C-SWHC flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Body condition score

A palpation-based assessment of fat and muscle reserves using ribs, spine, and pelvic landmarks; species-specific scales help predict whether an animal is fit for release.

Capture myopathy

Exertional muscle damage from prolonged capture or restraint, causing rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, and sometimes death; prevention includes short handling times and thermal support.

Heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio

A hematologic indicator of stress or inflammation in birds and reptiles; an elevated ratio suggests a stress response or active infection and should be interpreted with caution.

Quarantine period

A period of isolation, commonly at least 30 days, for newly admitted animals to prevent introduction of infectious disease before commingling with resident animals.

Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis

A series of rabies vaccinations plus immunoglobulin given after a bite or mucous membrane exposure from a suspect animal; it must begin promptly after exposure.

Baylisascaris procyonis

The raccoon roundworm; its eggs persist in soil for years and can cause severe neural larva migrans in humans, especially children, after accidental ingestion.

Preferred optimal temperature zone

The temperature range in which a reptile or amphibian maintains normal metabolism and immune function; care outside this range causes illness and impairs drug metabolism.

Gut loading

Feeding insects a nutrient-rich diet before offering them to insectivorous reptiles and amphibians, improving calcium and vitamin content of the prey.

Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio

The proportion of dietary calcium to phosphorus; a ratio near 2:1 supports bone health in growing animals, while inverted ratios cause metabolic bone disease.

Isoflurane anesthesia

A volatile inhalant anesthetic commonly used in birds and mammals; it allows rapid induction and recovery and is delivered by mask or endotracheal tube.

Hypothermia during anesthesia

A common complication in small wildlife patients because of high surface-to-mass ratio; it is prevented with warming devices, warmed fluids, and monitoring.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

A United States law protecting migratory birds; possession, rehabilitation, and transport require federal permits and compliance with state regulations.

Endangered Species Act

A United States law prohibiting take of listed species; handling or rehabilitating listed wildlife requires specific federal authorization beyond standard permits.

One Health

An approach recognizing that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected; it guides surveillance and response to zoonotic and emerging diseases.

Population viability analysis

A modeling method estimating extinction risk from birth, death, and environmental variation; wildlife health data improve the accuracy of such models.

Necropsy

A postmortem examination of an animal to determine cause of death; it is essential for disease surveillance and for documenting mortality events in rehabilitation.

Zoonosis

An infectious disease transmissible from animals to humans; examples in wildlife practice include rabies, leptospirosis, tularemia, and salmonellosis.

Leptospirosis

A bacterial infection spread through urine of infected mammals; it enters through mucous membranes or skin breaks and causes fever and liver or kidney disease.

White-nose syndrome

A fungal disease of bats caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans; it causes wing damage and arousal during hibernation and has caused major population declines.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza

A severe viral infection of birds that can cause rapid mortality; it is reportable, and handling requires personal protective equipment and strict biosecurity.

Capture stress artifacts

Changes in blood values caused by capture and restraint, including elevated glucose, lactate, and creatine kinase; samples should be collected promptly to minimize them.

Fluid resuscitation

Administration of warmed isotonic crystalloids, often 10-20 mL/kg boluses, to restore circulation in shock; subcutaneous routes are inadequate in severe shock.

Release criteria

Standards an animal must meet before release, including healed injuries, restored locomotion or flight, appropriate behavior, and suitable release site and season.

Biosecurity

Practices preventing introduction and spread of infectious agents, including quarantine, hand hygiene, dedicated equipment, and directional flow from clean to dirty areas.

Personal protective equipment

Barriers such as gloves, masks, respirators, and eye protection worn to reduce exposure to zoonotic pathogens and contaminants during wildlife handling.

Whole-prey diet

A diet of entire animals, including bones and organs, which provides balanced calcium and nutrients; muscle meat alone causes deficiencies in carnivores.

Enrichment

Environmental and behavioral stimuli that promote species-typical activity and reduce stereotypic behavior, feather damage, and stress in captive wildlife.

Balanced anesthesia

Combining drugs from different classes, such as an anesthetic and a muscle relaxant, to reduce individual drug doses and improve safety during procedures.

External coaptation

Immobilization of a fracture or injury with splints, casts, or bandages; suitable for many closed fractures in birds and small mammals.

Disease surveillance

Systematic collection and analysis of health data from populations to detect disease occurrence and trends; rehabilitation admissions can serve as a surveillance source.

Euthanasia criteria

Conditions justifying humane killing, such as untreatable disease, unmanageable pain, or poor release prognosis; methods must follow accepted humane standards.

Medical record content

Documentation of signalment, history, physical exam, diagnostics, treatments, and outcome; consistent records support care continuity, legal compliance, and reporting.