Exotic Animal Formulary5

resuscitation if needed.
c. Control hemorrhage. Total blood loss of more than 1% of body weight is considered an
emergency. Remove broken blood feathers by pulling the feather shaft out of the follicle
with straight, steady pressure. Apply direct pressure to hemorrhage sites. Use topical
epinephrine, cautery, and ligation if needed.
d. Assess for shock. Evaluate neonates for hypoglycemia and hypothermia. Clinical signs
include cold extremities, pale and tacky mucous membranes, and rapid heart rate. Treat
with fluids and supplemental heat if needed, and treat hypoglycemia with intravenous
or oral dextrose. Treat hyperthermia with fluids, placing the patient in a cool place and
spraying limbs with cool water.
e. Perform full examination once the patient is stable. Examination may need to be
delayed, limited to a cursory exam, or done in stages to minimize patient stress.
i. If possible, determine the species, gender, life stage, body condition, and weight.
ii. Is zoonotic disease or infectious disease a concern? Isolate the patient if necessary.
D. Develop treatment and supportive care plan
a. Assume most wildlife patients are 10% dehydrated on admission. Provide hydrating
solutions and electrolyte support for the first 24 to 48 hours parenterally (Normasol,
2.5% dextrose, LRS, 0.9% saline) or orally with a multispecies electrolyte solution (e.g.,
Pedialyte [Abbott], Gatorade [Gatorade], or Bounce Back [Manna Pro]). Continue to
treat if ongoing fluid losses occur. Most birds, reptiles, and mammals can be triaged
with fluids based on an assumed maintenance rate of 40-60 mL/kg/day, 10-
25 mL/kg/day, and 60 mL/kg/day, respectively.
b. Provide supplemental heat to neonates at 80-90°F (27-32°C). Keep heating pads on low
to prevent thermal burns. Use wrapped hot water bottles and warmed air.
c. Treat and prevent infection. Most open wounds will require antimicrobial therapy.
d. Provide analgesia and antiinflammatory medications if needed. Nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory drugs are useful for soft-tissue injury, head trauma, and spinal
trauma. Although steroids are used by some clinicians to treat acute spinal trauma and
shock, their use in shock, especially in birds, may be controversial and is generally not
recommended. Opioids are useful for severe soft-tissue injury and fractures.
e. Develop a nutritional plan. Attempt to calculate the calories needed for each day’s
feeding. Except for neonates, do not provide food for the first 24 hours while the
animal is being rehydrated. Emaciated animals may need special diets (Emeraid
Nutritional Care System [Lafeber]; Carnivore and Critical Care [Oxbow]) to avoid
refeeding syndrome.
f. Neonatal mammals must be stimulated to urinate and defecate by gently brushing anal
and genital areas with moist cotton or clean tissue after each feeding.
g. Determine appropriate housing. The main goals are safety and to reduce stress on the
animal by preventing noise and visual stimulation. In general, minimize contact to
people and domestic animals. Wildlife should not be kept in close proximity to domestic
animals while being housed for veterinary care.
E. Rehabilitation
a. Contact the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (866-871-1869;
https://theiwrc.org/), the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (320-230-9920;
www.nwrawildlife.org), or State Rehabilitation Associations to find a rehabilitator
near you.
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