BIG CATS
And some other exotic tailsby Dr. Bret Meckel
Anatomy & Physiology
• Big cats are all very similar to little cats– Obligate carnivores - HR lower (50bpm)– Claws retracted - RR lower (10bpm)
Nutrition
• All cats are obligate carnivores– Ideal meal = you!– NOT ground beef
• 10-14 LBS meat /day – Natural Balance/Nebraska/Mazuri
=balanced diets– Local sources
• Fast Day (AKA Bone Day)
Preventative care
• Easier to PREVENT the problem– Find it before it becomes a problem
• Especially true for exotics– Hide illness (survival instinct)– Can pick up on small problem before it
becomes a BIG problem• Animal less at risk
• Components of Preventative Medicine Program?
Vaccines(Vet Med Nursing)
• FVRCP+C (q 2 yrs)– Canine distemper?
• Leukemia (q 2yrs)
• Rabies (Annual)
• FIP Testing
• FVRCP+C (q 2 yrs)– Canine distemper?
• Leukemia (q 2yrs)
• Rabies (Annual)
• FIP Testing
Fecal Exams/Worming(Parasitology)
• Fecals Exams =twice a year– Sooner if diarrhea/blood, etc
• Treatments– Yearly with dewormer– Cycle fenbendazole, pyrantel, ivermectin– Other treatments (tapes/coccidia) as
needed
• Hairballs!
Husbandry(Animal Care)
• Groups vs Singles• Enclosure• Nest Boxes• Drainage• Enrichment
Daily Observations
• Role of Keepers/ Animal Care Staff– Daily observations (records)
– Early notification of medical staff
– Assistant during procedures
Handling/Restraint
• Big cats are VERY different from little cats
• Use the handler/”treats” if possible• Observation through fence• Smaller space
– 10x10– Squeeze Box
Anesthesia(Surgical Nursing)
• “Just mask him down”
• Injectables only• Premeds?• Induction – Telazol OR Ketamine/Valium
• Hand Inject vs Pole syringe vs Darting
Pole Syringe
Darting
• Just don’t inhale!
Darting (cont)
DARTING TECHNIQUE
• Hide (cats) vs Open (primates)• Ambiance• Record and Wait• Keep waiting• Redose to effect
– Possibly hand inject– +“Premeds”
• Blindfold• Transport?
Routine Exams with bloodwork/urine
• Temperature• PE• Samples• Fluids• Procedure?• Dental Attention• Dart Wound Management
Recovery
• Shhhhhh!!!!!!!• Ambiance again• Monitor
• Slow return to normal functions• Reintroduction to cagemates
So What did we learn?
• Think of any species in terms of all your classes in Tech school
• Other exotics in practice?• Niche role
Others…