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…