Emergency Care/First Aid for Mammals
Rabbits and rodents are prey animals, which means it is natural for them to
hide signs of illness from even the most observant owner. Therefore,
obvious signs of illness in your pet are often signs of a serious medical
problem.
Ferrets and other carnivores don't hide signs as well as rabbits and
rodents; however signs of illness should be evaluated carefully.
These conditions are generally considered emergencies for which
emergency medical care should not be delayed:
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Severe lethargy, pet minimally responsive to stimulation
Uncontrolled bleeding
Fractures with an open wound or bone protruding from the injury site
Difficult or labored breathing
Anorexia or significantly deceased appetite for more than 24 hours
(less in a very young animal)
Bloated abdomen, especially when combined with teeth grinding or
other behavior suggesting abdominal pain
Rear leg paralysis
Severe trauma
Bite wound from predators such as dogs and cats
If you believe your pet may require an emergency after-hours visit, please
call the clinic to obtain contact information for the veterinarian currently on
call.
Emergency First Aid while waiting for help:
Pet cold to touch, body temperature below 100 degrees on a rectal
thermometer: gently warm with heating pad on low, or warm water bottles.
Monitor carefully to prevent overheating.
Weak, anorexic pet: Hand feed rabbits and rodents strained vegetable
baby food with an eyedropper or syringe in small frequent meals. Feed
frequently until you can get the pet into the veterinarian. Baby food
contains calories and water, so additional water by mouth is not necessary.
Hand feed ferrets or other carnivores strained chicken or turkey baby food
with an eyedropper or syringe in small frequent meals.
NOTE ON FERRETS: Certain disease conditions in ferrets typically
produce low blood sugar. These ferrets appear quiet to severely
depressed, or may appear to be dragging the rear limbs. Give these pets
small amounts of pancake or karo syrup by mouth first, and then follow up
with strained meat baby food.
Bleeding pet: control bleeding with direct pressure (or pinching) over the
source of the blood.
Paralysis: Absolutely minimize handling, confine to a pet carrier for
transport to the veterinarian as soon as possible.