Description
Prey species have essentially evolved to lie to us, masking illness or pain until the condition is so advanced/severe it overwhelms the animal’s ability to mask. This is an instinctive, evolutionary adaptation to evade predation (or perceived predation), which may allow the animal time to ‘self-cure’ but also can result in chronic conditions presenting acutely due to decompensation. Any change in a prey species preference, no matter how small, should be viewed as potentially significant. Owners do not always recognise these changes as being significant and guided/careful history taking may be required. Educating owners that prey species can be in significant pain without overtly looking like they are in pain can help with owner understanding and compliance. Join me on a whistle stop tour of normal behaviours of the commonly kept small exotic mammals and what subtle signs of issues to look out for and guide owners to monitor for which may lead to earlier diagnosis and improve our patient’s welfare.
Learning Objectives
- Human animal bond is not species specific.
- Learn what is normal behaviour of the commonly kept small exotic mammals.
- Any change in a prey species preference, no matter how small, should be viewed as potentially significant.
- What signs/changes to look for or ask owners to monitor for.
- Understand the importance of social buffering (and what it is!)
- How to approach end of life conversations regarding the behaviour of bonded companions and whether they should be present.
