fluids

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Critical Care of Exotic Pet Species

The principles of emergency care and stabilization are the same in exotic pets as those established in human and more traditional pet medicine. Presented by Angela Lennox, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice, Exotic Companion Mammal Practice), DECZM (Small Mammals), this RACE-approved webinar recording first reviews life support measures, including airway and cardiac support, control of hemorrhage, correction of underlying fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, and restoration of normothermia…

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The Critical Reptile Patient

View this webinar recording by Stacey Leonatti Wilkinson, DVM, DABVP (Reptile & Amphibian Practice), RACE-approved for 1 credit hour. A common misconception is that true emergencies in reptile medicine do not exist. While it is true that most emergencies are an acute manifestation of a chronic disease, by the time the owner notices a problem an emergency may exist. Some common, true, acute-onset emergencies include trauma, vomiting, prolapse, seizures, tremors, obstructive dystocia, and severe dyspnea. Proper triage is critical when treating exotic animal patients and a complete history is vital to help determine a list of differential diagnoses. A physical examination should be performed, but initially it may be only visual or extremely limited if the patient is unstable. Stabilization should be the priority; then additional tests or procedures can be performed once the patient is more stable.

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Exotic Small Mammal Anesthesia

Exotic small mammals can be challenging to safely induce, maintain and recover from general anesthesia. View the recording of this RACE-approved webinar, which explores clinical anesthesia in exotic companion mammals from patient assessment and anesthetic induction to monitoring and recovery. This recording discusses the importance of proper physical examinations, the pharmacology of common anesthetic drugs or fluids, including the use of constant rate infusions and locoregional anesthesia techniques, intravenous and intraosseous catheterization, intubation techniques, and how to choose monitoring equipment in common companion exotic small mammal species.

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Rabbit Nutrition and Critical Care Feeding

Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT,VTS (Nutrition) presented this distance-learning event for the veterinary medical students at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit.

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Medical, Nursing & Cosmetic Procedures of Birds of Prey

Dr. Jaime Samour presented Part 1 (medical and nursing procedures) of his presentation for the Avian, Wildlife & Exotics club at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, and Part 2 (cosmetic procedures) for Mississippi State University. These distance-learning events were hosted by the Lafeber Company Student Program and the webinar recordings are RACE approved for up to 2.0 hours of continuing education credit.

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Clinical Approach to Amphibian Emergencies

View the RACE-approved webinar recording, presented by Douglas Whiteside, DVM, DVSc, DACZM, DECZM (Zoo Health Management). Topics covered include clinically relevant anatomy and physiology, obtaining a detailed history, triage and emergency therapies, clinical examination, diagnostic testing, analgesia, nutritional support, hospitalization, and euthanasia.

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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.

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Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Triage

View the recording of this case-based presentation, which aims to cover the basics while also offering helpful tips, tricks, and insights for the experienced rehabilitator or veterinarian. Topics covered include wildlife rehabilitation fundamentals, emergency triage as it applies to wildlife care, and guidelines used to assess patient condition and determine the most humane treatment plan.

Article 

Central Venous Catheter Placement in Chelonians

Long-term vascular access is difficult to obtain and maintain in chelonians. Fortunately, central venous catheters provide flexibility and length to avoid catheter dislodgement. Central lines are an effective tool that allow serial blood measurements and can be used for anesthesia administration, intravenous drug delivery, blood product transfusions, and continuous fluid therapy or continuous rate infusions.This photo tutorial article describes this simple technique step-by-step.

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Emergency and Critical Care of Rabbits

The free, live, RACE-approved continuing education webinar was presented by Charly Pignon, DVM, DECZM (Small Mammal) on November 7, 2018. Lecture topics include emergency triage, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, analgesia, fluid therapy, and critical care nutrition. RACE approval has expired for the webinar recording, but STAY TUNED for renewal.

Article 

Reptile Emergency & Critical Care Summary Page

Reptiles lack an epiglottis and the glottis is ready visualized, making intubation readily accomplished in most species. If the glottal folds are closed, apply topical lidocaine to facilitate intubation. The tracheal rings are complete in reptiles. Use of an inflated, cuffed endotracheal tube can lead to pressure necrosis because there is no elastic ligament to accommodate tracheal expansion. Always select an uncuffed endotracheal tube in small reptiles and never inflate a cuff in large reptiles …

Article 

Exotic Companion Mammal Emergency & Critical Care Summary Page

Although the principles of emergency medicine critical care are universal for all species, this approach must be balanced with an understanding of the unique aspects of small mammal medicine. Use this summary page to review the basic approach to the exotic companion mammal patient and select additional links to supplement your knowledge base.

Article 

Avian Emergency & Critical Care Summary Page

Although the principles of emergency medicine critical care are universal for all species, this approach must be balanced with an understanding of the unique aspects of avian medicine. Use this summary page to review the basic approach to the avian patient and select additional links to supplement your knowledge base.

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Quality Exotic Small Mammal Anesthesia

In 2023, Ms. Nugent-Deal shared an updated video recording on this topic: Exotic Small Mammal Anesthesia. View this new, RACE-approved webinar recording.

Article 

Exotic ICU: Nursing Care for Reptiles

Due to their unique anatomy, physiology, and behavior, critically ill reptiles pose special challenges. Fortunately there are a host of tips and tricks that can increase clinical success in an intensive care setting… This Exotic ICU article is part of a series exploring nursing care of special species.