1. Common & Exotic Animals Exotic Animal Restraint Teresa Shisk-Saling RVT Veterinary Technician II Small Animal ICU/IMC Texas A&M University Founder/Director Reptile Hospice & Sanctuary of Texas

2. Common & Exotic Animals Exotic Animal Restraint Teresa Shisk-Saling RVT Veterinary Technician II Small Animal ICU/IMC Texas A&M University Founder/Director Reptile Hospice & Sanctuary of Texas Common & Exotic Animals Exotic Animal Restraint Teresa Shisk-Saling RVT Veterinary Technician II Small Animal ICU/IMC Texas A&M University Founder/Director Reptile Hospice & Sanctuary of Texas

3. Some Basic Medical Terminology Abortion: Premature expulsion from the uterus of the products of conception; termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable Abortion: Premature expulsion from the uterus of the products of conception; termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable Bile: A clear yellow or orange fluid produced by the liver. It is concentrated and stored in the gallbladder, and is poured into the small intestine via the bile ducts when needed for digestion. Bile: A clear yellow or orange fluid produced by the liver. It is concentrated and stored in the gallbladder, and is poured into the small intestine via the bile ducts when needed for digestion. Brachycephalic: Having a short wide head. A few breeds considered brachycephalic breeds include Boston terriers, bulldogs, Pekingese, pug and Shih Tzu. Brachycephalic: Having a short wide head. A few breeds considered brachycephalic breeds include Boston terriers, bulldogs, Pekingese, pug and Shih Tzu. Diarrhea: Rapid movement of fecal matter through the intestine resulting in poor absorption of water, nutritive elements and electrolytes, and producing abnormally frequent evacuation of watery droppings. Diarrhea: Rapid movement of fecal matter through the intestine resulting in poor absorption of water, nutritive elements and electrolytes, and producing abnormally frequent evacuation of watery droppings. Dysplasia: An abnormality of development; in pathology an alteration in size, shape and organization of adult cells. Dysplasia: An abnormality of development; in pathology an alteration in size, shape and organization of adult cells. Euthanasia: An easy or painless death. The deliberate ending of life of a suffering animal. Euthanasia: An easy or painless death. The deliberate ending of life of a suffering animal.

4. Module 1 Identify Breeds of Common Animals

5. Identification of Breeds of Common Animals

6. Canines: Dog breeds are broken down into groups first, then breeds. The following common breeds are listed by groups.

7. Sporting

8. Non-Sporting

9. Working

10. Toy

11. Hound

12. Herding

13. Terriers!

14. Felines: Cat breeds are grouped by hair length. Non-pedigreed cats are typically known as Domestic Long Hair (DLH), Domestic Medium Hair (DMH), and Domestic Short Hair (DSH). The following are some commonly seen breeds.

15. Short-Haired

16. Semi (Medium) Long-Haired

17. Long-Haired

18. Equine: Horses are known by breed and colors. Some colors are used so frequently, people tend to think it’s a breed.

19. Breeds

20. Colors

21. Bovine: Not all cows are the same. Some are primarily dairy cows and some are primarily beef cows.

22. Dairy

23. Here’s the Beef!

24. Porcine: Some believe that pigs were the earliest animal to be domesticated, not the cat or dog.

25. Heerrreee Piggy pig pig pig

26. Identification of Common Exotic Species a.k.a. Non-Traditional Pets

27. Support Staff is in the best position to educate clients. Environment Environment Diet Diet Health concerns Health concerns Zoonotic concerns Zoonotic concerns

28. Mammals:

29. Rabbits: Several different breeds Several different breeds Ears can be short or long, stand up or fall over Ears can be short or long, stand up or fall over Usually hop but capable of speed when needed Usually hop but capable of speed when needed Lifespan 5-10 years Lifespan 5-10 years

30. Rabbits (cont)

31. Ferrets: Have oval-shaped heads with 40 teeth Have oval-shaped heads with 40 teeth Short necked and long bodied Short necked and long bodied Males 3-5lbs and about 16 inches Males 3-5lbs and about 16 inches Females 3lbs and 14 inches Females 3lbs and 14 inches Unspayed females prone to aplastic anemia Unspayed females prone to aplastic anemia Lifespan 6 to 8 years Lifespan 6 to 8 years

32. Ferrets (cont)

33. Pot-bellied Pigs: Became popular pet Became popular pet Are outlawed in several cities Are outlawed in several cities Can be black, blk w/patches of wht, wht hair over blk skin appearing to be grey Can be black, blk w/patches of wht, wht hair over blk skin appearing to be grey Can weigh between 35 & 150lbs Can weigh between 35 & 150lbs (Vietnamese potbelly should be ~95lbs) (Vietnamese potbelly should be ~95lbs) Lifespan 15-25 years Lifespan 15-25 years

34. Potbelly Pigs (cont)

35. Hedgehogs: Species usually seen is African Pygmy Hedgehog Species usually seen is African Pygmy Hedgehog Usually measures 6 inches & weighs ~1lb Usually measures 6 inches & weighs ~1lb Have long thin snouts, short ears & legs Have long thin snouts, short ears & legs Have spines on their back that are raised when distressed Have spines on their back that are raised when distressed Lifespan when well cared for 8-10 years Lifespan when well cared for 8-10 years

36. Hedgehogs (cont)

37. Rodents: Rodent incisors grow throughout their life. They must be able to chew on appropriate items to keep teeth worn down.

38. Chinchillas: Closely related to guinea pigs Closely related to guinea pigs Have compact body, bushy tails, large eyes, ears and long whiskers. Have compact body, bushy tails, large eyes, ears and long whiskers. Weigh 450-800g (Females usually larger) Weigh 450-800g (Females usually larger) Lifespan can be up to 20 years Lifespan can be up to 20 years

39. Chinchillas (cont)

40. Rats: Numerous varieties Numerous varieties Have long pointed noses, round ears, plump body & long tapered tail Have long pointed noses, round ears, plump body & long tapered tail Males can weigh 450-520g, Females 250-300g Males can weigh 450-520g, Females 250-300g Lifespan 1–3.5 years Lifespan 1–3.5 years

41. Rats (cont)

42. Mice: Numerous varieties Numerous varieties Have fewer scales on tail than rat Have fewer scales on tail than rat Weight for males 20-40g, Females 25-40g Weight for males 20-40g, Females 25-40g Lifespan 1-3 years Lifespan 1-3 years

43. Mice (cont)

44. Gerbils: Most common seen is Mongolian gerbil Most common seen is Mongolian gerbil Variety of colors from shades of brown to grey or yellow Variety of colors from shades of brown to grey or yellow Weight males 80-110g, females70-100g Weight males 80-110g, females70-100g Tail is covered with hair Tail is covered with hair Length can be 2-9 inches Length can be 2-9 inches Half of body length is tail Half of body length is tail Long back legs, possible to outrun cats Long back legs, possible to outrun cats Lifespan 2-5 years Lifespan 2-5 years

45. Gerbils (cont)

46. Hamsters: Most common species is Golden Hamster Most common species is Golden Hamster Have cheek pouches & very short tail Have cheek pouches & very short tail Average weight: males 85-130g females 95-150g Average weight: males 85-130g females 95-150g Lifespan 2-3 years Lifespan 2-3 years

47. Hamsters (cont)

48. Guinea Pigs: Variety of breeds Variety of breeds Have broad head, round hindquarters, short legs & no visible tail Have broad head, round hindquarters, short legs & no visible tail Have 4 toes on front legs 3 on rear legs Have 4 toes on front legs 3 on rear legs Average weight 2.5-3lbs Average weight 2.5-3lbs Lifespan 4-8 years Lifespan 4-8 years

49. Guinea Pigs (cont)

50. Prairie Dogs: Due to Due to tularemia, sylvatic plague & monkey pox outbreaks, it is now illegal to sell Prairie Dogs as pets. Species seen is Black-Tailed PD Most seen belong to sanctuaries and rescue groups Commonly seen for teeth issues

51. Prairie Dog (cont)

52. Avian:

53. Passerines The passerines have straight beaks and their feet are divided so that three toes are on the front of the foot and one is in the back.

54. Canaries: Second most popular caged bird Second most popular caged bird Known for their singing, although only males sing. Known for their singing, although only males sing. Available in variety of colors Available in variety of colors Lifespan 6 to 16 years Lifespan 6 to 16 years

55. Canaries (cont)

56. Finches: Small, 4.5 inches long Small, 4.5 inches long Hundreds of species Hundreds of species Variety of colors Variety of colors Primary seed eaters Primary seed eaters Lifespan 5-15 years Lifespan 5-15 years

57. Finches (cont)

58. Psittacines The psittacines have curved beaks and they have two toes on the front of the foot and two on the back.

59. Parakeets: Most popular of caged birds Most popular of caged birds Several species, but most common is the Budgie Several species, but most common is the Budgie Males have blue cere, females have pinkish brown Males have blue cere, females have pinkish brown Lifespan 15-20 years Lifespan 15-20 years

60. Parakeets (cont)

61. Parrots: No external differences between male/females No external differences between male/females Most common seen are Amazon & African Grey Most common seen are Amazon & African Grey Lifespan of 30-50 years Lifespan of 30-50 years

62. Parrots (cont)

63. Cockatoos: Medium size, light colored bird Medium size, light colored bird Several varieties Several varieties Have large crest on head Have large crest on head Lifespan of 75-120 years Lifespan of 75-120 years

64. Cockatoos (cont)

65. Cockatiels: Popular household bird Popular household bird Average 12 inches long Average 12 inches long Usually light grey Usually light grey Males have yellow faces & orange checks Males have yellow faces & orange checks Females have yellow & grey barring on their tails Females have yellow & grey barring on their tails Lifespan 10-20 years Lifespan 10-20 years

66. Cockatiels (cont)

67. Macaws: Can range from small to very large Can range from small to very large Tail can account for up to half of length Tail can account for up to half of length Several species Several species Require LOTS of attention Require LOTS of attention Lifespan 50-100 years depending on species Lifespan 50-100 years depending on species

68. Macaws (cont)

69. Herpeculture

70. Lizards: Can be herbivore, omnivore or carnivore Can be herbivore, omnivore or carnivore Environment tends to be species specific Environment tends to be species specific Diurnal lizards MUST have UVB light to survive Diurnal lizards MUST have UVB light to survive Lifespan 10 to 30 years depending on species Lifespan 10 to 30 years depending on species

71. Lizards (cont)

72. Snakes: Wide variety available in pet trade Wide variety available in pet trade Good idea to have resources available to ID native species Good idea to have resources available to ID native species Several species of non-VENOMOUS mimic VENOMOUS variety as defense Several species of non-VENOMOUS mimic VENOMOUS variety as defense Actually make a nice low maintenance pet Actually make a nice low maintenance pet Lifespan 15-75 years depending on species Lifespan 15-75 years depending on species

73. Snakes (cont)

74. Chelonians: Wide variety available in pet trade Wide variety available in pet trade Must ID species to know what is proper environment Must ID species to know what is proper environment No, turtles can NOT remove their shells No, turtles can NOT remove their shells Lifespan 60-250+ years depending on species Lifespan 60-250+ years depending on species

75. Chelonians (cont)

76. Frogs & Toads: Frogs typically in water, Toads on land Frogs typically in water, Toads on land Frog skin is very sensitive to it’s environment Handle with care! Frog skin is very sensitive to it’s environment Handle with care! Wide variety available in pet trade Wide variety available in pet trade Lifespan varies 2-25 years Lifespan varies 2-25 years

77. Frogs & Toads (cont)

78. Fish: Lemon Pepper and Butter Lemon Pepper and Butter

79. Fish

80. Safety in the Patient Confinement Area Restraint of Non-Traditional Pets

81. Rats Lift by base of tail to remove from container Lift by base of tail to remove from container Grasp lightly around rib cage or scruff Grasp lightly around rib cage or scruff Readjust tail hold Readjust tail hold Second person can perform whatever is needed Second person can perform whatever is needed

82. Mice Lift by base of tail to remove from container Lift by base of tail to remove from container Set on table, pull slightly on tail so mouse grabs surface Set on table, pull slightly on tail so mouse grabs surface grab scruff grab scruff pick up mouse and tuck tail between fingers pick up mouse and tuck tail between fingers

83. Gerbils Grab by base of tail to remove from container Grab by base of tail to remove from container Allow it to stand on your palm Allow it to stand on your palm Can be held by scruff but not lifted by scruff Can be held by scruff but not lifted by scruff If more restraint is needed, lightly encircle chest with thumb and forefinger If more restraint is needed, lightly encircle chest with thumb and forefinger

84. Hamsters Can be picked up by cupping hands around them or scooping them into a paper cup Can be picked up by cupping hands around them or scooping them into a paper cup To restrain, scruff as much skin as possible To restrain, scruff as much skin as possible If you don’t get enough, you can get bit If you don’t get enough, you can get bit

85. Guinea Pigs Very docile Very docile Grasp body in one hand and support hindquarters in other, gentle remove from container Grasp body in one hand and support hindquarters in other, gentle remove from container Generally can be contained on exam table by simply putting a hand on them Generally can be contained on exam table by simply putting a hand on them

86. Prairie Dogs Best way to handle is to wrap in towel Best way to handle is to wrap in towel Have basically no neck so can’t scruff Have basically no neck so can’t scruff WILL BITE... HARD WILL BITE... HARD

87. Rabbit Scruff with one hand and support hindquarters with other to remove from container Scruff with one hand and support hindquarters with other to remove from container Several ways to restrain: Wrap in towel, “scruff and tuck” and “football hold” Several ways to restrain: Wrap in towel, “scruff and tuck” and “football hold” Be sure to keep rear legs tucked to prevent “kicking out” which may cause spinal fracture Be sure to keep rear legs tucked to prevent “kicking out” which may cause spinal fracture NEVER hold rabbit by ears NEVER hold rabbit by ears

88. Chinchilla Similar to rabbit restraint Similar to rabbit restraint Grasp base of tail with one hand, hook fingers around so you have control of back legs, place other hand on back Grasp base of tail with one hand, hook fingers around so you have control of back legs, place other hand on back NEVER hold or pull by tail, skin WILL come off NEVER hold or pull by tail, skin WILL come off

89. Ferrets Minimal restraint is best Minimal restraint is best Scruffing with one hand and letting them “dangle” tends to quiet them down Scruffing with one hand and letting them “dangle” tends to quiet them down To restrain rear end, hold by hips never by pulling back legs To restrain rear end, hold by hips never by pulling back legs

90. Pot-belly Pigs Generally restrained like a dog Generally restrained like a dog NEVER LIFT POT-BELLIED PIGS BY ITS BACK LEGS!! NEVER LIFT POT-BELLIED PIGS BY ITS BACK LEGS!!

91. Hedgehogs A socialized hedgehog should be picked up with a hand on either side, then support the abdomen A socialized hedgehog should be picked up with a hand on either side, then support the abdomen When frightened will ball up When frightened will ball up Will need towel or gloves to handle Will need towel or gloves to handle Sometimes placing then in shallow water will “open ‘em up” Sometimes placing then in shallow water will “open ‘em up” Most times general anesthesia is the only way Most times general anesthesia is the only way

92. Psittacines Watch beak and claws Watch beak and claws Avoid wearing gloves Avoid wearing gloves Dimming lights can help Dimming lights can help Place cloth or paper towel over head Place cloth or paper towel over head wrap around body, hold bird close to body so wings can’t flap wrap around body, hold bird close to body so wings can’t flap If it tries to bite, offer nylabone instead of your finger : ) If it tries to bite, offer nylabone instead of your finger : )

93. Passerines Watch beak Watch beak Dim or turn out lights Dim or turn out lights Reach into cage, get index finger on one side of neck and middle finger on other Reach into cage, get index finger on one side of neck and middle finger on other Lay bird in palm of hand. Lay bird in palm of hand. Do not put pressure on thorax, can suffocate Do not put pressure on thorax, can suffocate

94. Lizards Watch mouth, nails and tail! Watch mouth, nails and tail! Depending on species, lizards can be wrapped in towel or picked up with one hand under the thorax (pinning forelegs back) and the other hand supports rear end (pinning rear legs back). Long tails can be tucked under your arm or elbow Depending on species, lizards can be wrapped in towel or picked up with one hand under the thorax (pinning forelegs back) and the other hand supports rear end (pinning rear legs back). Long tails can be tucked under your arm or elbow Small lizards can have head held by thumb and fore finger and base held by rest of fingers Small lizards can have head held by thumb and fore finger and base held by rest of fingers

95. Snakes Control head by holding at the base Control head by holding at the base Never dangle a snake over 3-4 feet Never dangle a snake over 3-4 feet General rule, a person per every 3 feet of snake to contain it General rule, a person per every 3 feet of snake to contain it Plexiglas tube are helpful but limit physical exam Plexiglas tube are helpful but limit physical exam

96. Turtles Most fairly easy to handle Most fairly easy to handle Towels can be useful Towels can be useful Hold by back half of shell or by tail Hold by back half of shell or by tail

97. Questions??? iguanamomma@yahoo.com www.rhandst.com 979-272-8648