ABSTRACT: In this article, the advantages of caring for wildlife in the practice are discussed. Euthanasia is a necessary tool when treating wildlife and suggestions are made as to the type of injuries where euthanasia would be the kindest option.

The majority of wildlife casualties are admitted showing hypothermia and dehydration – fly eggs and maggots may be present depending on the time of year. Some useful tips about feeding, bedding and housing are included and problems with underweight juveniles are also touched upon. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society is suggested as a contact point for further advice.

Author

Kay Bullen VN

Kay qualified as a veterinary nurse in the early 1970s, but now spends most of her time working in the field of hedgehog rehabilitation on a charitable basis. She is a Trustee of the Hedgehog Helpline – a South Wales-based charity that she founded in the 1990s that takes in sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs. Kay is also a Trustee of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and the vice-chair and Trustee of the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.

Keywords: Clinical, Treatment, Erinaceus

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 28 (02) • February 2013 • pp54-57

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