Module 4: How to treat common injuries

The treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife casualties usually requires a license or

permit, and varies between countries and states.

Wildlife can be dangerous to deal with- they may bite and scratch. Some snakes are

venomous and other wildlife may be the carriers of dangerous diseases and parasites

which can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic diseases).

Injured wildlife require suitable people to help them, and it is in the animal’s best

interest to transfer it to a qualified and equipped wildlife organisation or veterinary clinic

for appropriate care. Wildlife require specialized diets, sometimes hand feeding,

purpose built cages, and individual treatment, and without these things they may suffer

or die. The following notes on common injuries are meant as a guide of how

rehabilitators and vets might deal with problems, and in no way should replace

professional care.

Topics covered in this module include:

4.1. What are the most common injuries dealt with by wildlife rehabilitators?

4.2. Broken limbs

4.3. Broken wings

4.4. Broken/damaged shells

4.5. Orphaned animals

4.6. Oiled animals

4.7. Basic wound care

4.8. Heat stroke

4.9. Burns

4.10. Fish hook injuries

4.11. Common diseases of wildlife

4.1. What are the most common injuries dealt with by wildlife rehabilitators?

The most common problems dealt with by wildlife rehabilitators can depend on their

location in the world, and the time of year. For example, a rehabilitator living in a rural

coastal climate will see more aquatic wildlife, and may encounter more storms and

weather phenomenon, but probably less road incidents due to lower population density

and development. A rehabilitator working in a bustling metropolis may encounter more

human related injuries, such as road accidents, traps, “bait poisoning”, dog attacks,

etc. And of course, seasonal climate changes

impact animal reproduction, diet, and migration,

which change the animal’s day to day living

patterns, and may open them to new dangers.

Here’s a general overview of what the average

rehabilitator would encounter:

Problem Caused By Common Injuries Sustained

Road Traffic

Incidents

Highways, roads, and in

driveways; usually because

the animal has darted out in

front of a vehicle.

Broken limbs, wounds, internal injuries,

shock, and blood loss.

Machinery

Injuries

Lawn mowers in residential

areas, or farming equipment

in rural regions, usually

because the animal is

scared out of its burrow or

home.

Wounds, severed limbs, blood loss, shock

Entrapment

Related

On/in fencing, illegal

hunting traps and snares,

nets, and waste products,

usually in residential areas

and/or forested areas with

high traffic

Wounds, shock/stress, dehydration,

starvation. If possible, always assess

animal prior to releasing.

Orphaned

Animals

Mothers being separated

from their young, or

Orphaned animals must be assessed for

dehydration, starvation, overall health, and

overzealous human

intervention when they think

a baby is orphaned. Occurs

mostly in the spring.

if necessary, cared for in surrogate

environments before release.

Predator Attacks

Dog and cat attacks in

residential areas, or natural

predators in the wild.

Infected wounds, broken wings/limbs,

severed limbs, shock, and blood loss.

Displaced

Wildlife

Occurs when an animal is

stranded, or has their

habitat taken away by

environmental factors or

human intervention, i.e.

forest fires or deforestation.

Short term relocation or overwintering

during the cold weather months.

Environmental

Effects

Injuries sustained in the

course of natural or

environmental disasters, i.e.

being swept away by flood,

or being burned in a bush

fire.

Dehydration, collapse, burns, freezing,

heatstroke, fluid in lungs/drowning, shock

Hooks and nets

For wildlife that lives around

water, they can become

tangled in a fishing net or

injured by a fishing hook

Damage to mouth or beak, infection,

broken limbs from struggling, drowning,

shock/stress

Oil Spills

The poisonous chemicals in

oil can coat an animal’s fur,

feathers or skin and cause

harm internally and

externally

Hypothermia, skin irritation, eye irritation

and vision impairment, poisoning effects:

organ failure, respiratory failure, heart

failure, infertility, etc.

4.1.1. Stress and shock in wildlife- the silent killers!

A combination of shock and stress is the number one cause of death in injured wild

animals.

Shock: After an accident many animals, will suffer from shock. This will be due to a

combination of the stress of the situation, pain, blood loss, dehydration and heat loss.

Signs of shock include pale coloured gums, increased heart rate but weak pulse,

hypothermia (low body temperature), disorientation, and collapse. Any wild animal that

allows you to handle it willingly after an accident is confused and in shock.

Stress: This is a natural response to a threat, attack or frustration. It is also known as

the “flight or fight” response. Part of the brain called the hypothalamus, triggers the

release of two hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase heart rate

and breathing rate, increase blood pressure, cause a surge of energy and dilate the

pupils.Long-term activation of the stress response can cause increased blood

pressure (hypertension), heart problems, lowered immune response, (inability to deal

with infections) and stomach ulcers.

What causes stress in wildlife?

Handling and restraint by humans,

Strange sights, noises and smells

Lack of food or water, or new foods

Injuries and pain

Excessive heat or cold

Bright lights

Other animals nearby- e.g. pet dogs and cats

4.1.2. General approach to treatment

1. Have all equipment ready. Take necessary protective precautions for your

own safety: thick gloves, goggles (with birds), apron etc.

2. Carry out a full clinical examination

3. Weigh the animal

4. Provide warmth

5. REDUCE STRESS: Keep in quiet, dark area

6. REDUCE SHOCK: Provide fluids if dehydrated- oral/subcutaneous/intravenous?

7. Provide pain relief and antibiotics if necessary

8. Once rehydrated and stabilized- it is safe to perform further treatment-

sedation/x-rays/wound care/surgery If an animal is sedated while it is in

shock or dehydrated, there is a high risk of complications or death. The

circulatory system is not working properly and cannot delivery enough oxygen

around the body. The animal should be rehydrated and stabilized prior to

sedation or general anaesthetic.

9. Calculate a nutrition plan

10. Monitor and complete a full record card

4.2. Broken limbs

Classification

Most often broken limbs are seen following a road traffic accident, a fall from a height

or another significant trauma. Fractures are categorized as either “open” or “closed”.

An open fracture is when the skin over the fracture is open and the bone is exposed,

while a closed fracture does not have a skin wound present. A fracture can also be

“complete” or “incomplete”. A complete fracture, makes the bone very unstable and

will allow it to move a lot. An incomplete fracture, may only be a small crack in the

bone, and can also be known as a hairline fracture.

Clinical signs

Sometimes an animal will show obvious signs of a fractured limb, such as a bone

sticking out through the skin or a severely unstable leg. If you move the bones you

may feel a grinding/crunching sensation, as the two broken ends of bone rub. Signs

of pain and limping following an accident could be due to a fracture, dislocation, or a

number of muscle, tendon or ligament injuries. Sometimes a fracture may be present

in an extremely swollen leg.

4.2.1. Broken limb: Emergency first aid care

Immediate First Aid

1. Lower the risk of stress

2. Provide warmth and fluids (intravenous is best) to combat shock

3. Provide pain relief

4. Provide antibiotics

5. Open wounds: Flush with sterile saline and apply a sterile dressing and

bandage

6. A splint or Robert Jones bandage can be applied to the leg to stabilize it while

awaiting stabilization prior to surgery

7. Once stable and rehydrated it is safe to perform x-rays +/- surgery under

general anesthetic

Veterinary Care

The veterinary care will depend on the type and location of the fracture and

presence of any other injuries. X-rays will usually be completed to assess the

fracture, or other injuries. The fracture may require surgery to place pins or

plates to hold the bone in place.

Splints or casts are not usually first choice treatment in large wild animals for

fracture fixation- as they require very frequent changes which will be stressful

and the animals will try to bite and chew the bandages off and might do further

damage to the fracture site. The exceptions are small birds and reptiles (who

have light bones) and young animals (their bones usually heal quicker)

Broken legs in turtles and tortoises can sometimes be fixed by taping the leg

inside the shell for 2-3 months. This restricts movement and allows healing. The

turtle should also be confined in a small area during this time.

Some types of fractures e.g. hairline fractures or some pelvic fractures may

heal with strict confinement and rest for 8 weeks.

4.2.2. Tape splint- Birds

A splint is a temporary measure to support a fractured limb or obviously unstable limb.

It makes the animal more comfortable, immobilizesthe bones and helps prevent further

damage to nerves, blood vessels and soft tissue around the fracture.

1. Used for simple, closed fractures in small birds- who have light, hollow bones.

2. All the feathers are removed from the site by plucking.

3. The bones are lined up and Special tape is layered and molded over, above

and below the fracture site.

4. A waterproof tape layer is then applied and the tape trimmed.

5. It is usually left on for one month, with regular checks to ensure it is secure and

the foot is not swollen

4.2.3. How to apply a splint bandage

1 Flush any wounds with sterile saline and apply a sterile dressing.

2

Using white bandage tape, place tape stirrups on the distal 1/3rd of the limb

overlapping the toes and extending approximately an equal length from the end of the

leg

3 Wrap the leg lightly with padding starting at the toes and moving proximally. Overlap

the bandage 50% as you wrap.

4

Wrap the leg firmly, but not too tight, with a conforming bandage starting at the toes

and moving proximally. This is the step where you create compression. The toes

should still be visible.

5

Separate the tape stirrups, rotate them proximally, and secure them to the

compression bandage thus creating a barrier and preventing the bandage from

slipping down.

6 Place the splint against the fractured leg and securely tape it in place. Repeat steps

3 &4 to secure the splint.

7 Finish with a layer of stretchy bandage, Vet wrap or Elasticon and cover the toes.

8 Recheck bandage daily. Change as required.

4.3. Broken wings

Classification

Most often broken wings are seen

following a road traffic accident, being

caught by a cat, entrapped in a fence

or netting or another significant

trauma. Fractures are categorized as

either “open” or “closed”. An open

fracture is when the skin over the

fracture is open and the bone is exposed, while a closed fracture does not have a skin

wound present. A fracture can also be “complete” or “incomplete”. A complete fracture,

makes the bone very unstable and will allow it to move a lot. An incomplete fracture,

may only be a small crack in the bone, and can also be known as a hairline fracture.

Clinical Signs

A broken wing will be easily noticed, as the bird will drag the wing, be unbalanced and

unable to fly. Sometimes you will notice a bone sticking out, or gun pellet wounds. If

you move the wings you may feel a grinding/crunching sensation, as the two broken

ends of bone rub.

Broken wing: Emergency first aid care

Immediate First Aid

1. Lower the risk of stress

2. Provide warmth and fluids (subcutaneous) to combat shock

3. Provide pain relief and antibiotics

4. Open wounds: clean and flush with caution. Flushing could introduce fluid into the

airways due to birds having air sacs in some bones!

5. Once stable and rehydrated it is safe to perform x-rays +/- surgery under general

anesthetic

Veterinary Care

Simple fractures of the wing are usually immobilized with a figure of 8 bandage

using Vet Wrap or Co-Wrap. This holds the flexed wing snug against the body.

Bones should be correctly aligned before bandaging.

If the humerus is fractured a full

body wrap is also applied. This

should be applied firmly but not

tightly to restrict movement of the

chest for breathing.It goes over

the body and injured wing and

does not include the uninjured

wing!

Wings usually need to be bandaged and rested for 3-5 weeks, depending on the

fracture. The bandages need checked regularly. Physical therapy should be

completed while checking/changingthe bandage to help prevent muscle damage.

Some complicatedfractures will require surgical correction with pins or plates,

especially in larger birds.

4.4. Broken/damaged shells

Causes

Most often seen after a tortoise or turtle is hit by a car/boat, been attacked by another

animal or accidents with lawnmowers.

Clinical Signs

Cracked shell or part of shell missing +/- bleeding. May have internal injuries

Broken Shells: Emergency first aid care

1. Apply pressure to stop bleeding if necessary

2. Provide warmth and fluids (oral electrolyte solution, subcutaneous, intravenous

or intraosseous (into a bone) –for shock)

3. Provide pain relief and antibiotics (shell infections might cause serious infections

in the blood)

4. Gently clean the entire shell and turtle using salty water, saline

5. Flush wound thoroughly using 0.05% chlorhexidine or 0.1% povidone iodine,

followed by saline. Do not use hydrogen peroxide.

6. Assess the breaks or wounds fully.

7. Perform a conscious x-ray

Veterinary Care

Cracks in shells vary from small and minor (grade one) to major cracks which expose

the intestines (grade six). Some major cracks may take 1-2 years to heal, and will need

to be kept in a rehabilitation center.

The greatest concern is “trapping” infection inside the shell- hence why the shell and

wound should be thoroughly cleaned and the animal should be given antibiotics.

Minor Cracks:

1. Cleaned daily with 0.05% chlorhexidine or 0.1% povidone iodine. Dried and

antibiotic cream applied (e.g. silver sulfadiazone).

2. Adhesion or elastic tape can be used to bind small cracks together.

3. Dressings for open wounds: wet to dry dressings with daily changes or

waterproof dressing such as (Opsite or Duoderm).

Major Cracks:

1. Once the area has been cleaned and infection under control- e.g. two weeks of

daily flushing and dressing application.

2. Use of removable hardware such as screws, bone plates and wire may be

combined with techniques that use hooks, epoxy and bridges. Dental cement

products can also be used to provide a waterproof seal and fracture

stabilization.

3. Fiberglass is no longer considered to be safe by all vets, as it releases heat and

kills the tissue, creating a seal over the crack may lock in bacteria.

4.5. Orphaned animals

Unfortunately, well-meaning members of the public often “rescue” baby animals in

springtime, when they are probably fine. In most cases, young wild animals should be

left alone, unless they are in obvious distress, immediate danger or have an injury.

These baby animals, if rescued, will require specialized care in a rehabilitation center,

and there is a high risk that they will die. There is also a high risk of aspiration

pneumonia (fluid entering lungs) if they are bottle or syringe fed incorrectly! Below are

some commonly encountered baby animals. Though we discussed orphans in Module

1, here we’ll provide more details around treatment and care for orphans who have

been assessed as needing rescue.

Nestling Songbirds

A nestling- is a baby bird with no feathers. If you find one that has fallen from tree-

Look for the original nest.

If you can’t reach or locate the original nest. Make a makeshift nest for the

nestling(s) using a small basket or plastic container lined with shredded tissue

paper. Place it in a sheltered place close to the original location.

The parent birds will NOT reject or kill their babies because of a human smell.

Birds have a poor sense of smell and are more bothered by human presence.

Mother songbirds will feed their young very frequently. Keep out of sight and

watch quietly from a distance. If an adult bird does not return after 3-4 hours, then

rescue is usually necessary.

Rescue: Collect the bird. Place it in a plastic tub lined with paper towel, then place

this inside a cardboard box (with air holes!). Keep it warm, quiet and in a dark

place. Call a rehabilitation center.

Try to identify the bird. It will require hand/syringe feeding every 30 minutes

throughout the day- depending on its breed and age.

Fledgling Songbirds

Fledglings are young birds who have some feathers and are learning to fly. They

can sometimes fall out of the nest early, or become stranded somewhere when

they aren’t yet strong enough to fly away.

If you find a fledging you can move it a short distance to a tree or shrub to keep it

safe from traffic and pets.

Fledglings’ parents will usually be close, so never attempt to rescue fledglings

unless they are in immediate danger or obviously injured.

If a fledgling is clearly injured or weak, gently cover the bird with a small towel

and use clean or gloved hands to place it inside a cardboard box. If the animal

cannot stand, roll a towel and place it inside the box to help protect it during the

journey.

Cover the box with a screen and a towel. Keep it warm, quiet and dark.

Baby Deer

Baby deer, are known as “fawns”. They are often spend most of their time alone,

as the mother only returns a few times per day to feed her young.

When to rescue: A fawn that is alone for 48hrs, it is lying on its side and appears

weak, you find the parent dead nearby. Watch from a safe distance to be sure

that the baby is not abandoned.

Do not handle a fawn unless it is necessary- Deer have a highly developed sense

of smell- and may abandon their young if they smell of humans.

If rescue necessary: keep the fawn warm, dry and in a quiet area.

Fawns need help toileting- before

and after each feed, stroke their

belly and anal area with damp

cotton wool.

Normally bottle fed with mixture of

glucose solution and cow’s milk.

Feeding frequency depends on

age of fawn.

Baby Rabbit

Baby rabbits are known as “kits”. They are born without fur and their eyes closed.

Some rabbits make their nest underground, while others make them in long grass.

If a nest is discovered or disturbed, place the baby rabbits back in the nest, unless

they are injured or you are certain that the mother has been killed.

Baby rabbits unfortunately have a high death rate when hand-raised, due in great

part to the stress of handling by humans.

If baby rabbits are less than 5 inches long, they are cold to touch, you have

completed the above stick/string test and their mother has not returned within one

day then they need rescue.

Cover them with a small towel and quickly place them inside a newspaper-lined

box. Place the box in a quiet, warm place.

Kits need help toileting- before and after each feed gentle stroke their belly and

anal area with damp cotton wool.

Commonly fed puppy milk replacement formula using a dropper/syringe/bottle

depending on size/strength.

Baby Squirrels

Often found after falling from a nest or blown down after a storm.

They are also born without hair and eyes closed.

Place the squirrel in a small box, lined with paper towel and put the box at the

base of a nearby tree. The mother will retrieve the young and transport them to a

safer location, but only if she feels safe.

Keep all pets and children away, and observe from a distance.

If the mother doesn’t return within 12 hours then they are in of need rescue. Keep

it/them in dry, warm cardboard box.

Baby squirrels need help toileting- before and after each feed gently stroke their

belly and anal area with damp cotton wool.

Commonly fed goat’s milk as replacement using dropper/syringe.

What problems does oil cause?

In an oil spill, the oil itself floats on top of the water, which means that many

fish, aquatic mammals, sea birds, and turtles will either become coated in it, or

will accidentally ingest it. In addition to external contact and internal ingestion,

oil can also effect an animal’s eyesight, or else completely smother small

animals who cannot escape to clean themselves off and recuperate. The

substance itself is thick and heavy with fumes, which may disorient the animal

and make it feel constricted. Oil is also extremely poisonous, and can have

many averse effects on internal and external functioning.

Treatment

1. STABILISATION: The birds need nutrition, dehydration correction and medical

treatment BEFORE they are cleaned. They are highly likely to die from stress

and shock if they are immediately washed.

2. WASHING: Once stable, they are washed thoroughly in a low concentration of

dishwashing liquid in water.

3. RINSING: Once all oil is removed, the bird is thoroughly rinsed to remove any

detergent.

4. DRYING: Specially dried with commercial dryers, sometimes in special rooms

or by hand.

5. TUBE FED: A high energy, nutritious mix is given to the bird.

6. REHABILITATION: Free access to food and different therapy pools. Preening,

behavior, floating, swimming and feeding monitored.

7. RELEASE: Once stable, healthy and deemed waterproof again it is released in

suitable location.

4.6. Basic wound care

Wounds can occur all over the body and vary in severity from small scratches and

abrasions, to punctures to full thickness lacerations. If you notice a wild animal with a

wound, it usually doesn’t require veterinary attention, many small wounds will heal

naturally.

When is emergency care necessary for a wound in wildlife?

A wound that is bleeding and won’t stop

There is obvious signs of infection- green discharge, swelling, sometimes

maggots

A wound is deep enough to see bone

The animal is non-weight bearing on a limb

Animal is showing signs of severe pain, weakness or shock or is collapsed.

There are many factors to consider when deciding how to treat a wound including the

cause, size, location and when it occurred. Where possible it is best to surgically stitch

wounds to ensure a swift recovery but some wounds may need to be left open to heal

medically (by secondary intention). A dirty wound that is more than a few hours old

should not be stitched closed without thorough flushing and surgically removing any

devitalized and contaminated tissue. Some wounds are not suitable for stitching due

to location or the level of contamination present!

Controlling Bleeding

1. Direct Pressure: Press a clean, thick

gauze pad over the wound, and keep

pressure over the wound with your hand for

at least 3 minutes! If blood soaks through

the compress, do not remove it, place more

gauze on top of the old one. You can apply

a bandage over the dressing to hold it in

place.

2. Elevation: Most beneficial for wounds on the leg or foot, and it uses gravity to

reduce blood pressure near the wound.

3. Tourniquet: If the wound is on a limb, the bleeding is severe and not stopping

with pressure, you can apply a tourniquet. A tourniquet is dangerous and should

only be applied in life saving situations. Use an elastic band or bandage

wrapped around the leg twice and knotted firmly. It should be applied above the

wound, near the top of the leg. Apply a bandage and pressure over the wound.

Loosen the tourniquet for 20 seconds every 15-20 minute, before retying again

if necessary.

Wound Care: birds/mammals/reptiles

Administer antibiotics and pain relief if necessary

Flush the wound with sterile saline. Flush out all obvious dirt and foreign bodies.

Maggots need to be individually tweezed out and flushed.

You may need to clip hair around the wound. Squirt some sterile KY jelly into the

wound first.

Clean the wound and the surrounding area with a mild, dilute solution of 0.05%

chlorhexidine.

Rinse away excess.

Apply suitable antibacterial cream to the wound (should not contain steroids)

Depending on the location it might be best to apply a sterile dressing and bandage

the wound to protect it.

Amphibian wound protocol

Diluted povidone-iodine soaks for 10 minutes once daily, then rinse with water

Gentamicin ophthalmic drops: 1 drop to abrasion twice daily OR silver

sulfadiazine cream 1% twice daily

Weigh daily. If losing weight signs of internal infection.

Signs of wound infection

Redness, inflammation, swelling

Excess or abnormal discharge. Wounds that are healing well might produce a

little bit of normal clear discharge or crusting. If there is infection there will be an

increase in discharge, which may be yellow or green.

Pain associated with the wound.

Fever or lethargy.

Bandages

Bandages are widely used for many different reasons in veterinary medicine, including

to treat open wounds, protect wounds from further injury, provide pressure for bleeding

wounds, and reduce swelling post operation or to help to stabilize a fractured limb.

A badly applied bandage can cause many serious problems including reducing the

healing rate of a wound or in the worse-case scenario disrupt the blood and nerve

supply to the area. There have been cases of animals that have required a limb

amputation following poorly applied bandages.

Bandages are composed of three main layers:

Primary layer: This is the layer with direct contact with the wound, and helps

protect it. It usually consists of a single sterile dressing.

Secondary layer: This layer helps to absorb any excess blood or discharge. It

provides padding to protect the wound and immobilize the limb if necessary. It

normally consists of absorbent cotton bandage.

Tertiary layer: This layer helps to hold the bandage in place and immobilize the

area. It usually consists of gauze bandage and adherent bandage (vet wrap).

Adhesive tape can be used to hold the bandage to the skin

Bandage Care

All bandages should be kept clean and dry. There are also commercial bandage

covers or boots available to protect limb bandages. If the bandage gets wet, it can

introduce infection into the wound, or it may constrict and tighten as it dries, causing

serious problems to the limb. Some animals might be able to wear an e-collar to stop

them from chewing the bandage.

How often the bandage needs changed depends on the type of wound or injury and

the location of the problem. Most bandages are not left longer than three days. Your

veterinarian should provide you with full advice and an appointment schedule should

be made in advance so you know the long term plan. The bandage should be checked

daily for slippage, abnormal smell or discharge and any abnormal pain associated with

the area. Many wild animals will need sedated for bandage application and changes.

4.7. Heatstroke

Many people know about the perils of heat stroke for their own pets e.g. a dog locked

in a car on a hot day can die within 10 minutes! However, wildlife can also suffer

serious problems due to extremely hot weather. This is commonly seen in Australia

and some parts of the United States in summer time. Severe heat causes

hyperthermia (increased body temperature) and dehydration leading to shock and

internal organ damage.

How to recognise heat stressed wildlife:

If on a very hot day you see normally tree-dwelling or nocturnal animals e.g.

possums, koalas or wombats, wandering around on the ground in search of water.

Birds may pant with their mouths open and hold their wings out away from their

body in an attempt to cool down.

Grey-headed flying-foxes are particularly prone to heat stress. They usually flap

their wings and move down to a lower space in trees to escape the sun.

On a hot day, animals that appear confused or lethargic, but have no signs of

other injuries (e.g. car accident).

Treatment for Heatstroke

If you find an animal you think is suffering heat stroke: Offer shade and place a

bowl of water nearby

For small wildlife e.g. possums and birds, use protective gloves to pick up the

animal using a towel. Place in a box in a well-ventilated, shaded area.

Place a damp towel underneath it, and a bowl of water nearby. Gently spray

with cool water (but not cold).

Avoid further stress: keep cool, quiet and dark. Keep children and pets away.

If it is a larger animal e.g. kangaroo, koala or wombat, it is not recommended

that you touch or handle it for your own safety. DO NOT TOUCH a flying-fox,

as they can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

4.8. Burns

Burns are a serious injury and often it can take a few days for the extent of a burn to

become fully obvious.

Burns can be caused by:

Bush fire: Flames will obviously damage the skin and the heat that is contained

in the air which is breathed in will cause damage to the delicate lining of the lungs

Lightning strikes

Electrocution: chewing electricity cables

Irritant chemicals will burn the skin

Clinical signs:

Electrical burns: These burns are most commonly found in the mouth as a

result of the animal chewing on an electric cable. The lips, roof of the mouth

and tongue are most often affected. It may take a few days before the animal

starts to show ulceration of the tissue in the mouth, mouth pain and trouble

eating.

Sunburn: Animals that have exposure to strong, direct sunlight may develop

sunburn. Un-pigmented skin, nose and ear tips are at higher risk. It usually

shows up as red, painful skin which will later blister and peel. Usually these

burns are generally not life-threatening and resolve quickly.

Bush fires: Usually obvious as soon as they occur, but the full extent of injuries

may take 24-48 hours to appear. They are very painful and can cause

significant tissue damage, with secondary effects of dehydration, shock, and

high risk of infection.

Chemical burns: Chemical burns are generally highly damaging, being erosive

and necrotic (leading to the death of tissue). Again, it may take up to 48 hours

for the full magnitude of the damage to become apparent.

Veterinary Treatment of Burns

Correct dehydration and combat the effects of shock- place the animal on

intravenous fluids.

Provide pain relief and antibiotics if necessary.

Under sedation if necessary: Apply cold water compresses with a clean cloth

to the burnt area. This may prevent the burn from causing further damage to

the deeper tissues. Change the compress frequently, keeping the site cool and

wet.

If the burn involves only one part of the body, you can submerge the area in a

bucket of cool water if possible.

Do not apply ice to the burn.

Do not break any blisters that may have formed.

Do not apply any ointments or butter-like substances.

Chemical burns: the substance should be washed off with a mild washing liquid

and then rinsed will cool water.

Dressings and bandages may be necessary depending on area affected.

4.9 Fish hook Injuries

Fish hooks can be problematic for freshwater and saltwater birds, turtles, and frogs.

Usually this happens when they inadvertently swallow the hook or get it caught on

their beak when trying to feed. When the hook is caught in the mouth, it can cause

deep and painful wounds that will make it difficult for the animal to eat, thereby causing

starvation. Hooks can also get caught in the legs, neck, and wings, which will tear the

skin, muscles, nerves, and even restrict blood supply. If the hook is swallowed and

eaten, it can cause internal bleeding, severe stomach pain, and also lead to starvation.

Immediate treatment if caught in mouth:

If a bird is accidently hooked, don’t panic and don’t cut the line. Try to slowly reel

the bird in. If it panics a lot, cut the lie and call wildlife rehabilitators immediately.

If you can reel it in: Cover its head

and body with a towel.

Carefully push the hook through

until you see the barb. Cut the

barb off and gently remove the

hook.

Prevention: Public education

Always dispose of unwanted fishing tackle appropriately

If you miscast and line gets caught - retrieve it

Check to ensure no birds are flying when you cast off

Veterinary care may include:

Stabilisation (fluids, warmth, pain relief, antibiotics)

X-rays to check internal location of other hooks

Will require general anaesthetic to remove deeply embedded fishing hooks and

fishing lines

Surgical removal of devitalised tissue and stitch ups

Surgical removal of hooks from stomach

4.10 Common diseases of wildlife

Wildlife can be affected by a multitude of illnesses and diseases, depending on the

type of animal, time of year and geographical location. Below are listed some common

diseases encountered in wildlife.

Infection Animals

affected Clinical signs

Treatment Notes

Aspergillosis (fungal

infection)

Water birds,

raptors,

pigeons, gulls,

crows

Weight loss,

wheezing, open

mouth breathing.

Itraconazole Fungal spores

will thrive on

wood

shavings.

Zoonotic.

Canker (Trichomoniasi

s- protozoa)

Doves,

pigeons, birds

of prey

Yellow/brown

lesions in mouth,

throat, crop.

Weight loss,

difficulty

breathing

Carnidazole

Distemper (Infectious

canine hepatitis virus)

Fox, coyotes,

skunks,

raccoons,

Fever, appetite

loss, upper

respiratory tract

infection, diarrhea

Supportive

care: fluids,

antibiotics,

vaccination

Pet dogs

should be

vaccinated.

mink, weasel,

otter

Giardia(Protozoa) Wild mammals

and birds

Chronic diarrhea,

weight loss

Fenbendazo

le Zoonotic

Johne’s disease Deer, elk,

bison

Thick, bloody

diarrhea, weight

loss, facial

swelling

Euthanasia

Lyme Disease

Deer, rabbits,

coyotes, mice,

squirrels,

weasels, bats

Unsure in wild

animals. Humans:

skin lesions,

fatigue, fever,

muscle and joint

pain.

Usually not

necessary

Spread by tick

bites.Zoonotic

Myxomatosis(virus) Rabbits (and

hares)

Conjunctivitis,

swollen around

eyes, nose and

genitals.

Supportive

care. Flea

treatment.

Quarantine.

Spread by

fleas and

mosquitoes.

Vaccination for

pet rabbits.

Psittacosis(chlamydia

bacteria)

Wild birds:

pigeons,

raptors,

finches

Decreased

appetite, weight

loss, lethargy,

respiratory signs,

diarrhea

Affected

wild birds

are

euthanized.

Zoonotic

Rabies

ANY mammal:

high risk-

skunks, foxes,

bats, raccoons.

Paralysis of

muscles,

disorientation,

convulsions,

death

Animals

affected are

euthanized.

Vaccination for

humans and

pet dogs

Zoonotic- fatal

Ringworm

Birds, Many

mammals

including,

Foxes, deer,

hedgehogs

Round areas

of hair loss,

scaly lesions.

Can be self-

limiting.

Itracozole/enilc

onazole.

Zoonotic

Rocky mountain

spotted fever

Many wild

mammals:

mice, rats,

rabbits,

opossums,

chipmunks,

and squirrels.

Usually no

clinical signs in

wild animals-

disease of

dogs and

humans.

Doxycycline Spread by

ticks. Zoonotic.

Salmonellosis(salmon

ella bacteria)

Mainly birds

and reptiles,

but mammals

too.

Birds and

reptiles carry

the bacteria

without signs.

Signs: fever,

vomiting,

diarrhoea.

Supportive

care,

antibiotics and

hygiene.

Zoonotic

Sarcoptic

mange(sarcoptes mite)

Many wild

mammals: fox,

hedgehogs,

coyotes, wild

cats, boars,

wombats,

koalas

Intense itching,

hair loss, skin

thickening,

weight loss

Ivermectin Zoonotic

Squirrel pox virus Squirrels

Weight loss,

ulcerated skin

lesions.

Supportive

care: fluids,

antibiotics

(enrofloxacin),

pain relief,

quarantine vs

euthanasia

Carried by

grey squirrels

(usually no

clinical signs),

usually fatal to

red squirrels.

Tetanus (clostridium

bacteria)

Many wild

mammals and

birds

Spams of

muscles of

jaw, neck and

back. Difficulty

moving.

Euthanasia

Bacteria

present in soil,

infection

through skin

wounds.

Zoonotic

Viral hemorrhagic

disease (VHD) Rabbits

Depression,

anorexia,

bloody nasal

discharge.

Death within 1-

2 days.

Euthanasia

Vaccination

available for

pet rabbits.