Techniques and Risks involved when working with small animals

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Techniques and Risks involved when working with
small animals
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Diseases that may be transmitted from animals are
zoonoses.
p. 111
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Rabies A viral disease that affects the nervous
system and is contracted from bites and scratches
of infected animals such as dogs and cats.
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More than 90 of reported cases of rabies were in
wild animals and not pets.
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Common carriers of Rabies

• More than 50 of all rabies cases in the United
  States involve Raccoons.
• Skunks - 22.5
• Foxes - 6.5
• Insectivorous Bats - 10
• Rabies is rarely found in smaller mammals such as
  rabbits squirrels rats and opossums.
• Domestic animals account for less than 10 of all
  cases in the United States.

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Immunization is recommended if there is doubt
about whether the animal is infected with rabies.
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Children 5 9 years of age are the main victims
of animal bites.
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Most domestic animals are not likely to be
infected with rabies as long as they are
vaccinated on a regular basis.
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Rabies vaccine

• Dogs - 1st vaccine at 16 weeks (4 months)
• Revaccinate every year (or 3 years)
• Cats 1st vaccine at 16 weeks
• Revaccinate every year

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Workers protect themselves against rabies with
3 intradermal pre-exposure injections over a 3
week period and then 2 intramuscular injections
if they become exposed.
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First-aid procedures for bites and scratches
include thoroughly washing the area with soap and
water and a tetanus shot if one has not been
received within the last 5 years.
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Tetanus

• Tetanus is a medical condition that is
  characterized by a prolonged contraction of
  skeletal muscle fibers
• Infection generally occurs through wound
  contamination and often involves a cut or deep
  puncture wound
• As the infection progresses muscle spasms in the
  jaw develop - stiffness spasms in other parts
  of the body
• Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination.

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Tetanus cases reported worldwide (1990-2004).
Ranging from strongly prevalent (in dark red) to
very few cases (in light yellow) (gray no data).
Lamb suffering from tetanus
Patient suffering from tetanus - 1809
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Toxoplasmosis disease produced by infection of
Toxoplasma gondii parasite and spread through
contaminated litter or cat feces.
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Symptoms of the disease in humans may include
fever headache swollen lymph glands cough
sore throat nasal congestion loss of appetite
and skin rash.
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Does not show up as long as the human immune
system is working properly. Particularly of
concern for pregnant women as it may result
in miscarriage babies born prematurely or blind.
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Wearing rubber disposable gloves to daily clean
litter boxes Thoroughly wash hands after
cleaning litter box.
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Ringworm is a fungal skin disease that shows up
as round scaly encrusted lesions on the skin
and a loss of hair where lesions occur.
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Spread by direct contact with lesions on infected
animals such as dogs cats guinea pigs rats
mice and rabbits.
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Also spread indirectly through grooming equipment
and surfaces that have been contaminated by
infected animals.
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Iodine soap or antifungal drugs may be used to
treat humans.
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Psittacosis (parrot fever) is a disease
contracted by caged birds such as parrots
budgerigars and related birds.
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Humans are infected through contact with feces or
fecal dust of contaminated birds.
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Can diagnose in birds by a simple blood test.
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Parrot fever can be prevented by eliminating lice
and mites by spraying disinfectants on the
feathers of birds.
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Wearing a dusk mask gloves or face shields when
cleaning cages is recommended.
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Humans with parrot fever may endure coughing
chest pains fever chills weakness vomiting
and muscular pain.
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Antibiotics are used to treat animals and humans.
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• Cat-scratch fever is a non-serious disease
  associated with cat bites and scratches that
  results in swelling and soreness around the bite
  or scratch.
• caused by the intracellular parasite Bartonella

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• It is most commonly found in children 1-2 weeks
  following a cat scratch
• May be treated with antibiotics
• Affected area may be slow to heal
• The disease usually resolves spontaneously with
  or without treatment within one month

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Samonellosis is a disease that results from an
infection of Salmonella bacteria and may be
transmitted to humans and animals.
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Children and elderly are most at risk.
Samonellosis causes inflammation of the
stomach and intestines
and results in abdominal pain vomiting and
diarrhea that last for 4 to 7 days.
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Pet turtles and reptiles are a common source of
infection in humans
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Streptococcal bacteria results in sore throats
especially in children is transmitted by dogs
and may be treated with penicillin in both dogs
and humans.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever causes coagulation
(blood forms solid clots) of the blood and
results in fever headache nausea vomiting
skin rash and death if not treated with proper
antibodies.
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Caused by bite of American dog tick and six other
tick species. Control ticks in kennels and
surrounding areas and eliminate ticks from pets.
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1 male 2 Female
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Lyme disease is a tick-transmitted bacterial
disease that results in a rash distinctive skin
lesions hives and flu-like symptoms such as
aching muscles stiff neck fatigue fever
chills painful joints
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Borrelia burgdorferi the spirochetal bacteria
that cause Lyme disease seen at 400x
magnification.                                  
                                                  
     
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Fatigue and muscle aches may last for several
months. Without treatment the bacteria can
spread throughout the body and damage internal
organs.
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Antibiotics (tetracycline or doxycycline) are
used to treat adults. Antibiotics-phenoxymehtyl
pencillin or amoxicillin is used for children. 2
vaccines have been developed as a preventative.
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From left to right The deer tick (Ixodes
scapularis) adult female adult male nymph and
larva on a centimeter scale.                    
                                                  
                                                  
                                 
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Leptospirosis is a disease that humans contract
by water food or soil that has been
contaminated by urine from small animals.
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Leptospirosis symptons in humans

• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle Ache
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Abdominal Pain Diarrhea
• Intense headache.
• Meningitis
• liver damage (causing jaundice)
• renal failure

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Parasites are organisms that live on or within a
host organism. Parasites gain their substance
from the host organism. Children are most at risk
because they play with dogs and cats and in the
area where animals have been.
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Ticks Page 104 7 species carry Rocky
Mountain Spotted Fever.
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Daily personal hygiene is especially important
for those working with pets to remove small
larvae that may go undetected by visual
inspection.
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• Ascarids (roundworms) (Toxocara canis T. cati)
  and Hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.) are common
  intestinal parasites of dogs and cats
• May be passed on to humans causing fever
  headache cough and poor appetite.

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Roundworms

• Most commonly seen parasite in puppies

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HEAD PHOTO-ASCARID
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MILKSPOTS ON LIVER
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Children who play with dogs and cats are most at
risk. De-worming of cats and dogs is the most
effective prevention measure. Keep areas clean
from feces.
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• Tapeworms (Echinococus species) are occasionally
  carried by dogs and cats. 10-15 cm long.
• May cause AHD (Alveolar Hydatid Disease) which
  can be fatal.CYSTS
• Get tapeworms from fleas.
• - Flea eats tapeworm egg.
• - Dog swallows flea (grooming)
• - Tapeworm usually does not harm animal
  (exception high performance dogs)

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Biology of the Tapeworm

• The adult Dipylidium caninum lives in the small
  intestine of the dog or cat.
• It hooks onto the intestinal wall
• The tapeworm has six rows of teeth to grab on
  with.
• The entire tapeworm is usually 6 inches or more.
• The tapeworm absorbs nutrients through its skin
  as the food being digested by the host flows past
  it.
• Segments that drop off are basically just a sac
  of tapeworm eggs.

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Tapeworm segments and flea dirt are found
together in Rovers dog bed
1.Tapeworm segment breaks releasing eggs
2.Eggs are eaten by grazing flea larva
3. Flea larva pupates
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Avoid hand-to-mouth potential transfer of eggs.
FLEA COMB
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FECAL FLOAT page 84
Most veterinarians use to detect worm eggs in an
animals feces.
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A small amount of stool (about ½ teaspoon) is
mixed with a special solution in a small plastic
vial then a cover slip is placed on top of the
fluid. The solution is allowed to settle for
about 10-20 minutes during which time any eggs
present in the sample will tend to concentrate on
the top layer of fluid. The cover slip with
some of this top egg-containing layer adhering to
it is carefully placed on a microscope
then examined under the microscope.
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FECAL FLOAT EGGS
Pin worm eggs
Whip worm egg
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HOOKWORM EGGS
Roundworm egg
TAPEWORM EGGS
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DEMONSTRATING SAFE WORK HABITS WHILE WORKING WITH
ANIMALS
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Guidelines for general safety

• Wear protective clothing to suit the work
• To prevent contamination make sure all
  protective clothing is always STERILE
• After completing a job using any chemical always
  WASH your hands and face to remove any of the
  chemical residues

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• Leather gloves help protect from bites and
  scratches
• Coveralls and lab coats offer some additional
  protection from minor bites and scratches

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• 4. After completing the job utilizing chemicals
  take a shower if required to remove any chemical
  residue
• 5. The location of FIRST AID kits should be known
  by all workers and students and one kept in each
  work area or instructional area.

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• 6. Each person who handles small animals should
  be instructed in the proper methods of handling
• 7. When leaving a possible contaminated area be
  sure to remove all uniforms lab coats and
  coveralls.

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• 8. never wash lab coats protective clothing
  with your regular clothes.

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• 9. All chemicals and their container should be
  disposed of properly as instructed on their LABEL
• 10. Label all containers correctly to prevent any
  MIXING of chemicals

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• 11. All consumable food and drink should not be
  stored eaten or drank in an area where
  contamination could occur.
• 12. Do not put hands near your mouth nose or
  eyes when handling chemicals and animals to
  prevent any contamination.
• 13. Keep hands clean at all times by washing
  frequently to prevent contamination to other
  species of animals or different areas.

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Rubber unlined gloves rubber boots and face
shield or goggles with anti-fog lenses should be
worn when applying pesticide or handling chemicals
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• Respirators should be worn when there is a danger
  of inhaling toxic dust and other substances

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• Chemical safety when working with small animals
• Use chemicals according to label instructions
• Store chemicals in the original container when
  possible
• Avoid over mixing and storing chemicals but if
  chemicals must be stored make certain they are
  in a locked location and clearly labeled!

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• Dispose of all chemicals and their containers
  according to label instructions
• Frequently wash hands and exposed area after
  using chemicals

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The Physical Examination
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Physical Exam

• 1. General Appearance
• Awareness
• Attitude
• Body Condition
• Movement
• Lameness

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• 2. Vital Signs
• Temperature
• Pulse
• Respiration
• Capillary Refill Time
• Color of mucous membrane
• Hydration

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• 3. Cardiovascular System
• Heart sounds rhythm
• Pulses strength regularity
• Swellings of extremities

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• 4. Respiratory System
• Lungs airways
• Respiratory difficulty
• Open mouth breathing
• Laboring
• Coughing

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• 5. Digestive System
• Feces amount color odor consistency
• Abdominal palpation abnormal masses pain
• Rectal examination
• Mouth examination normal teeth foreign bodies

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• 6. Musculoskeletal System
• Normal movement of head neck and legs
• Evidence of swelling
• Symmetry between legs
• 7. Nervous System
• Awareness
• Coordination
• Eyes structure reflexes
• Cranial nerves reflexes

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• 8. Skin and Hair Coat
• General Appearance
• Hair loss
• Sores
• Rashes
• 9. Mammary System
• Swellings
• Milk Characteristics

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• 10. Lymphatic System
• Lymph nodes
• Shape
• Size
• Pain
• Symmetry
• 11. Urinary System
• Abdominal Palpation
• External Structures
• 12. Reproductive System
• External Genitalia
• Rectal Examination

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RESTRAINT OF SMALL ANIMALS

• Pages 101b 102 103

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• 4. Proper handling techniques for small animals
• A) Learn proper and safe handling techniques to
  prevent injury to animal and you
• B) Keep a first aid kit available
• C) Briefly restrain animals when needed for
  examination or treatment

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• Restraint bags can be used to restrain cats and
  small dogs. The bags are made of canvas or nylon
  with a hook or other type of fastener at the neck
  opening and one or more zippers (or strips of
  Velcro) to allow selective exposure of a body
  part. Instead of a restraint bag a heavy towel
  can be used to wrap the cats body leaving the
  head exposed but use of a towel is not nearly as
  effective as a bag.

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Use of a cat restraint bag
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Stretch Method gab scruff of neck and 2 rear
legsnote the gloves
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• The animals rear quarters are cradled in the
  handlers arm and the front legs are loosely
  griped with the same hand.
• The other hand is free to pet and stroke the
  cats head but can also quickly grab the
  zygomatic arches to control the head if the
  animal attempts to escape.  
• zygomatic arches natural cat handles which
  provide secure restraint

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Cats will try to hide when frightened. You can
carry a cat with one hand under the hind quarters
and the other holding the scruff of the neck
letting the cat hide its head.
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This net bag can be opened and used to catch a
small animal in a cage then closed trapping the
animal in the net. The animal can be handled
through the netting to give injections or place
catheters
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Dogs are briefly restrained by placing one arm
under the dogs neck with the forearm holding the
head while the other arm is placed around the
animals body to pull it close to the handler
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• Muzzles for dogs prevent biting and can be a
  simple narrow strip of gauze or cloth made by
  making a loop in the material. The loop is
  slipped over the dogs nose and mouth and the
  ends are crossed under the jaw to bring them up
  behind the ears for tying in a bow

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The length must be adequate to wrap around the
muzzle at least twice then tie behind the ears.
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A large loop is made in the center of the length
of gauze. The loop should be about 3 times the
diameter of the dogs muzzle.
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The loop is placed around the muzzle and pulled
tight at dorsum of the nose. A single knot is
placed.
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The ends of the gauze are then tied under the jaw
with a single knot.
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The long ends of the gauze are brought behind the
ears and tied in either a square knot or a easy
release bow. I prefer to tie a square knot and
have a scissors handy in case the muzzle needs to
be quickly removed.
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Elbow on head with hand holding leg closest to
table and other arm is draped over abdomen
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• The animal is restrained in sternal recumbancy
  for placement of a cephalic catheter.
• Notice that the holder is standing on the side
  of the dog opposite the leg that is being
  catheterized.
• The dog is restrained close to the body of the
  holder.
• The muzzle is held away from the face of the
  holder and the person placing the catheter.
• She is reaching over the dog to hold off the
  vein and can apply downward pressure over the
  dogs back if needed to keep the dog in sternal
  recumbancy.
• If the animal is not struggling it is not
  necessary to apply pressure over the animals
  back. The dogs leg is being held at the elbow to
  prevent her from pulling back her leg

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RABBITS
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• Rabbits can be picked up by grabbing the scruff
  of the neck with one hand and lifting up while
  placing the other hand under the rump for
  support. To hold simply use the same technique
  but the hand under the rump is moved to support
  the abdomen

SCRUFF
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NO
YES
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• Rabbits seldom bite but many cause injury with
  their hind legs or may be injured if placed on a
  smooth surface.
• A rabbits foot pads are covered with fur which
  cause a lack of traction if they are placed on a
  smooth or slick surface and may result in
  dislocation of their hip or spine when they try
  to move or hop.

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• Rats and mice that are uses to being handled can
  be picked up by grasping the tail close to the
  body with one hand and using the other hand to
  grasp loose skin in the neck and shoulder area

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Guinea Pigs

• Guinea pigs are curious easy to handle animals.
• They are NOT aggressive by nature.
• Do not grasp the guinea pig by
• the loose skin
• Calmly grasp it with one hand under the chest and
  use your other hand to support its hindquarters

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Hamsters

• Hamsters handled frequently from a young age
  usually remain docile and seldom bite.
• A hamster can be picked up gently by cupping it
  in one or both hands and holding it against your
  body.
• Beware that even docile hamsters may bite if
  surprised or abruptly awakened from sleep

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Aggressive Hamster

• Another method of capture involves coaxing the
  animal into a container (such as a can or tube)
  which can then be removed from the cage
• Wear gloves
• A biting hamster can be restrained by grasping a
  large amount of skin at the scruff of the neck.

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Chinchillas

• Hold it strongly by the base of its tail with one
  hand while supporting the weight of the
  chinchilla with the other hand
• Try to carry the animal close to your body
• Never hold the animal too tight. A Chinchilla
  will give a warning scream and/or bite if it is
  held too tightly
• Important to earn a Chinchillas trust!! (can be
  difficult)

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Ferrets

• Ferrets should be handled gently but firmly
• Pick your ferret up behind his front legs and
  support his bottom in your other hand.
• You can also Scruff a ferret
• Scruffing means taking a firm hold on the loose
  skin of the ferrets nape of the neck and
  gathering it into a bunch so that the facial skin
  is stretched tightly enough to make the eyes
  squinty
• Ferrets usually become passive and submissive
  when scruffed. Become limp.

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Common Toxins

• p. 117

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Trees

• Cherry Tree
• Respiratory distress
• Death

• Oak Tree
• Weakness
• Dehydration
• Death

• Apple Tree (seeds)
• Vomiting
• Salivation
• Respiratory distress

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Plants

• Daffodil
• Vomiting
• Trembling

• Foxglove
• Irregular heartbeat

• Mistletoe
• Irritation of stomach intestines
• Shock

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Plants

• Tomato Plant
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

• Holly Plant
• Diarrhea

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Other Common Toxins

• Alcohol
• Depression
• Coma
• Death

• Chocolate
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Seizures
• Coma

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Common Toxins

• Antifreeze
• Vomiting
• Siezures
• Coma
• Death

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Common Toxins

• Over the Counter Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Renal failure