2015 and mineral supplement, with the total amount being fed at MCQS approximately 15–20% bodyweight. 1. What should the predominant ingredient in the diet of a They are seasonally polyoestrus, with one to two litters sugar glider be? per year, at any time, and a gestation period of 15–17 days a. Fruit (after which the young follow a trail of saliva into the pouch b. Live insect prey eg mealworms and are described as ‘pouch young’ for a further 50–75 days). c. Nutritionally balanced species specific extruded Sugar gliders are social animals, living in groups of 6–15 indi- pellet viduals (3:4 male:female) in the wild. They should be main- d. Dried cat food tained in small groups in captivity, or at least with lots of 2. What are the ideal environmental conditions for adult interaction with humans and other pets (under supervision!), sugar gliders? as long as they are socialised properly at the correct age (7–12 a. Humidity less than 30%; temperature 25–27°C weeks after emergence from the pouch). b. Humidity 30–50%; temperature 25–27°C c. Humidity 50–70%; temperature 25–27°C KEY LEARNING POINTS d. Humidity 30–50%; temperature 30–35°C 3. What is the ideal housing for adult sugar gliders? ■■ Sugar gliders have exacting nutritional requirements, and a. Parrot cages with integrated nest box are often fed erroneously due to being believed to be b. An adapted room, with vertical landing and take-off insectivorous surfaces ■■ The consequences of improper feeding range from c. A flex walled cage, as used for arboreal reptiles such vague clinical signs to death as chameleons ■■ They are highly social, and prone to stereotypy and d. An outdoor flight aviary self-mutilation if not given sufficient enrichment and interaction

are the most commonly kept of the family, but kinkajous and Raccoons, skunks, coatimundis may occasionally be presented to veterinary prac- tices. Native to North America, animals seen as pets are almost lemurs etc basics: entirely bred in the UK. Nutritionally they are similar to dogs, and are prone to obesity in captivity. The skunk is a mustelid, most similar to the ferret, of all the nutrition, husbandry, more commonly encountered species. Again native to North America, most skunks sold in the UK are captive UK bred. legislation Lemurs are prosimian primates, native to the island of Madagascar, where they are variably endangered. However, Richard Saunders the species discussed here are relatively common in zoological collections and are occasionally kept as pets. Callitrichids (marmosets and tamarins) are probably the There are always clients who wish, for whatever reason, to most widely kept primates in private hands, and also include own ‘exotic exotics’, about which relatively little information is a number of species which are extremely rare in the wild and available to the general practitioner. This lecture aims to give in captivity, although generally only the common marmoset a basic introduction to the care of such animals. and cotton-topped tamarin are regularly encountered in pri- The species to be discussed include skunks (typically the vate hands. striped skunk Mephitis mephitis), the raccoon (typically the North American, or common raccoon, Procyon lotor), and three species of lemur: the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) and KEY LEARNING POINTS the ruffed lemurs, both red (Varecia rubra) and black and ■■ Specific nutritional problems associated with the most white (Varecia variegate), between which latter two there is commonly kept species much hybridisation. A representative callitrichid species, the ■■ Legal issues which the attending veterinary surgeon common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) will also be discussed. must be aware of Brief mention of less commonly kept but related species will ■■ Captive care, husbandry and welfare of these species also be included. The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 was amended in 2010, which effectively removed a number of commonly kept MCQS species from its remit. It is worth noting that this legislation is 1. Under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (amended designed to protect human health and safety, not animal wel- 2010), which of the following animals may legally be fare. Veterinary surgeons may be called on to examine prem- held WITHOUT a DWA license? ises under the licensing conditions of the Act, for certain a. Capuchin monkey species mentioned here. b. Squirrel monkey The raccoon is a procyonid carnivore, which means that it c. Titi monkeys is more canid than felid in appearance and biology. Raccoons d. The owl monkey, or douracouli

#BSAVA15 Birmingham – UK 147 Small mammals

2. Which of the following procedures is NOT legally 3. What is the most widely recommended way to remove permitted? the smell of skunk anal gland secretions? a. Vasectomy of the male marmoset a. Washing the affected area in toothpaste b. Anal sac removal in the skunk b. Washing the affected area in biological washing c. Microchip implantation in the ruffed lemur liquid d. Deslorelin implant placement in the female c. Washing the affected area in tomato ketchup ring-tailed lemur d. Washing the affected area in white wine

MONITORING Introduction to small Respiratory depression occurs quickly and, if unnoticed, can result in serious complications. Evaluate the level of anaesthe- mammal anaesthesia sia by monitoring rate and pattern of respiration, cardiac activ- ity, mucous membrane colour and the presence or absence of Thomas Donnelly a variety of reflexes. Equipment is now available to apply standard anaesthetic monitoring techniques to rodents. PRE-ANAESTHETIC EVALUATION AND PREPARATION TEMPERATURE Pet rats often have subclinical respiratory disease. The depres- Rodents have a large surface area to volume ratio, and are sant effects of anaesthesia on the respiratory system can tip thus susceptible to heat loss and hypothermia. As the body the balance and result in potentially life-threatening complica- temperature decreases, the anaesthetic requirement decreases tions. Always treat underlying disease before surgery. so patients become deeply anaesthetised. Maintain patients in Rodents cannot vomit so pre-anaesthetic fasting is not a warm environment, and warm any fluids to be administered. required. While fasting reduces gastrointestinal volume before Provide supplemental heat during anaesthesia and recovery, abdominal surgery, overnight starvation causes a decrease of e.g. circulating warm water blankets, forced warm air blan- blood glucose which reduces the ability to thermoregulate kets, plastic surgical drapes to hold in heat and enhances lipopolysaccharide hypothermia. A good solu- tion is to provide sugar cubes as an alternative to fasting. FLUIDS Herbivorous rodents will retain food in their oral cavity, which should be checked after induction and cleaned with Blood loss has more pronounced physiological effects on small cotton buds. mammals. Fluids should always be warmed before administra- tion. Fluid maintenance rates are 100–150 ml/kg/day. PRE-ANESTHETIC DRUGS RECOVERY PERIOD Administration of sedatives, such as midazolam, is beneficial in minimising stress and anxiety. Provide oxygen supplementation until the patient’s respiratory rate and pattern are normal. Additional heating is required until the animal is recovered sufficiently to thermoregulate. ANAESTHESIA CHOICE The most important adverse effects of anaesthetic agents are depression of respiration and cardiovascular system disrup- POSTANAESTHETIC/SURGICAL ILEUS tion. These effects can be minimised by using gaseous anaes- Postanaesthetic/surgical ileus is a significant problem in herbi- thetics instead of injectable anaesthetics. vores. This can be reduced by short-term use of appropriate analgesia, e.g. buprenorphine, oxymorphone INDUCTION AND ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION PERSONNEL Induction with inhalation agents via face mask is preferred. Ensure that a responsible individual is aware of the patient’s Use the smallest mask possible to minimise dead space. status at all times during anaesthesia and recovery, and is pre- Endotracheal intubation is difficult in rodents because of their pared either to intervene when indicated, or to alert the veter- size and anatomical features of their oral cavity. inarian in charge about changes in the patient’s condition

OXYGENATION KEY LEARNING POINTS A non-rebreathing system such as the Bain or Ayres T-piece is ■■ A common mistake when performing surgery on rodents used for delivery of anaesthetic gases. If using injectable is to focus on the surgical procedure while giving agents, ensure the patient breathes oxygen. Non-rebreathing minimal attention to selection of an appropriate systems rely on a high oxygen flow rate to remove carbon anaesthetic or the animal’s physiological status during dioxide (prevent hypercapnia). the procedure and postoperative period

148 BSAVA Congress 9–12 April 2015