ACZM Zoological Medicine cheat sheet

Ruminant anesthesia: hypoxemia and ruminal tympany are the dominant risks; keep the head elevated and consider orotracheal intubation plus rumen trocharization for emergency decompression.

Capture myopathy (exertional rhabdomyolysis): suspect when CK and AST rise markedly after handling; treat with fluids, warmth, oxygen, and sedatives, and prevent by minimizing chase time and using remote delivery.

Equid herpesvirus in zebras can cause fatal neurologic disease; isolate and quarantine new equids and avoid housing zebras near domestic horses during outbreaks.

Nonhuman primate tuberculosis screening uses intradermal tuberculin testing at eyelid or abdomen with comparison sites; interpretation is species-specific and atypical mycobacteria cause false positives.

Great ape cardiac disease (fibrosing cardiomyopathy in gorillas) is monitored with serial echocardiography and cardiac troponin; beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors are used empirically.

Marsupials and many reptiles tolerate NSAIDs poorly renally; calculate doses by species-specific metabolic scaling rather than simple allometric extrapolation.

Venomous snake bite management in zoo settings: rapid species identification, pressure immobilization for elapids, and antivenom availability are the core preparedness items.

Hoofstock neonatal failure of passive transfer is assessed with IgG measurement at 24-48 hours; plasma transfusion is indicated when IgG is below species threshold.

Water quality triad for fish: ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate - unionized ammonia (NH3) fraction rises with pH and temperature and is the toxic form.

Elasmobranch osmoregulation: plasma is near-isosmotic to seawater via urea and TMAO; hyposaline environments cause osmotic stress, so treat with isosmotic or slightly hyperosmotic fluids.

Gas supersaturation causes gas bubble disease in fish; diagnosis by observing bubbles in fins, eyes, or gills; treat by degassing and reducing aeration supersaturation.

Anesthetic MS-222 (tricaine) must be buffered with sodium bicarbonate to neutral pH; unbuffered solutions cause acidotic stress and corneal damage.

Cetacean and pinniped anesthesia: use reversible agents (e.g., medetomidine/atipamezole) and monitor for apnea and bradycardia; intubation and ventilation support are often required.

Marine mammal stranding triage: assess hydration, respiration, and body temperature; avoid releasing animals before confirming normal blood values and negative infectious screening.

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) treatment relies on breaking the free-swimming theront stage; temperature manipulation and salinity are common non-chemical approaches.

Amphibian chytridiomycosis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) diagnosis by skin swab qPCR; treatment with itraconazole or elevated temperature is used in managed populations.

Free-ranging capture: choose drug combinations with reversibility and low volume; alpha-2 agonists plus antagonists are standard for ungulates and carnivores.

Wild bird restraint: cover the head to reduce stress, support the wings against the body, and avoid compressing the thorax; birds are prone to capture stress and hypoxia.

Lead toxicosis in raptors and waterfowl: diagnose with blood lead levels; treat with calcium disodium EDTA chelation and supportive care; prevention is the primary tool.

Rabies risk assessment after wildlife exposure depends on species, behavior, and local epidemiology; bats and raccoons are high-risk; post-exposure prophylaxis decisions follow public health guidance.

Wildlife rehabilitation release criteria include restored flight or locomotion, normal blood parameters, absence of infectious disease, and appropriate season and habitat availability.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids is a prion disease diagnosed by immunohistochemistry of retropharyngeal lymph nodes or obex; no antemortem treatment exists.

Avian influenza surveillance in wild waterfowl uses cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs; low-pathogenic strains predominate, but HPAI can cause neurologic and respiratory signs in raptors.

Field anesthesia monitoring in wildlife is limited by access; prioritize respiratory rate, mucous membrane color, and recovery time, and keep antagonist drugs immediately available.

Rabbit GI stasis is a syndrome, not a diagnosis: evaluate for dental disease, obstruction, and stress; treat with fluids, analgesia, prokinetics, and assisted feeding.

Ferret adrenal disease presents with alopecia, vulvar swelling in females, and pruritus; diagnosis by hormone panel or ultrasound; treatment includes deslorelin implants or adrenalectomy.

Reptile husbandry-related disease is common: metabolic bone disease from calcium/UVB deficiency, and respiratory disease from inappropriate temperature and humidity gradients.

Bird nutrition: seed-only diets cause hypovitaminosis A and obesity; convert to formulated pellets with fresh vegetables and species-appropriate calcium sources.

Guinea pigs and other rodents require dietary vitamin C; deficiency causes scurvy with joint swelling and poor wound healing.

Rodent and lagomorph anesthesia: mask induction with isoflurane or sevoflurane is preferred; intubation is difficult, so monitor respiration and provide thermal support.

Avian blood collection: use the right jugular, basilic, or medial metatarsal vein; limit volume to about 1% of body weight to avoid hypovolemia.

Reptile sex determination varies by species: hemipenal eversion, tail shape, and species-specific dimorphism are used; many chelonians require endoscopy for definitive sexing.

Ruminant anesthesia: hypoxemia and ruminal tympany are the dominant risks; keep the head elevated and consider orotracheal intubation plus rumen trocharization for emergency decompression.

Capture myopathy (exertional rhabdomyolysis): suspect when CK and AST rise markedly after handling; treat with fluids, warmth, oxygen, and sedatives, and prevent by minimizing chase time and using remote delivery.

Equid herpesvirus in zebras can cause fatal neurologic disease; isolate and quarantine new equids and avoid housing zebras near domestic horses during outbreaks.

Nonhuman primate tuberculosis screening uses intradermal tuberculin testing at eyelid or abdomen with comparison sites; interpretation is species-specific and atypical mycobacteria cause false positives.

Great ape cardiac disease (fibrosing cardiomyopathy in gorillas) is monitored with serial echocardiography and cardiac troponin; beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors are used empirically.

Marsupials and many reptiles tolerate NSAIDs poorly renally; calculate doses by species-specific metabolic scaling rather than simple allometric extrapolation.

Venomous snake bite management in zoo settings: rapid species identification, pressure immobilization for elapids, and antivenom availability are the core preparedness items.

Hoofstock neonatal failure of passive transfer is assessed with IgG measurement at 24-48 hours; plasma transfusion is indicated when IgG is below species threshold.

Water quality triad for fish: ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate - unionized ammonia (NH3) fraction rises with pH and temperature and is the toxic form.

Elasmobranch osmoregulation: plasma is near-isosmotic to seawater via urea and TMAO; hyposaline environments cause osmotic stress, so treat with isosmotic or slightly hyperosmotic fluids.

Gas supersaturation causes gas bubble disease in fish; diagnosis by observing bubbles in fins, eyes, or gills; treat by degassing and reducing aeration supersaturation.

Anesthetic MS-222 (tricaine) must be buffered with sodium bicarbonate to neutral pH; unbuffered solutions cause acidotic stress and corneal damage.

Cetacean and pinniped anesthesia: use reversible agents (e.g., medetomidine/atipamezole) and monitor for apnea and bradycardia; intubation and ventilation support are often required.

Marine mammal stranding triage: assess hydration, respiration, and body temperature; avoid releasing animals before confirming normal blood values and negative infectious screening.

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) treatment relies on breaking the free-swimming theront stage; temperature manipulation and salinity are common non-chemical approaches.

Amphibian chytridiomycosis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) diagnosis by skin swab qPCR; treatment with itraconazole or elevated temperature is used in managed populations.

Free-ranging capture: choose drug combinations with reversibility and low volume; alpha-2 agonists plus antagonists are standard for ungulates and carnivores.

Wild bird restraint: cover the head to reduce stress, support the wings against the body, and avoid compressing the thorax; birds are prone to capture stress and hypoxia.

Lead toxicosis in raptors and waterfowl: diagnose with blood lead levels; treat with calcium disodium EDTA chelation and supportive care; prevention is the primary tool.

Rabies risk assessment after wildlife exposure depends on species, behavior, and local epidemiology; bats and raccoons are high-risk; post-exposure prophylaxis decisions follow public health guidance.

Wildlife rehabilitation release criteria include restored flight or locomotion, normal blood parameters, absence of infectious disease, and appropriate season and habitat availability.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids is a prion disease diagnosed by immunohistochemistry of retropharyngeal lymph nodes or obex; no antemortem treatment exists.

Avian influenza surveillance in wild waterfowl uses cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs; low-pathogenic strains predominate, but HPAI can cause neurologic and respiratory signs in raptors.

Field anesthesia monitoring in wildlife is limited by access; prioritize respiratory rate, mucous membrane color, and recovery time, and keep antagonist drugs immediately available.

Rabbit GI stasis is a syndrome, not a diagnosis: evaluate for dental disease, obstruction, and stress; treat with fluids, analgesia, prokinetics, and assisted feeding.

Ferret adrenal disease presents with alopecia, vulvar swelling in females, and pruritus; diagnosis by hormone panel or ultrasound; treatment includes deslorelin implants or adrenalectomy.

Reptile husbandry-related disease is common: metabolic bone disease from calcium/UVB deficiency, and respiratory disease from inappropriate temperature and humidity gradients.

Bird nutrition: seed-only diets cause hypovitaminosis A and obesity; convert to formulated pellets with fresh vegetables and species-appropriate calcium sources.

Guinea pigs and other rodents require dietary vitamin C; deficiency causes scurvy with joint swelling and poor wound healing.

Rodent and lagomorph anesthesia: mask induction with isoflurane or sevoflurane is preferred; intubation is difficult, so monitor respiration and provide thermal support.

Avian blood collection: use the right jugular, basilic, or medial metatarsal vein; limit volume to about 1% of body weight to avoid hypovolemia.

Reptile sex determination varies by species: hemipenal eversion, tail shape, and species-specific dimorphism are used; many chelonians require endoscopy for definitive sexing.

Ruminant anesthesia: hypoxemia and ruminal tympany are the dominant risks; keep the head elevated and consider orotracheal intubation plus rumen trocharization for emergency decompression.

Capture myopathy (exertional rhabdomyolysis): suspect when CK and AST rise markedly after handling; treat with fluids, warmth, oxygen, and sedatives, and prevent by minimizing chase time and using remote delivery.

Equid herpesvirus in zebras can cause fatal neurologic disease; isolate and quarantine new equids and avoid housing zebras near domestic horses during outbreaks.

Nonhuman primate tuberculosis screening uses intradermal tuberculin testing at eyelid or abdomen with comparison sites; interpretation is species-specific and atypical mycobacteria cause false positives.

Great ape cardiac disease (fibrosing cardiomyopathy in gorillas) is monitored with serial echocardiography and cardiac troponin; beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors are used empirically.

Marsupials and many reptiles tolerate NSAIDs poorly renally; calculate doses by species-specific metabolic scaling rather than simple allometric extrapolation.

Venomous snake bite management in zoo settings: rapid species identification, pressure immobilization for elapids, and antivenom availability are the core preparedness items.

Hoofstock neonatal failure of passive transfer is assessed with IgG measurement at 24-48 hours; plasma transfusion is indicated when IgG is below species threshold.

Water quality triad for fish: ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate - unionized ammonia (NH3) fraction rises with pH and temperature and is the toxic form.

Elasmobranch osmoregulation: plasma is near-isosmotic to seawater via urea and TMAO; hyposaline environments cause osmotic stress, so treat with isosmotic or slightly hyperosmotic fluids.

Gas supersaturation causes gas bubble disease in fish; diagnosis by observing bubbles in fins, eyes, or gills; treat by degassing and reducing aeration supersaturation.

Anesthetic MS-222 (tricaine) must be buffered with sodium bicarbonate to neutral pH; unbuffered solutions cause acidotic stress and corneal damage.

Cetacean and pinniped anesthesia: use reversible agents (e.g., medetomidine/atipamezole) and monitor for apnea and bradycardia; intubation and ventilation support are often required.

Marine mammal stranding triage: assess hydration, respiration, and body temperature; avoid releasing animals before confirming normal blood values and negative infectious screening.

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) treatment relies on breaking the free-swimming theront stage; temperature manipulation and salinity are common non-chemical approaches.

Amphibian chytridiomycosis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) diagnosis by skin swab qPCR; treatment with itraconazole or elevated temperature is used in managed populations.

Free-ranging capture: choose drug combinations with reversibility and low volume; alpha-2 agonists plus antagonists are standard for ungulates and carnivores.

Wild bird restraint: cover the head to reduce stress, support the wings against the body, and avoid compressing the thorax; birds are prone to capture stress and hypoxia.

Lead toxicosis in raptors and waterfowl: diagnose with blood lead levels; treat with calcium disodium EDTA chelation and supportive care; prevention is the primary tool.

Rabies risk assessment after wildlife exposure depends on species, behavior, and local epidemiology; bats and raccoons are high-risk; post-exposure prophylaxis decisions follow public health guidance.

Wildlife rehabilitation release criteria include restored flight or locomotion, normal blood parameters, absence of infectious disease, and appropriate season and habitat availability.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids is a prion disease diagnosed by immunohistochemistry of retropharyngeal lymph nodes or obex; no antemortem treatment exists.

Avian influenza surveillance in wild waterfowl uses cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs; low-pathogenic strains predominate, but HPAI can cause neurologic and respiratory signs in raptors.

Field anesthesia monitoring in wildlife is limited by access; prioritize respiratory rate, mucous membrane color, and recovery time, and keep antagonist drugs immediately available.

Rabbit GI stasis is a syndrome, not a diagnosis: evaluate for dental disease, obstruction, and stress; treat with fluids, analgesia, prokinetics, and assisted feeding.

Ferret adrenal disease presents with alopecia, vulvar swelling in females, and pruritus; diagnosis by hormone panel or ultrasound; treatment includes deslorelin implants or adrenalectomy.

Reptile husbandry-related disease is common: metabolic bone disease from calcium/UVB deficiency, and respiratory disease from inappropriate temperature and humidity gradients.

Bird nutrition: seed-only diets cause hypovitaminosis A and obesity; convert to formulated pellets with fresh vegetables and species-appropriate calcium sources.

Guinea pigs and other rodents require dietary vitamin C; deficiency causes scurvy with joint swelling and poor wound healing.

Rodent and lagomorph anesthesia: mask induction with isoflurane or sevoflurane is preferred; intubation is difficult, so monitor respiration and provide thermal support.

Avian blood collection: use the right jugular, basilic, or medial metatarsal vein; limit volume to about 1% of body weight to avoid hypovolemia.

Reptile sex determination varies by species: hemipenal eversion, tail shape, and species-specific dimorphism are used; many chelonians require endoscopy for definitive sexing.