How should wildlife be housed at the veterinary clinic?
In order to reduce stress wildlife should be housed in a dark, quiet place. They should be kept away from other patients as much as possible. Cover cages/carriers to reduce visual stimuli. Pain control is paramount for humane treatment of wild species. Wild animals with injuries often remain for hours at the vet hospital, in a box or cage until a rehabilitator can get it. Many of the drugs used for pain control in dogs and cats (narcotics, NSAIDs, etc) can be used safely and effectively in wild species. Resources: Pain Management in Wildlife Rehabilitation. Wildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin, Volume 20, No 2, Fall/Winter 2002. Pain Management in Wildlife rahabilitation by Trudi Chepey, DVM. Wildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin. Volume 22, No. 2, Fall/Winter 2004. Pain Management in Wildlife Rehabilitation by Florina S. Seng, DVM. Topics in Wildlife Medicine, Emergency and Critical Care.
