5 Steps to Inpatient Care for Pocket Pets

This blog post explores the challenges associated with providing medical treatment to pocket pets during their stay at a veterinary facility, commonly known as inpatient care. The article will discuss five crucial steps involved in ensuring optimal care for these small animals. These steps are:

1. Obtaining a Thorough History
2. Environmental Setup and Temperature Regulation
3. Monitoring Vitals
4. Nutrition
5. Communication and Record-keeping

By addressing these steps comprehensively, veterinary professionals can meet the unique needs of pocket pets and facilitate their recovery and well-being during their time in the facility.

Step 1: Obtain a Thorough History

1. Note important information, including the owner's full name, contact number, and any other relevant contact details.
2. Identify important details such as the patient's species, breed, sex, age, and any pre-existing medical conditions [1].
3. Take a thorough collateral history regarding the presenting complaint to gain the best understanding of the animal's condition and any underlying issues.
4. Provide an adequate hospital cage set up to ensure the animal's comfort, including appropriate bedding, hiding spots, and enrichment items tailored to the species' needs [3].
5. Hospitalised animals may be at risk of malnutrition, dehydration, or nutritional imbalances. Therefore, it is crucial to provide access to appropriate food, water, and any necessary supplements or supportive nutrition.
6. Ensure the application of critical care techniques in appropriate situations, such as fluid therapy, pain management, wound care, and monitoring of vital signs.
7. Conduct a comprehensive physical examination, evaluating the patient's overall condition, including body weight, hydration status, respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature, while also noting any abnormal findings or clinical signs [2]. Additionally, conduct any required diagnostic tests or imaging studies to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Table 1: Physical Examination Categories and Characteristics

Step 2: Environmental Set-Up and Temperature Regulation

• Establishing a quiet and peaceful environment is key to reducing any stress that pets may experience. This is complemented by supplemental heat, significantly enhancing their recovery comfort [3].
• A 5–10-minute acclimation period is recommended for prey species, such as small rodents or mammals, as it allows for a calm introduction and reduces stress [3].
• Veterinarians are also advised to regularly practice tube feeding so that they can effectively and gently perform the procedure if needed [2].
• Temperature checks should be conducted at regular intervals, especially during emergencies. It is recommended to check every 5 minutes during anaesthesia as variations in body temperature can impact the central nervous system and cardiopulmonary system.
• Pocket pets are particularly susceptible to hypothermia due to their increased surface-to-mass ratio and generally smaller size [3]. The use of preventative measures such as warming devices or warmed intravenous fluids is recommended for veterinarians [3].
• Signs of hypothermia, such as lethargy or shivering, in patients should be promptly identified and corrected.

Step 3: Monitor Vitals

Monitoring vital signs is a foundation step in the efficient inpatient care of pocket pets. Vital signs can act as important indications of the health of pocket pets as they usually are unable to express distress in the same means as larger pets. Vital signs to be monitored include [3]:

Table 2: Pocket Pet Vital Signs Monitoring Protocol.

Step 4: Nutrition 

• Pocket pets, being small animals, may not be able to fast. It is vital to ensure that specific dietary needs are met, considering necessary nutrient modifications, gastrointestinal motility, and the characteristics of the condition, including disease status [2].
• Provide a balanced diet and access to clean, fresh water [3].
• Assess whether the use of a feeding tube is necessary. If a feeding tube is used, ensure that the size and placement are correct through tests (such as X-rays) and monitor regularly.
• Parenteral feeding may be necessary as the airways of pocket pets are small, and the patient may be vomiting or regurgitating.

Step 5: Communication and Record-keeping

An effective and efficient communication channel among veterinary professionals, nurses, and support staff is paramount in pocket pet care. Clear and concise communication ensures that all team members are updated on the unique needs and conditions of these small animals [3]. By facilitating collaborative communication, the veterinary team can enhance the quality of care provided to pocket pets. Additionally, effective communication with pet owners allows for the development of customised care plans that cater to the specific needs of both the pocket pet and their owners. Detailed record-keeping in pocket pet care serves as an invaluable reference point for further treatment, trend recognition, and overall patient assessment [1].

Specific considerations for birds:

• An uncuffed endotracheal tube in small birds is discouraged due to the risk of airway trauma. 
• Prolonged restraint is avoided as birds are susceptible to stress-related complications.
• The use of an intraosseous catheter is preferred as it is minimally invasive and effective.
• The use of corticosteroids is advised against with a preference for alternative options which cause fewer side effects.

Summary

By diligently addressing each of the five crucial steps outlined, veterinary professionals can effectively meet the unique needs of pocket pets during their inpatient care. This comprehensive framework ensures the facilitation of their recovery and overall well-being throughout their stay at the facility.

Further Readings

Googs, R., Blais, M., Brainard, B. M., Chan, D. L., deLaforcade, A. M., Rozanski, E., & Sharp, C. R. (2019). American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) Consensus on the Rational Use of Antithrombotics in Veterinary Critical Care (CURATIVE) guidelines: Small animal. Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care, 29(1), 12-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.12801 [1]

Niemiec, B., Gawor, J., Nemec, A., Clarke, D., McLeod, K., Tutt, C., Gioso, M, Steagall, P. V., Chandler, M., Morgenegg, G., & Jouppi, R. (2020). World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines. Journal of small animal practice, 61(7), 36-161. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13132 [2]

Polak, K. (2018). Field Manual for Small Animal Medicine. John Wiley & Sons. [3]