Last night my Veterinary Assisting class had the pleasure of meeting and hearing Joel Beckman discuss animal behavior and training. Joel is a dynamic speaker with expertise in companion animal training including working with Killer Whales during his employment as a trainer at SeaWorld. Joel explained training concepts to my students, dispelled myths about animals and training types as well as demonstrated some basic training behaviors with the use of his Doberman named Bosco. We can't thank Joel enough for generously donating his time and expertise ( for the past several years) to my veterinary assisting students. Joel is the owner of Beckmans Dog Training in Ramona, CA. You can learn more about Joel and his dog training company at beckmansdogtraining.com

Thanks Joel!

Today I worked on a Rinkhals Cobra. This 800 gram (~2 pound) African snake is known for spitting its venom . Keepers use rigid clear plastic tubing to safely restrain venomous snakes; once tubed, gas anesthesia can be introduced into the tube. The anesthetic gas used for reptiles is Desflurane. This anesthetic gas has the lowest blood/gas solubility of all gas anesthetics. This means that inspired/expired concentrations are very similar, depth of anesthesia can be easily controlled, it is unmetabolized and requires low flow rates. The down side is it is very expensive. Desflurane optimizes anesthesia as well as metabolic and physiological differences found in reptiles. Following induction, the cobra was intubated with a size 16 cole tube and maintained for the duration of the procedure. Ironically, an evaluation of its most dangerous area, its mouth, was the reason for the exam.

source-maree-clarkson.blogspot.com

Today I worked on a Buergers Tree Kangaroo. These medium-sized marsupial tree dwelling kangaroos live in rain forests of Australia and New Guinea. Today's case included a screening for mycobacterium; the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. In fact there are many different species of mycobacterium including M avium that affects birds, and in some cases people. M avium appears as a wasting disease in birds and includes symptoms such as lethargy, loose stool and weight loss. Additionally, birds with M avium, will develop lytic lesions of the long bones; these can be seen radiographically. Because of this, the Tree Kangaroo received survey radiographs of all of her long bones looking for TB lesions. Note TB lesions in the wing and leg bones of the bird radiograph below.

Today I worked on a Fairy Bluebird. These are small passerine birds found in Asia and the Philippines. My job was to obtain a blood sample from the bird, and have it evaluated for uric acid content. Uric acid sounds a bit like urea, and in fact, they are very similar. Uric acid and urea are both nitrogen containing waste products from the breakdown of chemicals in the body. All nitrogen wastes, as well as other wastes, are filtered by the kidneys and removed from circulation. In mammals, urea is eliminated from the body in the form of urine, and in birds, it appears as that white stuff splattered on your car. High levels of urea or uric acid in the blood can imply problems with the kidneys ability to filter wastes; build-up of these compounds, known as hyperuricemia, can result in a condition called gout. This painful conditions results from uric acid crystals building up in joints and capillaries. In some species of birds, especially insectivores, uric acid levels can be artificially elevated. In these species, a fasted blood sample is obtained in order to obtain normal levels.

Today I worked on an Exuma Island Iguana. These critically endangered iguanids are native to the islands of the Bahamas. These large lizards attain a length of over 3 feet, and weigh more than 4kg (9lbs). These iguanas are herbivores, eating leaves, fruits and flowers. In captivity a variety of produce is offered to supply their dietary needs. In addition to nutrients, iguanas and other reptiles require warmth and ultraviolet light to survive in captivity. Heat sources can provide needed warmth, but if they are placed too close or if timers or thermostats malfunction, can lead to serious life threatening burns to the skin. Many treatments for burns are currently utilized; these include nutrient rich bandages, honey, tissue debridement and laser light therapy. Lasers, directed at injured tissues, are believed to stimulate cell development and tissue healing. As tissues begin to heal, skin contraction occurs. This contraction helps reduce the size of the defect; tissue granulation occurs as healing continues. Burns in reptiles are serious medical problems, taking lengthy time and resources to resolve. If left untreated, infection and death may result. Photo by Jim Austin.

Today I worked on a Giant Horned Lizard. These are large spined lizards that are known for eating ants and squirting blood from their eyes as a means of defense. This animal came up in a stupor-like condition. It had also lost a significant amount of weight. The initial treatment involved giving subcutaneous fluids to improve its hydration. Subcutaneous fluids, abbreviated SQ, can be easily given to animals that have redundant skin; many species don't have a lot of extra skin for SQ access. Lizards can be given SQ fluids, although they tend to have limited space and inflexible skin. Additionally, lizards and snakes have scales, scutes and armor making injections more challenging. SQ injections should be made between scutes and scales if possible, and sometimes in multiple sites. When SQ injections are not feasible, injections can be made directly into the abdominal region; this is call an intracoelomic injection and is analogous to an intraperitoneal injection in mammals. 

Today I worked on a Fossa. These carnivores are indigenous to Madagascar; they are best described as a dog-like cat. Fossas are closely related to viverids (civets and binturong), hyeanidids (hyenas) and herpestids (mongoose) and are the largest carnivore found in Madagascar. Physical characteristics include a brown coat, long tail, cat-like pupillary eye slits and a body weight of about 6-8kg (14-18lbs). Today's Fossa was immobilized and evaluated for inappetence. An IV catheter was placed in the left cephalic vein. This vessel normally sits on the anterior surface of the front limb, however in this species, as with many bear species, lies much more medial than expected. Lactated Ringers were given at 100ml/hr. Skull radiographs showed fractures of the mandibular canine teeth; they required temporary root canals. A hole is drilled into the pulp cavity of the tooth. Nerve and vascular material is removed from the inside of the tooth and filled with a composite material. A 'light curing' composite is used which is durable and easy to instill. Root canals are not uncommon in species that break or wear down tooth surfaces; this ensures that the aesthetics of the tooth are maintained. The Fossa was recovered without complication.