Small Animal Care and Management Ch2: Safety Small Animal Care and Management

Objectives Explain the importance of safety when working and playing with small animals List ten diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans Describe how to prevent becoming infected by small animals List guidelines for safety when handling dangerous chemicals and when working with small animals

Zoonoses Zoonoses or Zoonotic: are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Examples: rabies and roundworms Parasite: an organism that lives on or within a host (roundworms) The larval stage is the largest threat to humans (especially children)

Common Zoonotic Diseases and Parasites

Toxoplasmosis Disease through infection from toxoplasma gondii Is a parasite Undercooked meat Cats play a role in the spread from infected rodents Pregnant women can becomes infected from an oocyte shed from feces of a n infected cat Pregnant women should not handle cat litter

Ringworm Fungus Causes Skin irritation, rash, and hair loss Small animal can become infected and pass on the fungus Tools that come into contact need to be sterilized Topical and oral antifungal drugs can treat the fungus easily.

Psittacosis AKA: Parrot Fever Caused by Bacterium Chlamydophila Transmitted between birds and humans Effects large avian species more regularly such as parrots, macaws, turkeys. Birds can be tested

Cat Scratch Fever Bacteria Infection Bartonella henselae Associated with cat scratches and bites Affected areas swell and heal slowly, can affect lymph nodes Properly handling cats in a good preventative measure

Salmonellosis Caused by the bacteria salmonella Carrier animals appear healthy and can pass on to humans Foods: meat and dairy require proper handling Sanitation is a must

Streptococcal Bacteria Bacterial infection that cause sore throats Strep Throat Can be transmitted by dogs Children and those who do not wash their hands are most susceptible

Rabies Low likelihood of transmission in domestic dogs and cats Except for mexican border and along the atlantic coast Vaccination Bats and feral carnivores are frequently infected

Lyme Disease Transmitted by ticks Decreased appetite, fever, swollen painful joints, lameness Deer Ticks also transmit (RMSF) Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Symptoms: headache, vomiting, and skin rash Groom Animals Use Tick preventative Avoid breaking off mouthparts during removal

Tapeworms Can be carried by cats and dogs Can cause (AHD) Alveolar Hydatid Disease Alaska and Canada Fox, Coyotes, and mice are a typical immediate host In humans the ingested eggs hatch in the small intestine and cause cysts in the liver

Physical Restraint Of Animals Cats - Nervous Animal - May bite or scratch when introduced to new people or surroundings Working around the head - Wrap the animal in blanket the head - This controls the legs of the animal - Can also be placed in a canvas type bag with its head exposed - Place the palm of hand on the back of the head and grasp the head between the thumb and fingers

Cats Transportation: - Small cages or cat carrier - Can bite if unhappy - Where Gloves if cat is unhappy, - Grab cat by scruff of neck and rear legs Catch Pole - device that consists of a 5-6’ pole with a rope and noose attached. - Noose must be slipped over head, front legs, and around chest - Can kill animal if used incorrectly - Should only be used if all other methods fail

Dogs Sternal Recumbency - Restraint position when the animal is sitting or standing with one arm under the animal’s neck with the forearm holding the head, and the other arm is placed around the animal’s body and the animal is held close to the handler’s body. Lateral Recumbency - restraint position where the animal’s body is in a lying position. The handler’s forearms can be lowered to rest against the animal’s head and body to restrain the animal.

Dogs Muzzles - used to prevent bites - Placed over the dog’s mouth - Different sizes available. Should fit snug but comfortable Elizabethan collars - use to prevent dog/cat from licking or biting its body or scratching at its head or neck while wounds/injuries heal - made of plastic - shaped like cone - slips over head and fastens around collar

Rabbits - Picked up by grasping scruff of the neck and picking up while placing a hand under the rump - Can injure their spine if kicking, trying to escape - Should NOT be placed on smooth surface because they may injure themselves if they hop or move - Always place on a carpet or a towel

Rats and Mice Rats - May bite - Gloves may be used to place animal on piece of carpet - Then can be restrained with bare hands - Grasp tail close to body

General Safety Guidelines -Always wear the proper protective clothing and equipment - Always wash protective clothing and equipment - Wash hands and face after completing a job to make sure all chemical residue is removed - If needed shower after job to make sure all chemical residue is removed - Wash hands frequently while working with animals to prevent contamination - Keep hands away from mouth, eyes, and face, when working with chemicals or animals - Do not consume food or drink in areas where contamination could occur

General Safety Guidelines - Remove uniforms, lab coats, or coveralls before leaving an area - Never wash uniform or lab coats with regular clothing - Make sure all containers are correctly labeled -Dispose of all chemical appropriately - Know proper handling methods - First aid kits are kept in work area