Avian respiratory distress: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Respiratory distress is usually a life-threatening emergency in any species and this is particularly important in avian species because of their unique anatomy and physiology. In the emergency room, observation of breathing patterns, respiratory sounds, and a brief physical examination are the most important tools for the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory distress in avian patients. These tools will help the clinician localize the lesion.

Updates and advanced therapies for gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits.

Gastrointestinal stasis is currently a vaguely defined term for decreased gastrointestinal motility. The term gastric stasis syndrome was previously proposed, but falls short of an accurate description, as in many cases portions of the gastrointestinal tract other than the stomach are affected. The term rabbit gastrointestinal syndrome (RGIS) defines a complex of clinical signs, symptoms, and concurrent pathologic conditions affecting the digestive apparatus of the rabbit.

Comparison of fluid types for resuscitation after acute blood loss in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the LD(50) for acute blood loss in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), compare the mortality rate among 3 fluid resuscitation groups, and determine the time required for a regenerative RBC response.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Medical College of Wisconsin Research facility.

Emergency care and managing toxicoses in the exotic animal patient.

The poisoned exotic veterinary patient remains a significant challenge to the clinician. A patient presenting with the history of exposure to a toxin or poison should be considered to have a potentially life-threatening problem. This article details the ABCs of emergency medicine including fluid therapy and discusses the principles of neurologic management.

Emergency and critical care of pet birds.

Critically ill birds must be assessed accurately and provided with immediate supportive care. This article reviews the assessment and diagnostics required for evaluating the critical avian patient. The most common emergencies seen in pet birds are discussed.

Critical care monitoring.

Small mammals and birds present unique challenges for the clinician in treatment of life-threatening conditions. Numerous books have been written on shock, critical care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in small animals. The basic protocols can be adapted for use in small mammals and birds.

Anesthesia and analgesia for small mammals and birds.

This article should help the veterinarian to assess pain in small mammals and birds. The focus is on a multimodal approach to anesthesia and analgesia using opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha(2)-agonists, dissociatives, and local anesthetics as injectables, constant rate infusions, local blocks, and epidurals. Drugs used for induction, intubation techniques, and inhalant anesthesia are discussed.

Shock and cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation in small mammals and birds.

Small mammals and birds present unique challenges for the clinician in treatment of life-threatening conditions. Numerous books have been written on shock, critical care, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in small animals. The basic protocols can be adapted for use in small mammals and birds.

Transfusion medicine in exotic pets.

The decision to transfuse a patient should always be based on the packed cell volume and clinical status of the patient. This article discusses indications for transfusion and blood substitutes in exotic animal patients. The administration of blood products requires careful donor selection, knowledge of blood groups, cross-matching, and use of anticoagulants.