E-Library
Wildlife (students only)
with Dr David Blyde
Next session: TBA
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This course is designed to give the veterinary practitioner a basic understanding of the treatment of native fauna. It is not intended to be a comprehensive text on diseases and treatment of native fauna, but rather a practical guide to the problems that a veterinary practitioner may encounter in practice and how to deal with them. For those who wish to further develop their understanding and knowledge of the care of native wildlife there are textbooks, organisations and hopefully further in-depth online courses that can be accessed.
Native fauna or wildlife that is presented to veterinarians generally falls into one of three categories. The first is orphaned wildlife. These are reptiles, birds and mammals that have for various reasons been separated from their adult care giver and require hand-rearing. The second group is injured wildlife. These animals are presented to veterinarians because they have been traumatised either by motor vehicles, introduced predators or other misadventure. The third group is those that are suffering disease. Some diseases occur commonly in certain species and some in certain areas and these will be discussed.
Basic first aid for native wildlife is important and is covered in the course. Restraint of native wildlife is discussed as is the hand-rearing of native fauna.
In addition to orphaned and injured wild fauna, veterinarians may be called upon to diagnose and treat native wildlife in fauna parks or zoos. They may also be called upon to treat pet native animals in some Australian states where it is legal to keep these animals as pets, for example in South Australia.
On completion of this course, participants will have a basic knowledge and understanding of the common illnesses in native wildlife and the treatment options available.
Course content
The course is designed to take approximately ten (10) hours to complete. It will be broken down into ten (10) subjects each taking one (1) hour to complete.
The Introduction gives a brief overview of the differences in anatomy and physiology between marsupials and placental animals. Important anatomical and physiological differences of birds and reptiles will be highlighted. These differences will be related to practical considerations for veterinarians and relevant treatment protocols.
Each subject following the introduction will focus on one group of animals. It will discuss the common diseases and treatments for these animals. It will attempt to cover the most common presentations of these animals and how these problems might be managed in practice. For each group of animals, options for restraint and first aid will be covered. Case studies, examples and images will complement the course notes to give the participant a better knowledge of the subject.
A specific subject will be dedicated to the topic of hand-rearing native animals.
At the end of each subject is a short quiz which will need to be completed before moving on to the next subject.
Modules
Unit 1 Introduction
In this unit the participant will be introduced to the basic form and function of the marsupial and the monotreme and the anatomical and physiological differences between these orders and the placental mammals. A brief overview of the avian and reptilian form will also be included. The evolution and subsequent adaptation of marsupials and monotremes will be discussed and the emphasis will be placed on the important practical implications for the veterinarian.
Unit 2 Hand-rearing
Orphan marsupials, birds and sometimes reptiles are often found by members of the public and handed into veterinarians or wildlife care agencies. Many of these orphans are fit enough to be hand-reared and eventually rehabilitated to the wild. Hand-rearing can be quite challenging and often animals become ill and require veterinary attention during the process. Veterinarians treating wildlife need to make themselves aware of the correct hand-rearing protocols, including husbandry and nutrition and the diseases and treatments which occur commonly in this group of animals.
Unit 3 Macropods
This unit will consider the common diseases, treatments and preventative medical considerations for this group of animals. Trauma including motor vehicle accidents, dog and cat attacks will be discussed as this is a major presenting complaint. The treatment of hand-reared pouch young will also be discussed although hand-rearing has already been covered in a general sense in the preceding chapter.
Unit 4 Koalas
This unique species can be found along the east coast of Australia and extending along river valleys into dryer western areas. It is also found in the south-west of the country. They have adapted well to an arboreal life surviving on eucalypt leaves. This unit will consider the common diseases, treatments and preventative medical considerations in this species. Special attention will be paid to chlamydophila and retrovirus infection. Once again, trauma including motor vehicle accidents, dog and cat attacks will be discussed as this is a major presenting complaint.
Unit 5 Possums and Gliders
Common problems in this group of animals include bloating in hand-reared animals, dental disease and trauma, especially from domestic cats. There are many small gliders kept as pets in the United States and some discussion will be provided on adequate nutrition and husbandry for these animals in captivity.
Unit 6 Flying Foxes and Bats
This group of animals has recently been discovered to be the reservoir of some fatal zoonotic diseases and the precautions that need to be taken when dealing with these animals is considered. This unit will consider the common diseases, treatments and preventative medical considerations for this group of animals, with trauma being a major presenting problem.
Unit 7 Wombats
Found in the eastern regions of the country, this large herbivore is sensitive to sarcoptic mange. Three distinct species exist with one, the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat being one of the most endangered species in Australia. Although robust they are commonly presented as the result of motor vehicle accidents.
Unit 8 Echidnas and Platypus
Both animals have unique anatomy and physiology which will be discussed. In addition, this unit will consider the common diseases, treatments and preventative medical considerations for this order of mammals.
Unit 9 Birds
Introductions of non-native species have led to disease outbreaks in native species. These introductions continue today with the importation of captive exotic birds. This unit will focus on the common diseases, treatments and preventative medical considerations for this class of animals. The unit will primarily focus on diseases of wild native species rather than those of caged and aviary birds.
Unit 10 Reptiles
Australia is home to a wide variety of reptile species and these animals are becoming increasingly popular as pets. Husbandry and nutrition are key factors in maintaining the health of these animals in captive situations. This unit will consider the common diseases, treatments and preventative medical considerations for this class of animals.
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