Title: Techniques and Risks involved when working with small animals
1Techniques and Risks involved when working with
small animals
2Diseases that may be transmitted from animals are
zoonoses.
p. 111
3Rabies A viral disease that affects the nervous
system and is contracted from bites and scratches
of infected animals such as dogs and cats.
4More than 90 of reported cases of rabies were in
wild animals and not pets.
5Common 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.
6Immunization is recommended if there is doubt
about whether the animal is infected with rabies.
7Children 5 9 years of age are the main victims
of animal bites.
8Most domestic animals are not likely to be
infected with rabies as long as they are
vaccinated on a regular basis.
9Rabies vaccine
- Dogs - 1st vaccine at 16 weeks (4 months)
- Revaccinate every year (or 3 years)
- Cats 1st vaccine at 16 weeks
- Revaccinate every year
10Workers protect themselves against rabies with
3 intradermal pre-exposure injections over a 3
week period and then 2 intramuscular injections
if they become exposed.
11First-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.
12Tetanus
- 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.
13Tetanus 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
14Toxoplasmosis disease produced by infection of
Toxoplasma gondii parasite and spread through
contaminated litter or cat feces.
15Symptoms of the disease in humans may include
fever, headache, swollen lymph glands, cough,
sore throat, nasal congestion, loss of appetite,
and skin rash.
16Does 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.
17Wearing rubber, disposable gloves to daily clean
litter boxes Thoroughly wash hands after
cleaning litter box.
18Ringworm 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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22Spread by direct contact with lesions on infected
animals such as dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rats,
mice, and rabbits.
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24Also spread indirectly through grooming equipment
and surfaces that have been contaminated by
infected animals.
25Iodine soap or antifungal drugs may be used to
treat humans.
26Psittacosis (parrot fever) is a disease
contracted by caged birds such as parrots,
budgerigars, and related birds.
27Humans are infected through contact with feces or
fecal dust of contaminated birds.
28Can diagnose in birds by a simple blood test.
29Parrot fever can be prevented by eliminating lice
and mites by spraying disinfectants on the
feathers of birds.
30Wearing a dusk mask, gloves or face shields when
cleaning cages is recommended.
31Humans with parrot fever may endure coughing,
chest pains, fever, chills, weakness, vomiting,
and muscular pain.
32Antibiotics are used to treat animals and humans.
33- 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
34- 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
35Samonellosis is a disease that results from an
infection of Salmonella bacteria and may be
transmitted to humans and animals.
36 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.
37Pet turtles and reptiles are a common source of
infection in humans
38Streptococcal bacteria results in sore throats,
especially in children, is transmitted by dogs
and may be treated with penicillin in both dogs
and humans.
39Rocky 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.
40Caused 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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421 male 2 Female
43Lyme 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
44Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochetal bacteria
that cause Lyme disease, seen at 400x
magnification.
45Fatigue and muscle aches may last for several
months. Without treatment, the bacteria can
spread throughout the body and damage internal
organs.
46Antibiotics (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.
47From left to right The deer tick (Ixodes
scapularis) adult female, adult male, nymph, and
larva on a centimeter scale.
48Leptospirosis is a disease that humans contract
by water, food, or soil that has been
contaminated by urine from small animals.
49Leptospirosis symptons in humans
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle Ache
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Abdominal Pain Diarrhea
- Intense headache.
- Meningitis
- liver damage (causing jaundice)
- renal failure
50Parasites 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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51Ticks Page 104 7 species carry Rocky
Mountain Spotted Fever.
52Daily personal hygiene is especially important
for those working with pets to remove small
larvae that may go undetected by visual
inspection.
53- 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.
54Roundworms
- Most commonly seen parasite in puppies
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56HEAD PHOTO-ASCARID
57MILKSPOTS ON LIVER
58Children 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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60- 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)
61Biology 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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66Tapeworm 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
67Avoid hand-to-mouth potential transfer of eggs.
FLEA COMB
68FECAL FLOAT page 84
Most veterinarians use to detect worm eggs in an
animals feces.
69A 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 slide
then examined under the microscope.
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71FECAL FLOAT EGGS
Pin worm eggs
Whip worm egg
72HOOKWORM EGGS
Roundworm egg
TAPEWORM EGGS
73DEMONSTRATING SAFE WORK HABITS WHILE WORKING WITH
ANIMALS
PAGE 105
74Guidelines 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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76- Leather gloves help protect from bites and
scratches - Coveralls and lab coats offer some additional
protection from minor bites and scratches
77- 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.
78- 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.
79- 8. never wash lab coats protective clothing
with your regular clothes.
80- 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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82- 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.
83Rubber unlined gloves, rubber boots, and face
shield or goggles with anti-fog lenses should be
worn when applying pesticide or handling chemicals
84- Respirators should be worn when there is a danger
of inhaling toxic dust and other substances
85- 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!
86- Dispose of all chemicals and their containers
according to label instructions - Frequently wash hands and exposed area after
using chemicals
87The Physical Examination
88Physical Exam
- 1. General Appearance
- Awareness
- Attitude
- Body Condition
- Movement
- Lameness
89- 2. Vital Signs
- Temperature
- Pulse
- Respiration
- Capillary Refill Time
- Color of mucous membrane
- Hydration
90- 3. Cardiovascular System
- Heart sounds rhythm
- Pulses strength regularity
- Swellings of extremities
91- 4. Respiratory System
- Lungs airways
- Respiratory difficulty
- Open mouth breathing
- Laboring
- Coughing?
92- 5. Digestive System
- Feces amount, color, odor, consistency
- Abdominal palpation abnormal masses, pain
- Rectal examination
- Mouth examination normal teeth, foreign bodies
93- 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
94- 8. Skin and Hair Coat
- General Appearance
- Hair loss
- Sores
- Rashes
- 9. Mammary System
- Swellings
- Milk Characteristics
95- 10. Lymphatic System
- Lymph nodes
- Shape
- Size
- Pain
- Symmetry
- 11. Urinary System
- Abdominal Palpation
- External Structures
- 12. Reproductive System
- External Genitalia
- Rectal Examination
96RESTRAINT OF SMALL ANIMALS
97- 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
98- 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.
99Use of a cat restraint bag
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102Stretch Method gab scruff of neck and 2 rear
legsnote the gloves
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104- The animal's rear quarters are cradled in the
handler's arm and the front legs are loosely
griped with the same hand. - The other hand is free to pet and stroke the
cat's 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
105Cat's 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 it's head.
106This 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
107Dogs 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
108- 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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110The length must be adequate to wrap around the
muzzle at least twice, then tie behind the ears.
111A large loop is made in the center of the length
of gauze. The loop should be about 3 times the
diameter of the dog's muzzle.
112The loop is placed around the muzzle and pulled
tight at dorsum of the nose. A single knot is
placed.
113The ends of the gauze are then tied under the jaw
with a single knot.
114The 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.
115Elbow on head with hand holding leg closest to
table and other arm is draped over abdomen
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117- 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
dog's 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 animal's
back. The dog's leg is being held at the elbow to
prevent her from pulling back her leg
118RABBITS
119- 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
120NO
YES
121- 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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123- 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
124 125Guinea 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
126Hamsters
- 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
127Aggressive 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.
128Chinchillas
- 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)
129Ferrets
- 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 ferret's 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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131Common Toxins
132Trees
- Cherry Tree
- Respiratory distress
- Death
- Oak Tree
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Death
- Apple Tree (seeds)
- Vomiting
- Salivation
- Respiratory distress
133Plants
- Daffodil
- Vomiting
- Trembling
- Foxglove
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mistletoe
- Irritation of stomach intestines
- Shock
134Plants
- Tomato Plant
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
135Other Common Toxins
- Alcohol
- Depression
- Coma
- Death
- Chocolate
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Coma
136Common Toxins
- Antifreeze
- Vomiting
- Siezures
- Coma
- Death
137Common Toxins
- Over the Counter Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Renal failure