Principles of cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation in special species

Cerebro-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Postarrest Care in Exotic Animal Critical Care

Evidence-based recommendations for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in domestic species provide a foundation for application to nondomestic species. The exotic and zoo practitioner must consider human safety, species anatomy, physiology, and special techniques for performing CPR. Having the hospital and team prepared and trained for a CPR response can improve outcomes. Basic life support includes various techniques for chest compressions and ventilation support. Advanced life support includes means of intravascular and intraosseous access, rescue drug administration, and consideration of the patient presenting circumstances. Team debriefs and support for mental wellness are useful to optimize performance and maintain team resiliency through CPR events.

Ambulatory Emergency Medicine

While practicing exotic animal medicine as an ambulatory practitioner, veterinarians need to be prepared for the inevitable emergency call. Emergencies in exotic animal medicine come in all shapes and sizes and the veterinarian must be prepared for a variety of situations. With the proper training, equipment, and managing client expectations, an ambulatory exotics animal practitioner can successfully address emergencies. This article provides a brief overview in managing emergency cases in an ambulatory exotics animal practice.

Common Emergencies in Small Rodents, Hedgehogs, and Sugar Gliders

Small exotic mammal pets such as rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, degus, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders are becoming more popular. Because these animals are prone to a variety of health problems, and require specialized husbandry care to remain healthy, they may present to emergency hospitals in critical condition. This article provides a basic overview of common emergency presentations of these species.

Emergency care of raptors

Raptors may present with a variety of conditions, such as trauma, debilitation, and disease, that necessitate emergency care. Emergency treatment should prioritize stabilization of the patient. Diagnostic testing should be delayed until feasible based on patient status. This article reviews emergency medicine in raptors, including appropriate handling and restraint, hospitalization, triage and patient assessment, sample collection, supportive care, and common emergency presentations.

Shock and cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation in small mammals and birds

Small mammals and birds present unique challenges for the clinician in treatment of life-threatening conditions. Numerous books have been written on shock, critical care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in small animals. The basic protocols can be adapted for use in small mammals and birds. A general review of the pathophysiology of shock is important to the understanding of fluid therapy plans discussed in this article. Using the general principles of cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation in small animals, protocols are discussed for use in birds and small mammals.

Emergency and critical care of rodents

Rodents may be presented on an emergency basis with various conditions causing debilitation and disease. Common causes of emergent presentations include trauma, respiratory disease, dental disease, gastrointestinal disease, reproductive disorders, and urinary tract obstruction. Emergency treatment should always include immediate stabilization of the patient until the patient is able to tolerate diagnostic testing and additional therapeutics. Rodent patients benefit from supportive care, including thermal, fluid, and nutritional support. Administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, antibiotics, and analgesics through various routes is also appropriate. This article presents an overview of emergency medicine in rodents, including emergency procedures, handling and restraint, triage and patient assessment, sample collection, and supportive care procedures. The most common emergency presentations for rodents are also discussed.