Exotic Animal Formulary5

release or placement in an education program. Euthanasia of wild
animals should be conducted according to the AVMA Guidelines on
Euthanasia or the AAZV Guidelines for the Euthanasia of
Nondomestic Animals. Wildlife authorities should be contacted if a
wild animal is fitted with a band, transmitter, tag, or other
identification device. Consideration of carcass disposal is necessary, the
usual means being incineration, burial/landfill, composting, or newer
evolving technologies. Animals euthanized with pentobarbital should
never be disposed in a manner that makes the carcass accessible to
scavenging and subsequent secondary pentobarbital toxicosis. All
carcasses, parts, and feathers from bald eagles and golden eagles must
be sent to the National Eagle Repository. According to the Migratory
Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to keep carcasses, parts and feathers from
any migratory bird without an appropriate federal permit.
Table 14-3
Recommendations for Safe Restraint of Native Wildlife. 5,9,11,12,19,28,47,49,54,57,58,70,72,75
Topic
Notes a
Wild animals may carry a variety of infectious and parasitic diseases that
may present a health risk to veterinary staff, clients, the public, and
domestic patients. It is strongly advised to wear a primary barrier
(latex gloves) when handling wild animals.
Badgers,
coyotes,
foxes,
bobcats, and
lynx
Raccoons
Skunk
River otters
Young kits/cubs weighing less than 1 kg can be handled by wearing latex
gloves under long leather gloves and caught up by wrapping in a
thick towel or blanket. For long procedures or fractious adults,
anesthetize by injectable/inhalant combinations. Inject larger animals
(over 3 kg) using squeeze cage, netting, or syringe pole. Do not scruff
animals for restraint because they can still turn and bite. Restrain by
grasping the head around the back of the neck and holding the dorsal
pelvis with the legs aimed away from your abdomen to avoid personal
injury. Use muzzles to prevent biting.
Infants/juveniles may be restrained by the scruff of the neck or by holding
the shoulder area of the forelegs with one leg in each hand. Animals
tend to scream, grasp, or bite at the gloves and may urinate with
handling. Restrain older juveniles and adults with chemical or a
combination of chemical and gas anesthesia.
Limit handling in this species to avoid being sprayed from the musk
glands. Wear eye protection when handling. For young animals,
attempt to drape a towel or plastic sheet and tuck the tail between the
hind legs to decrease the possibility of being sprayed. Restrain older
juveniles and adults with chemical and/or gas anesthesia.
Natural defense is to bite, grasp, and twist which may cause significant
tissue trauma. Appropriate protective gear includes elbow-length
888