Is your ego bigger than a giraffe?

Ryan DeVoe, DVM, MSpVM, DACZM, DABVP, North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, N.C., often poses this question to students: How would you anestheticize a T-Rex? For any veterinarian faced with an unfamiliar exotic case, the animal before them might as well be a Tyrannosaurus Rex. DeVoe says to safely, responsibly and effectively treat an exotic patient veterinarians must have knowledge of the species and its needs, and should always consult with an expert.

When dealing with large carnivores especially, DeVoe says safety has to be a priority. “The problem with working with large carnivores, there's absolutely no room for error. You screw up and you can get killed.”

While not all exotic cases will be lions, tigers or bears, here are some essential things to remember when taking on an exotic case that falls in your lap.

Safety:

>Don't undertake management of a case without proper facilities and equipment to safely handle the animal.

>Be cautious accepting clients' guarantees about an animal's tractability or their ability to restrain it.

>Anesthesia is tricky. For example, the bears DeVoe has worked with are real “drug sponges.” He's found long needles help to more effectively deliver anesthetics to the appropriate location.

Study: Resource literature

Reading up on a case can help you prepare for a consult with an expert, but it can't replace the knowledge, skills and guidance you will receive from establishing a relationship with that expert.

>Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

>Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery

>Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery

>Fowler's Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

>Online journals

>aczm.org, American College of Zoological Medicine

Consult: Always ask someone with experience

Is your ego bigger than a giraffe? Never pass up an opportunity to partner with an expert when working with unfamiliar exotic cases. You've trimmed everything from a cat to a horse, but don't assume you know how to hoof trim a giraffe. Talk to someone who's done it.

>American College of Zoological Medicine Diplomates

>American Board of Veterinary Practice Diplomates

>Zoo curators

>Wildlife biologists/zoologists

DeVoe also warns against calling for a lesson in Monkey 101 and expecting to be a five minute expert. Establish a relationship, and don't expect the consulting doctor to have time to explain everything at the drop of a hat. If at all possible, call before you accept the case and take advantage of all opportunities to work with an expert.