Examination of Wild Animals
Examination of wild animals for eye condition, external abnormality of body regions, observation of gait, feeding activity and ethology, etc. required. It is also essential tool for a veterinarian to diagnose various clinical conditions as well.
Eyes
The eyes have to be examined for the presence of excessive dryness or bleeding. The eyes have to be blind folded if sedated in order to avoid the excessive drying out of the ocular regions and stress.
External Abnormality of Body Regions
- Skin status may provide some clues for the diagnosis of the clinical problem in case of wild animals.
- Check up for presence of any wound or bruises or injuries on the body.
- Rule out any foreign body in case of paw region if it is a carnivore or foot pad if it is an animal like elephant.
- Rule out any visible abnormal growths or swelling on the body regions.
- Any dragging of leg during the gait needs to betaken care of during the physical examination of the concerned wild animal species.
- Check up for signs of diarrhea by observing the fecal remnants adhering the cutaneous regions.
- Observe the bleeding related appearance either from the mouth region or other body regions. Rule out the heat related problems in case of herbivores like gaurs etc.
Activities
Observation of Gait
The gait is to be observed to rule out signs of pain, sprain, fracture, dislocation, foreign body, dullness etc.
Movements of Body Regions, in General
The movements of body regions maybe noticed during the resting activities of the wild animals.
The movements may indicate some clues to the attending veterinarians in the zoo or zoological parks or zoological gardens.
Observation of Feeding Activity
Any change in the feeding activity may be noticed and may be linked with the possible clinical problem.
Observation of Defecation and Urination Activities
This may help to rule out abnormalities pertaining to the gastro intestinal as well as the urinary systems
Miscellaneous Ones
Any abnormal activities if noticed should be brought to notice. If the wild animal is having an intense degree of itching activities, one has to rule out the fungal or allergy causing factor.
Temperature
Non contact thermometer may be used to measure the body temperature of the wild animal during handling.
If the wild animal has extreme high temperature, first take the concerned wild animal with hyperthermia to a place with shades and start application of other therapeutic procedures.
Respiratory Rate
The respiratory rate may be estimated by mere observation without any excitement to the concerned wild animal species and observe the pattern of respiration also.
Heart Rate
If the wild animal is well controlled, heart rate may be estimated by using stethoscope.
