Quiz 

Test Your Knowledge: Therapeutic Techniques in Reptiles

The Therapeutic Techniques in Reptile Patients 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 

Avian Euthanasia Survey Results

Euthanasia, or providing “a good death,” is an essential, yet often challenging, part of veterinary practice. Euthanasia presents unique difficulties in avian patients, and while many recommendations exist, strong personal opinions also shape clinical practice. View the results of this confidential survey.

Article  Video  Webinar 

Therapeutic Techniques in Reptile Patients

Douglas Mader, MS, DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline Practice), DABVP (Reptile/Amphibian Practice), DECZM (Herpetology) presented this live, interactive webinar. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take and pass the brief post-test to earn 1 continuing education credit. Effective therapeutic management of reptile patients requires strict attention to the Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ). Warming patients to their POTZ ensures predictable pharmacologic responses, as reptiles at ideal temperatures demonstrate significantly improved drug absorption and metabolism compared with hypothermic individuals. Hydration status and appropriate route selection also influence therapeutic success in reptile medicine. Various routes of drug and fluid administration are explored, from subcutaneous and intracoelomic to intramuscular, intravenous, and intraosseous routes of injection.

Article 

Avian Euthanasia: Welfare Considerations & Clinical Techniques

Euthanasia may be considered an essential part of veterinary practice, however the incredible diversity of class Aves creates special challenges for veterinary health professionals seeking to provide a death free of distress or pain. This review article first explores personnel and owner considerations, before beginning a discussion on the use pre-visit anxiolytics and general anesthesia. Important euthanasia agents as well as common routes of administration are explored in detail, before concluding with a brief discussion of field euthanasia techniques and confirmation of death.

Article  Video  Webinar 

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.

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.

Article 

Administration of Medication in Birds: Injections

The avian patient poses special challenges for delivery of injectable medications. Although the techniques involved are not unique to birds, special knowledge of avian anatomy as well as delicate, proficient technical skills are required. Depending on the species, the individual, and the clinical situation, injections can be delivered by intramuscular, intravenous, intraosseous, subcutaneous, intratracheal, or intracoelomic routes. Parenteral drug administration provides the advantage of delivering a precise dose when a rapid therapeutic response is necessary. Disadvantages include stress as well as the potential irritation or pathology that can occur at the injection site.

Article  Video  Webinar 

Restraint & Handling of Small Exotic Companion Mammals Webinar

Manual restraint of exotic companion mammals is a challenging but necessary part of veterinary practice. In this webinar recording, Ms. McClellan reviews the approach to predator and prey species as well as the principles of capture and handling of several species of small exotic companion animals in a hospital setting including from rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas to small rodents, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders.

Article  Video 

Intramuscular Injections in Small Mammals

In exotic companion mammals, intramuscular injections are primarily given in the large muscles of the rear legs or the epaxial muscles. This review article features a brief video illustrating epaxial muscle injection as well as a discussion of potential complications and a step-by-step description of injections into both thigh and epaxial musculature.

Article  Video 

Administration of Medication in Reptiles

Reptile owners are routinely instructed on oral or intramuscular drug administration techniques for outpatient care. In many instances and in many species, parenteral injections are preferred over the oral route. Injectable medications can be delivered intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intracoelomically, intravenously, or…

Article  Video 

Intramuscular Injections in Birds

Intramuscular injections in birds are given into the pectoral muscle mass, which consists of superficial and deep pectoral muscles with a prominent fascial plane in between. View the brief video illustrating this clinical technique or review text with image.

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…