Animal Care

• What are signs of good health?

  Eating, Exercise, Drinking
• What are signs of ill health?

  Not eating, Not Drinking
• What are signs of good health in eyes?

  Bright, clear pupils, no defect with sight
• What are signs of ill health in eyes?

  Sunken, showing discharge, glazed, cloudy, bloodshot pupils, sight is limited
• What are signs of good health in ears?

  No discharge, can hear, warm to the touch
• What are signs of ill health in ears?

  Evidence of wax/discharge, pain around ear canal, loss of hearing
• What are signs of good health in posture?

  Checking balance, standing straight, that all limbs are used equally
• What are signs of ill health in posture?

  Reluctant to use all limbs, hunched appearance
• What are signs of good health in behaviour?

  Alert, inquisitive, responds to sounds, no evidence of fear
• What are signs of ill health in behaviour?

  Avoiding eye contact, lack of interest in surroundings, lethargic
• What are signs of good health in coat?

  Clean, shiny, moves easily over ribcage
• What are signs of ill health in coat?

  Dull, matted & fibres are stuck together, coat clings to ribcage, dehydration
• What are signs of good health in breathing?

  Appropriate breathing rate
• What are signs of ill health in breathing?

  Rapid or irregular breathing rate, shallow breaths
• What are signs of good health in urine?

  Clear, light straw colour, passed frequently
• What are signs of ill health in urine?

  Loose consistently often with colour change, contains blood
• What are signs of good health in faeces?

  Usual consistency for the species, passed frequently, well formed
• What are signs of ill health in faeces?

  Dark coloured, contains blood or pus, strong smell
• What are signs of good health in food & water intake?

  Eating all food provided, consumption suitable for size and age of animal, reasons for unusual weight gain/loss
• What are signs of ill health in food & water intake?

  Loss of appetite, increased thirst, rapid weight loss, unexplained weight gain
• What are visual checks?

  Carried out by owner. Behaviour, mobility & temperament
• What are physical checks?

  Carried out by veterinary surgeon/nurse. Weighing, blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, nail/claw trimming
• What are observation checks?

  Happens when handling cannot take place on these animals: aggressive to prevent attack, venomous and poisonous to maintain personal safety, pregnancy to minimise stress
• What is health monitoring?

  Reasons for recording changes in an animal - pregnancy, identifying illness, post operation, surgical procedures
• What is weight monitoring?

  Reasons for an increase/decrease in weight - indication of other health issues, managing feed intake, effects and risks of malnutrition and obesity
• What are the common signs of stress?

  Signs of aggression (growling, hissing, baring of teeth), cowering (lowered body position), lip licking, avoiding eye contact , turning head away, hiding or running away, self-mutilation, loss of appetite, excessive vocalisation; overgrooming such as loss of fur/coat, bald patches, damage to skin.
• What are the common causes of stress?

  Human presence, unfamiliar enclosure, unfamiliar stimuli (noises, smells, objects, etc.) sanitation, handling, transportation, change
• How to record & monitor health?

  Journal/diary/folder, whiteboard, electronic database, veterinary records, photos/videos.
• What are the 5 animal welfare needs?

  
  

  1. Provide a suitable environment
  2. Provide a suitable diet
  3. The ability to exhibit normal behaviours
  4. The appropriate housing with or apart from other animals
  5. Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
• What are the important features of animal housing?

  Secure, well ventilated, enrichment materials, access to outdoor space
• Where should a dog's crate be placed?

  Not in direct sunlight, in close proximity to owners, avoid drafty areas, away from outlets & cords, away from toxic houseplants
• What are the cat housing needs?

  Indoor & Outdoor access, blankets, scratching post, litter tray, cat tower, bedding, range of toys
• What is the recommended accommodation for 2 rabbits?

  3m x 2m x 1m minimum
• What is the recommended accommodation for a rabbit?

  Large exercise area/outdoor area for vitamin D. Enclosure away from predators and near to house. Bedding such as hay, straw.
• What is the recommended accommodation for 2 guinea pigs?

  4ft x 2ft
• What is the recommended accommodation for a guinea pig?

  Exercise area to keep active, in the shade when the weather is hot. Comfortable, absorbent bedding - straw, hay.
• What are the essential items needed in the accommodation for rabbits & guinea pigs?

  Water bowl, food bowl, toys, chews, platforms, hides, tunnels
• What is the purpose of being able to identify animals?

  To track & trace animals back to owners, track diseases, transport, reduce theft
• What are the 4 methods of identification?

  Microchipping, tattoo, branding & ear tags
• What is insurance?

  A monthly payment, reduces vet bills/costs for your animals