Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Emergency and critical care of rodents.
- Journal:
- The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice
- Year:
- 2007
- Authors:
- Hawkins, Michelle G & Graham, Jennifer E
- Affiliation:
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology · United States
Plain-English summary
Rodents can sometimes become very sick and need urgent care for a variety of reasons, such as injuries, breathing problems, dental issues, stomach troubles, reproductive problems, or blockages in their urinary tract. When a rodent is brought in for emergency treatment, the first step is to stabilize them so they can handle further tests and treatments. They often need extra support, like warmth, fluids, and nutrition, and may require medications like CPR, antibiotics, and pain relief given in different ways. This article provides a general overview of how to handle emergencies in rodents, including how to assess their condition and provide necessary care. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of prompt and supportive treatment for these small animals in crisis.
Abstract
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17577561/