Review by Kathy Lyon (Click on stars for an explanation)

This book is Out of Print.

The baby wild animal/bird season is nearly upon us. Soon it will be spring, and clients will be coming in with their foundlings. Of course, injured wildlife can come in at any time.

This book, written by the founder of St. Tiggywinkles Wildlife Teaching Hospital (England), is an excellent reference for the care of many wild species. There is a wealth of information not usually covered in the typical veterinary curriculum. 

The book begins with a series of "directives" that make wildlife care easier, such as "don't mix wild and domestic patients." The prey/predator relationship is well reported in the avian and exotic literature, but may not be so well understood by some small animal clinicians. Some other directives concern mange, ringworm, vaccinations, stress, and personnel risks and hazards. The chapter is followed by "Fast Response," a primer on the immediate care of injuries/crashing emergency cases, types of fluid therapy and how each method helps to rebuild fluid in the body, methods of administration, and how to determine which administration is appropriate.

One topic well addressed in this book is the biology of wounds: type and treatment, including lacerations, puncture wounds, avulsed, incised or burn wounds. The illustrations in the chapter on wound treatment, both drawing and photo, are instructive and clear. Next, the author addresses first aid and practice management of fractures on various species.

There is a large section on songbirds, followed by a section on small mammals such as rabbits, mice, shrews, moles, voles, turtles, frogs and toads. Mustelids and hedgehogs follow, then larger animals such as foxes, badgers and deer are discussed. Sea birds are also addressed as well as raptors, crows and ravens, and wading or marsh birds. The legal implications of each species are also discussed. Although the British have both similar and differing laws as the U.S. regarding wildlife, it reminds one to be aware and informed of local regulations.

Lastly, the book briefly discusses such animals as seals and less common wildlife cases such as bats and some species of wild cats.

The book takes you through initial presentation, first aid, treatment and injury management, care of orphaned animals, release and rehabilitation. Also covered are such topics as ectoparasites, poisoning, oil pollution, gunshot wounds, true orphans, automobile injuries, cat attack, and other injuries.

Reading this book in advance of the baby animal/bird season, and in advance of the summer rush of wildlife cases, would be good advice. It's interesting reading, and there are topics and issues in this book that one might not find without hands-on experience at a busy wildlife facility. Read it, and then keep it handy. You will be thankful later. Be familiar with the book when that life-or-death emergency comes in.

Available through Blackwell Publishing (2000).

The book is well illustrated, 288 pages.

ISBN: 978-0632052455.

Reviewed 12/12/2000.