Wildlife First Aid - Shock
Author: Dale Carlson *

No treatment should begin on an animal until the animal has been treated for shock by warming, and kept in a dark, quiet place for at least half an hour.  You will know if it is warm enough if it feels warm to the touch.

Symptoms:  Drop in body temperature, body feels cold to the touch, a fast but weak pulse, fast, shallow breathing.  Lips, gums, tongue, and eye membranes may be pale (this could also indicate internal bleeding).  There may be vomiting, loss of control of urine and bowels, general weakness, and perhaps unconsciousness.  Shock reactions in birds can be delayed, sometimes as long as a couple days.  The bird will be weak, listless, have pale membranes.

Causes:  Extreme stress, physical or emotional.

Treatment:  Keep the shocked animal in a dark, warm, quiet place.  Cover the cage or container to reduce visual stress.  The animal should have some time of complete isolation.

Wildlife First Aid - Fractures
Author: Dale Carlson *

Symptoms:  There may be obvious deformity or swelling, an inability to use the affected part.  Fractures or broken bones require emergency veterinary care.  The animal may also be in shock, and may be bleeding.  Do not try to fix without a veterinarian.

Causes:  Car hits, falls, traps, twisting or slipping, gunshots, impact with windows, wires, cruelty.

Treatment:  All breaks and fractures should be treated by a veterinarian quickly, but you should stabilize the animal by treating for shock.  A simple fracture has no bone ends protruding through the skin.  Do not try to set or splint a fracture yourself.  You will cause more pain than relief and will probably make the fracture worse.  If the fracture is compound, control any bleeding.  Try not to let anything touch the bone to protect against infection.  If possible (the animal may fight you) apply a sterile bandage or gauze pad and wrap lightly where the bones are protruding.  Put the animal in a small box so that there is not much room for it to move around.  A strong cardboard box or a plastic storage bin with holes in the lid for air is a safe container to use.  Wire cages or dog carriers may cause further damage to the broken limb.  Transport the animal in this container to a veterinarian or rehabilitator.

Wildlife First Aid - Cat Caught Animal
Author: Dale Carlson *

Symptoms:  Tears in flesh, punctures (not always visible), crushing injuries in small birds and mammals.  Often the victim will appear fine, but don't be fooled.  Cat saliva received through an open wound or puncture has potent bacteria that can kill a small creature in 72 hours.

Treatment:  Treat for shock.  Once the animal is calm, clean the visible wounds and double check carefully to make sure you have found all injuries.  Apply topical antibiotics.  A veterinarian should administer internal antibiotics as soon as possible and oral antibiotics to continue the treatment for three to five days.  Rabbits and deer react badly to oral antibiotics and will need them administered by injection.