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?
- 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?
- 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?
- The 'bunny burrito' wrap.
- How should a guinea pig be supported during restraint?
- With both hands, supporting the entire body, since they are a fragile prey species.
- Should guinea pigs be scruffed like rats?
- No, guinea pigs have minimal loose neck skin, so scruffing is not recommended.
- What is 'fur slip' in chinchillas?
- 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?
- It can cause injury and trigger fur slip.
- How should a pet rat be lifted, rather than by the tip of the tail alone?
- By supporting the body, and the base of the tail if needed, not the tip.
- What helps a hedgehog unroll for examination?
- Patient, gentle handling with support on a warm surface.
- What restraint technique calms and immobilizes a ferret using its loose neck skin?
- Scruffing.
- Why should a scruffed ferret's hindquarters be supported during longer procedures?
- To reduce discomfort and stress from hanging unsupported.
- Why should restraint time be minimized in small exotic mammals?
- Their high metabolic rates make them prone to significant stress from prolonged handling.
- How should a snake's body be supported during restraint?
- 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?
- A snake hook.
- Why should a lizard never be grasped or restrained by the tail?
- Many species can autotomize (voluntarily drop) their tail as a defense.