Contributor: Heather Barron, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), CertAqV

Article  Webinar 

Sea Turtle Medicine

Heather DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), CertAqV will present this live, interactive webinar, RACE-approved for 1 credit hour and co-hosted with the Wildlife Disease Association. This webinar reviews the key regulatory, anatomical, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations involved in sea turtle rehabilitation. Topics will include state and federal permitting requirements, the conservation challenges facing threatened and endangered sea turtle species, and anatomical features relevant to clinical care. Diagnostic evaluation focuses on physical examination, imaging, laboratory testing, and sample collection techniques designed to minimize patient stress. Treatment discussions cover critical and supportive care, including fluid therapy, nutritional support, analgesia, anesthesia, and appropriate antimicrobial use. This webinar also examines a few conditions commonly encountered in wildlife rehabilitation.

Article 

Enterocolitis in Hamsters

Diarrhea is the most common problem in pet hamsters. In a survey of two large American commercial breeding facilities, approximately 3% of shipped hamsters develop diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by enterocolitis can occur in hamsters of any age or breed and is commonly known as “wet-tail”. Clinical signs in weanlings usually include diarrhea, anorexia, ruffled hair, dehydration, weight loss, and death. The mortality rate is often highest in…

Quiz 

Critical Care Techniques for Avian Wildlife Emergencies Post Test

The Critical Care Techniques for Avian Wildlife Emergencies webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.

Article  Video  Webinar 

Critical Care Techniques for Avian Wildlife Emergencies

Dr. Heather Barron presented this webinar on avian critical care. View a recording of the live, interactive event, then take the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. The goal of wildlife medicine is always eventual release and therefore triage of avian wildlife may vary based on case load, regulations, and the presenting situation. Dr. Barron examines the guidelines used to set triage policy and the reasons a bird may not be releasable or have a good quality of life in captivity. She then discusses practical measures intended to alleviate suffering and improve the odds of patient survival, such as fluid support, analgesia, evaluation of blood volume, and transfusion. This presentation concludes with a brief discussion on assessing life and euthanasia.

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian History Form 5

Avian History Form from the University of Georgia at Athens College of Veterinary Medicine provided by Dr. Heather Barron.

Heather Barron, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), CertAqV

Heather Barron has over 30 years of experience in wildlife health, rehabilitation, and clinical care. She serves as Chair of the Wildlife Veterinary Section for the Wildlife Disease Association, and is currently the Chief Science Officer and Veterinarian for Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno, Florida. Dr. Barron previously served as the Hospital Director of the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W.) as well as the Chair of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Professor of Small and Exotic Animal Medicine at St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in the Cayman Islands…

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian Behavioral History Form 5

Provided by Dr. Lynne Seibert. board-certified veterinary behaviorist, Download Behavioral History Form 5 PDF.