Critical Care Management of Exotic Small Mammals

SPECIAL NEEDS FOR THE EXOTIC SMALL MAMMAL PATIENT In general, basic equipment used for dogs and cats can be used on many rabbits, rodents, and ferrets. Most exotic small mammals tend to be very little; therefore, pediatric equipment is a must. For example, the heart rate of many exotic small mammals can easily be over 350 beats per minute. In many species, this would be considered tachycardic, but for many of the exotic small mammals, this would be considered normal. It is difficult to find machines such as an echocardiograph (ECG), pulse oximeter, or digital blood pressure monitor that measure values high enough to produce accurate readings in exotic small mammals. I have found one ECG manufactured by a company called Digicare that reads up to 999 beats per minute and seems to work well with small exotic mammals. It is also important to consider how exotic small mammals will be safely housed in the clinic. In some cases, the average metal small dog or cat hospital cage will not be adequate. Species such as rats, hamsters, mice, and ferrets can easily maneuver their way through the cage door front and either get out completely or become stuck or injured. If these cages are going to be used, a plastic cage front that screws onto the metal cage door can be constructed. Plastic cage fronts work great to not only keep the little animals in, but also the heat. Incubators that can provide both heat and oxygen are also essential if exotic small mammals are going to be dealt with in the clinic. There are many commercial incubators available. Keep in mind that if equipment such as an incubator will work for a kitten or small puppy, then it will probably also work for most exotic small mammals.