any tooth that is fractured or in need of repair should be noted in the medicalrecord and the condition corrected as soon as possible.• The reproductive tract should be evaluated. Care should be taken to record any changes inthe external genitalia, such as vulvar swelling or discharge, and testicular enlargement, andmammary gland changes. Contraceptive hormone implants should also to be checked tomake sure they are in place and not causing any local irritation.• Radiographs should be taken to check for renal and cystic calculi, as well to detect anysubclinical problems, such as pulmonary masses, etc. The size, approximate number, andlocation of any urolith should be noted in the medical record.• Blood collection should be done and a complete blood count and chemistry profileperformed. Animals that are housed outside in heartworm endemic areas should bechecked for heartworm disease by performing a heartworm elisa antigen test.Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual/Health Care-22-