Nursing of Exotics

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Discuss methods of handling and restraint for exotics with consideration of individual patients needs and behaviour.
2. Identify common species of exotics and critique recognised methods of identification.
3. Discuss husbandry and nutritional requirements of exotics.
4. Discuss common infectious and non-infectious diseases and their treatment options.
5. Justify the need for surgical interventions for a range of conditions in exotic species.
6. Critique methods of analgesia and anaesthesia for exotic species.

Students who select this module will gain insight into the nursing requirements of exotic small mammals (e.g. sugar gliders, degus, coati, servals, caracals, kinkajous, fennec foxes, tenrecs), reptiles, birds and wildlife. Initially, handling and restraint will be explored along with identification of common species and their husbandry and nutritional requirements. Common diseases (both infectious and non-infectious) will be discussed, with recognised treatment options (including nursing requirements). Finally, common surgical procedures, along with anaesthesia and analgesia will be considered.

1. Handling and restraint
2. Patient needs and behaviour
3. Common species and methods of formal identification (including microchipping and passports)
4. Infectious diseases; treatment options and nursing interventions
5. Non-infectious diseases; treatment options and nursing interventions
6. Surgical procedures
7. Analgesia; pain scoring
8. Anaesthesia

All content will be covered via a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions. There will also be an expectation for students to undertake 155 hours of independent or directed study.

This module is at CQFW Level 5