Restraint, handling, and basic care considerations for exotic mammal, reptile, and avian patients tested on the Veterinary Technician National Exam.
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- Why must a rabbit's hindquarters always be supported during restraint?
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Unsupported kicking of the hind legs can fracture the rabbit's lumbar spine.- Is it acceptable to lift or carry a rabbit by its ears?
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No, it is painful and can injure the ears and neck.- What restraint technique wraps a rabbit snugly in a towel for exams or nail trims?
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The 'bunny burrito' wrap.- How should a guinea pig be supported during restraint?
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With both hands, supporting the entire body, since they are a fragile prey species.- Should guinea pigs be scruffed like rats?
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No, guinea pigs have minimal loose neck skin, so scruffing is not recommended.- What is 'fur slip' in chinchillas?
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Patches of fur release from the skin when the chinchilla is grasped or restrained roughly.- Why should a chinchilla never be restrained by grabbing its tail?
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It can cause injury and trigger fur slip.- How should a pet rat be lifted, rather than by the tip of the tail alone?
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By supporting the body, and the base of the tail if needed, not the tip.- What helps a hedgehog unroll for examination?
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Patient, gentle handling with support on a warm surface.- What restraint technique calms and immobilizes a ferret using its loose neck skin?
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Scruffing.- Why should a scruffed ferret's hindquarters be supported during longer procedures?
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To reduce discomfort and stress from hanging unsupported.- Why should restraint time be minimized in small exotic mammals?
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Their high metabolic rates make them prone to significant stress from prolonged handling.- How should a snake's body be supported during restraint?
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Along its full length using multiple hand-holds, not just behind the head.- What tool allows safe control of a venomous snake without direct hand contact near the head?
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A snake hook.- Why should a lizard never be grasped or restrained by the tail?
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Many species can autotomize (voluntarily drop) their tail as a defense.
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