Procedures: Examination-Evaluation

Article  Presenting Problem 

Presenting problem: Crop Burn in Birds

Crop burns are commonly caused by thermal injury in young birds and, in rare instances, by ingestion of caustic chemicals in adult birds. Crop burn is generally caused by feeding formula that is too hot (>110ºF or 43.3ºC) or less commonly, contact with a heat lamp or heating pad. Damage typically occurs in the gravity dependent right ventral region of the crop where the weight of the food bolus presses heated material against the skin. This increased thermal exposure can lead to necrosis of the crop wall and skin forming a fistula that can leak food.

Form-Questionnaire 

Rabbit Physical Examination Form

Form donated by Dr. Tom Tully of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Download Rabbit Physical Exam Form.

Form-Questionnaire 

Pocket Pet Physical Examination Form

Form donated by Dr. Tom Tully of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Download Pocket Pet Physical Exam Form.

Form-Questionnaire 

Reptile Physical Examination Form

Donated by Dr. Tom Tully of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, use this reptile physical examination form to document evaluation of the reptile patient.

Form-Questionnaire 

Rabbit History Form

Form donated by Dr. Tom Tully of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Download Rabbit History Form.

Form-Questionnaire 

Ferret History Form

History and physical examination forms donated by Dr. Tom Tully of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Download Ferret History Form PDF.

Article  Video 

Oral Examination in Rabbits and Rodents

Evaluation of the oral cavity is considered an essential part of the complete physical examination in small exotic companion mammals, both symptomatic and clinically normal individuals alike. Use this video clip or article with still images to review equipment needed as well chemical and manual restraint techniques for extraoral and intraoral exams.

Article 

Backyard Poultry Primer

Backyard or hobby flocks consist of meat and game birds; or ornamental or show birds. This review article, co-authored by poultry veterinarian, Teresa Morishita, offers tips on the basic clinical approach to backyard poultry as well as differential diagnosis lists for common clinical problems. Conditions commonly encountered in backyard chickens and turkeys often include endoparasites, like Eimeria spp., pasteurellosis or fowl cholera, mycoplasmosis, staphylococcosis, and colibacillosis. Diseases important for public health concerns, such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease, are also discussed.

Form-Questionnaire 

Nutritional Assessment Form

Developed by LafeberVet to evaluate dietary history and much more – Download this client questionnaire.

Article 

10 Tips for a Great Baby Bird Visit

For most veterinarians, chicks are seen only sporadically in clinical practice–which can shake your confidence. Use LafeberVet’s NEW Ten Tips for Evaluating Chicks in the Exam Room as a clinical aide to start your pediatric visit off right.

Article  Presenting Problem 

Presenting problem: Trauma in Ferrets

Ferrets are small, flexible, mischievous, and curious. This combination means that traumatic injury is a common problem, particularly when owners do not supervise their pets or “ferret proof” their living quarters. For instance, reclining chairs have been implicated in the injury and even death of many ferrets. Ferrets may also be accidentally stepped on or become trapped within a confined space. Trauma can result in a constellation of injuries that may affect the head, thorax, abdomen, spine, and limbs.

Article 

Mammary Tumors in Small Mammals

An important differential for lumps and bumps: Mammary gland tumors are relatively common in rats and mice, and are also seen in African pygmy hedgehogs and guinea pigs. Get the facts about mammary tumors in small mammals. Review diagnostics, management, prognosis and prevention of this important condition.

Article  Presenting Problem 

Presenting problem: Cloacal Prolapse in Birds

Cloacal prolapse is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem. Prolapses can originate from the cloaca, oviduct or intestinal tract. The cloaca normally prolapses during egg laying or oviposition, and normal retraction of the cloaca may be slowed or absent in an obese hen or one with hypocalcemia. Excessive abdominal contractions caused by an abnormal egg, dystocia, cloacal disease, gastrointestinal disease or chronic mastubatory behavior can also promote prolapse.

Article 

Otitis in Rabbits

The pathogenesis of otitis is often multifactorial in the rabbit. Predisposing factors such as ear conformation increase the risk of otitis in certain breeds. All rabbits have a relatively narrow ear canal, however in Lop-eared rabbits the fold in the ear cartilage is such that the lumen is entirely closed off preventing normal drainage of cerumen from the ear.

Article 

Mange in Exotic Small Mammals

Most species of mites are host-specific, however take special precautions, such as wearing exam gloves, to minimize the spread of potentially zoonotic pathogens. Humans that become infested with Sarcoptes scabei may develop wheals, vesicles, papules, and intense pruritus. Pet owners, especially children, may become infected with…

Article 

Physical Examination of Small Exotic Mammals

Physical examination in exotic small mammals is performed similarly to examinations in dogs and cats, however many small mammals can easily become stressed. Approach these patients calmly, gently, and quietly. Gather all items that may be needed during the physical exam beforehand since it is essential to keep time to a minimum. Ideally schedule examination of nocturnal species such as sugar gliders, rats, and mice during the evening hours. It can also be helpful to dim the lights while examining these species.

Information sheet 

Basic Information Sheet: African Pygmy Hedgehog

The African pygmy hedgehog is a native of West and Central Africa. When threatened, the hedgehog curls into a ball, extends its spines, puffs up, and hisses. When exposed to a new object, hedgehogs may exhibit “self anointing” or “anting”. The new object is licked until thick, frothy saliva collects and is then…

Article 

Dental Disease in Rabbits and Rodents

Dental problems in rabbits and rodents are often related to either trauma or lack of normal wear and tooth elongation. When herbivores like rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas receive concentrates, in the form of grain or pellets, with only limited access to hay and natural vegetation this diet provides too little tooth wear to compensate for the natural growth of the teeth.

Article 

Dental Anatomy of Rabbits and Rodents

More hay please…Prolonged chewing of tough, abrasive foods such as hay causes rapid tooth wear in rabbits and herbivorous rodents. To compensate for this, these species have permanent teeth that grow and erupt continuously, never producing anatomical roots. Learn more in Dental Anatomy of Rabbits and Rodents by Dr. David Crossley.

Article 

Microchip Placement For Identification of Birds

Microchip implantation provides permanent and unique identification. This article describes the equipment needed and the technique involved for this procedure. During microchip implantation, the avian patient may be awake and manually restrained or placed under general anesthesia. The battery-free transponder or microchip is placed superficially into the pectoral muscle mass. Potential complications are rare but can include evidence of pain in the bird, hemorrhage, infection, or accidental subcutaneous placement of the chip.

Article 

Avian Analgesia

Pain assessment in birds is very complex because it requires consideration of differences in age, gender, species, individual behaviors and environmental factors. Birds may exhibit different behaviors or may hide painful behaviors when outside of their home cage. Predatory species may exhibit painful behaviors more readily than prey species. Many clinical signs may be associated with pain in birds including…

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian Neurologic Exam Form 1

Provided by Dr. Tracy Clippinger of the San Diego Zoo. Download Neurologic Exam Form 1 PDF.

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian Eye Exam Form 2

Created by LafeberVet and adapted from a standard ophthalmic exam form at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Download Avian Ophthalmic Exam Form 2 PDF .
Provided by Dr. Patrick Redig and Dr. Julia Ponder of The Raptor Center.

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian Eye Exam Form 1

Created by LafeberVet and adapted from a standard ophthalmic exam form at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Download Avian Ophthalmic Exam Form 1 PDF .

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian Behavioral History Form 6

Provided by Dr. Lynne Seibert. board-certified veterinary behaviorist, Download Behavioral History Form 6 PDF

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian Behavioral History Form 5

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

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian Behavioral History Form 2 – Parrots

Provided by behaviorist, Pamela Clark. I have used this behavior consult information form for 10 years, perfecting it along the way. Download Behavioral History Form 2 PDF.

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian Behavioral History Form 1

Provided by Dr. Lynne Seibert. board-certified veterinary behaviorist Download Behavioral History Form 1 PDF.

Form-Questionnaire 

Pocket Pet History Form

This exotic companion mammal history form was donated by Dr. Tom Tully of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Form-Questionnaire 

Avian Physical Examination Form 3

Avian Physical Examination Forms Created by LafeberVet

Download Avian PE Form 3 PDF

Provided by Dr. Tom Tully of Louisiana State University

Article 

Diagnosing and Treating Avian Neurologic Disease

The cranial nerve exam differs little from that of mammals, however there are differences in innervation. As in mammals, menace and pupillary light response (PLR) require use of cranial nerves II (optic) and III (oculomotor), however menace is difficult to interpret in birds. Also, PLR may be overridden in birds due to the presence of striated iridal muscle. Evaluate PLR early in the exam using a sudden, bright light directed toward the medial canthus. Consensual PLR is absent due to…

Article 

Measuring Avian Blood Pressure

Arterial blood pressure measurement is an important tool in the management of the critically ill bird. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted against the blood vessel wall during contraction of the heart. Although direct arterial pressure measurement is ideal, it is not commonly used because of the need for specific technical skill, invasive nature of the procedure, and cost of equipment.

Article  Video 

Avian Respiratory Emergencies: An Approach to the Dyspneic Bird

After recognizing a dyspneic bird, the clinician’s initial response should be: Hands Off!! Dyspneic birds can die soon after presentation with the additional stress of restraint and handling. Therefore minimize handling and place the bird in an oxygen-rich cage. Humidify air and provide 40 to 50% oxygen. As in mammals, oxygen therapy is potentially toxic if given for prolonged periods at high levels.