If maggots are found on the bat, euthanasia should be considered. Maggots are usually found in open wounds or in the genital area and are not found on healthy bats.
Foreign bodies
Any thorns or splinters found must be removed and the area cleaned with an antiseptic such as chlorhexidine. Fish hooks can also be found on bats, especially Daubenton ' s bats, which feed close to water [ 12 ].
A general anaesthetic may be required for the removal of the foreign body or cleaning of the puncture site before the bat is transferred to a bat carer.
Starvation
It is important to rehydrate the bat before any food is given, and the bat must be warmed prior to hydration. In the wild, UK bats mostly use echolocation to catch and eat insects such as mosquitoes, midges and other flies. Many veterinary practices do not stock insects or mealworms, but a small amount of cat or dog food can be given to a bat in an emergency.
Figure 10. A common pipistrelle being induced with a volatile anaesthetic agent.
The food should be blended with water to make a palatable paste, and a clean paintbrush( from the bat first aid box) used to feed the bat. Gloves must be worn at all times when feeding the bat. Dip the paintbrush into the cat / dog food paste and offer the bat the tip of the paintbrush for it to lap up the food. When feeding bats, position them with their heads elevated, as this will make feeding them easier.
General anaesthesia
Small wildlife species such as bats are most commonly induced with a volatile anaesthetic. They can be placed either in an oxygen mask held face down( Figure 10) or in an anaesthesia chamber until they start to lose consciousness. They can then be maintained on the volatile agent, delivered through an Ayre ' s T-piece circuit, for closer examination( Figure 11).
Specialist bat support
The BCT helpline( 0345 1300 228) provides guidance and advice on any bat-related matters as well as signposting to local bat carers. There are also more than 80 bat groups in the UK, many of which are made up of dedicated volunteers. Some areas have volunteer bat ambulance drivers who will collect bats and deliver them to the bat carers.
For practices that have not yet had a bat casualty, it is worth finding out who is / are the bat carer( s) most local to the practice, in order to be prepared in advance.
Figure 11. Examining a common pipistrelle under anaesthesia.
Conclusions
Providing first aid and emergency care for bats is a vital aspect of modern veterinary practice that upholds both legal and ethical obligations to protect wildlife.
VSs and veterinary nurses can play a crucial role in ensuring that injured or distressed bats receive compassionate, evidence-based care, while also maintaining personal safety and adherence to public health protocols.
16 Veterinary Nursing Journal