Topic Summary:

The evidence presented in this section reflects a number of methods I have utilised in monitoring the health of the animals in my care. 

It includes photographs of weighing and preparing medication for animals, as well as opportunistic close monitoring of an animal under anaesthesia. There are diary entries relating to health observations, a weight record sheet I have completed exclusively with the weights I have taken from the otters to date in 2016, and also a candidate report describing the monitoring of one of our otters during and after a surgical procedure. 

Monitoring the weights and body condition of our animals is a crucial part of health surveillance, as maintaining stable, appropriate weights can ultimately help to reduce the likelihood of weight-related health problems arising. Unfortunately, due to the nature of many of the species we maintain at the Deer Centre (large deer, or smaller, more flighty species) and delays to progressing scale training with many of our carnivores, weighing them routinely is currently not an option, and their condition is therefore monitored through Body Condition Scoring, which all keepers are experienced and well trained in. 

The one exception is our Asian Short-Clawed Otters. Midway through 2014, I began training our four adults (see 'B - Effective Handling & Restraint) in basic targeting and stationing, and quickly built up to having them stand on a set of portable scales with the commands 'scale', 'stand' and 'hold'. The otters are rewarded with a desired food item after they have completed the sequence and performed the 'hold' behaviour on the scales for 5 seconds, to allow an accurate weight to be taken. Once our youngest otter, Bruce, turned 6 months old in late summer 2015, I started training him in the same way, which therefore enabled us to track his growth and development in a more structured way and at a far earlier stage than with any of our previous youngsters.

In the photograph to the left below, I am seen weighing Olivia, who was maintaining the 'hold' command at the time. 

I currently weigh the otters on a monthly basis, and record their weights in the monitoring sheet shown to the right below. This is helpful in being able to keep track of weight trends at a glance, and pick out any particular patterns. The otters' diet sheet (see 'A - Feeding') is often adjusted based on the outcome of weighing each month.

Weight monitoring is particularly important for otters Huey and Olivia, who have slightly slower metabolic rates than the other three otters and are prone to weight gain. Both are currently subject to weight reduction diets, and hence I will continue to monitor them closely. Aside from a slight increase for Huey between March and April, both otters' weights have been gradually decreasing over recent months. Bruce's weight continues to increase in line with his growth - the desired trend as he is not yet mature - whilst Keisha and Nipper fluctuate within fairly stable limits and are also maintaining the desired weight trends overall. 

Routine close monitoring and daily observations of all of our animals is a cornerstone of our work as keepers at the Deer Centre, and essential to both health monitoring and preventative care.

When a health issue is detected, it is important to ensure it is documented, discussed with the Head Keeper and vet if necessary, and a reactive strategy put in place. In many cases, this will simply be the recommendation for a period of further observation before any further decisions are made, however in others delaying further action is not advisable. 

This was the case on 13 March 2016, when I observed our female Grey Wolf, Luna, limping heavily and struggling to bear any weight on her hind right leg. Luna's behaviour was consistent with considerable pain and discomfort, and a discussion was held with the Head Keeper and vet the following morning. The vet advised to start Luna on a short, 7-day course of an anti-inflammatory medication (Loxicom) at a dose relative to her weight (30kg, determined during an operation two weeks earlier), and report back after monitoring her both on the medication and for several days once the course had ended. 

Below are two diary entries I completed in relation to Luna: the first detailing initial observations on 13 March, and the second documenting positive follow-up observations from 24 March, four days after her last dose of Loxicom. A photograph is also provided in which I can be seen making up Luna's medication whilst her course of treatment was ongoing. 

There was no need for further interventions once the course of treatment had ended, and monitoring was stepped back to normal levels accordingly.