HD4001 US Issue 01
11
9
Small Animal Care
9. 1
Your TLC has been specifically designed for the care of injured or sick small animals. Animals should always
be cared for following the instructions and advice given by your veterinary surgeon.
9. 2
The first stage of treating a cold animal (hypothermia) is to prevent further heat loss, by wrapping the
casualty in insulating materials such as blankets, bubble wrap or silver foil. It is recommended to pre-heat
the TLC and allow the temperature to stabilise before adding young birds or small animals. If you are aware
of an incoming animal patient, the TLC may be switched on so that it is ready for immediate use when the
patient arrives.
9. 3
Once the TLC is warmed to the correct temperature the animal can be transferred. The amount of bedding
should be reduced at this stage to allow warming from the environment in the TLC. All animals will benefit
from some bedding in the bottom of the cabinet such as an absorbent pad to help reduce soiling. Small
animals such as fox or badger cubs can benefit from having a soft toy for company while single ducklings
or pheasant chicks can be provided with a safe mirror. Wild animals may become very distressed when
handled by humans. Place the TLC where there is minimal disturbance.
9. 4
All small mammals and birds will benefit from being kept in an environmental temperature within their
‘thermoneutral range’. This is the range of temperatures in which an animal expends no energy to
maintain its body temperature. The thermoneutral temperatures for typical adult mammals and birds are
given in table 1. For birds, the thermoneutral range depends upon size, with smaller birds requiring higher
temperatures. Reptiles and amphibians should be kept within an ‘activity temperature range’ (ATR) in
which it can control its body temperature. ATR values for typical reptiles and amphibians are also given in
table 1.
9. 5
Hypothermic adult animals should be warmed in the TLC set to their thermoneutral range. The
temperature of both the TLC and the animal should be recorded at regular intervals. Careful monitoring
and observation of the animal should be undertaken to ensure that it is not showing signs of distress. i.e.
panting or shivering. These animals are also likely to be dehydrated and/or ‘shocked’ (hypovolaemic) so
warming alone will not correct these things and may make them worse. All adult animals must therefore
be provided with adequate fluid therapy at the same time as warming and veterinary care (in person, over
the telephone or in written Standard Operating Procedures). Injured animals also require pain relief
(analgesia) which can be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon.
9. 6
If the animal will drink, then an oral rehydration fluid can be provided in a shallow bowl. If the animal will
not, or cannot drink, then fluid must be given in other ways. In birds, rehydration fluids can most easily be
provided by crop tubing, provided the bird can lift its head and swallow. In mammals, intravenous or
intraosseous fluids are usually required to rehydrate patients. These must only be administered by a
veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse.
9. 7
Only feed a poorly animal once it is warm and always start with liquids only. Do not place moist, solid food
in the intensive care unit as it will rapidly go bad due to the warm environment.
9. 8
Dependent animals (those that would naturally be in a nest) should be kept in the TLC set at 82.5-89.5°F
(28-32°C) until they are of an age where they can maintain their own body temperature when the heat
can be reduced to the thermoneutral range for that species. Carefully observe their behaviour for signs of
panting or shivering to help determine the best temperature for them at that stage. Very small baby
animals may require an artificial fabric ‘nest’ to be created in the TLC, lined with paper towel.
Table 1. Typical thermoneutral and active temperature ranges
(ATR)
Species:
Temperature range:
Mammals
59 – 68°F (15 – 20°C)
Medium and Large Birds
59 – 77°F (15 – 25°C)
Small Birds
68 – 86°F (20 – 30°C)
Very Small Birds
77 – 95°F (25 – 35°C)
Reptiles
68 – 86°F (20 – 30°C)
Amphibians
59 – 86°F (15 – 30°C)