Euthanasia should be considered for bats with the following injuries and clinical signs:
• Compound fractures( Figure 6) and major bone fractures. Consideration must be given to whether the bat will be able to fly again. It is not ethical to amputate their wings
• Respiratory distress
• Clear signs of suffering
• Trauma such as a prolapse or missing body parts, for example the loss of feet or eyes.
Other things to look for include:
• Foreign bodies
• Ectoparasites
• Entanglement in material
• The condition of the bat, such as signs of anorexia or pregnancy
• Holes or tears in the wing membrane
• Stickiness or contamination of the wing membrane.
Factors to take into consideration when deciding on the most appropriate treatment for the bat:
• Is it male or female? A female in the spring / summer may be pregnant. Male bats can be easier to identify than females as their penis is quite easy to see. The vagina of a female bat can often be hidden but, depending on the season and species, it may be more pronounced [ 8 ].
• Is the bat lactating? Look for enlarged nipples, which may have an area of bare skin around them from nursing a pup. Make sure the finder is aware of this so they can keep an eye out for the pup.
• What species is the bat? Identifying the species will help in determining whether it is of an ideal size and weight. The BCT ' s website provides information on the weights and sizes of all 18 UK species [ 9 ].
Any bat that is brought to the practice will most likely need some rehydration and food. Bats will not willingly eat or drink until they are feeling well enough. They must be warmed up before any food or water is given.
Water can be given little and often, and sometimes this may be enough to hydrate the bat. Dehydrated bats are often unable to move effectively and may have poor muscular coordination. Other physical signs include skin tenting, a flattened or sunken abdomen with wrinkled skin, sunken eyes and a dull wing membrane [ 10 ].
Common conditions and treatments
Wing membrane injuries
Wing membrane injuries are often classed as holes or tears. A hole is where the wing remains intact, whereas a tear extends through the edge of the membrane. These injuries are often caused by cat attacks.
Holes generally have a better prognosis( Figure 7, page 15). However, most holes and tears will heal naturally while the bat is in care, without the need of suturing or gluing, as long as the bat is healthy.
Subcutaneous emphysema
Subcutaneous emphysema( Figure 8, page 15) is where air leaks into the subcutaneous tissue due to an injury, and is most likely caused by a cat attack.
Figure 6. A bone protruding from a bat ' s wing.
It can be treated by using a small hypodermic needle to deflate the area, followed by provision of antibiotic cover. Reinflation can occur after the procedure, so the deflation process may need to be repeated.
14 Veterinary Nursing Journal