Plus-Hex CLINICAL

Amber Foote , FdSc , RVN College of Animal Welfare , Cambridgeshire

ENVELOPE amberrosefoote @ gmail . com

Amber qualified in 2017 and is currently practising as a veterinary nurse lecturer at the College of Animal Welfare , while furthering her qualifications to a BSc ( Hons ) in Veterinary Nursing . She enjoys all aspects of practice but is particularly interested in wildlife , exotic species and medical nursing . Amber is interested in education and standardising patient care across all species .

ABSTRACT This article provides a basic outline of how to triage and provide first aid for wild hedgehogs presenting in veterinary practice . Most hedgehogs that present in practice have experienced some form of injury and require immediate veterinary attention . Veterinary professionals have a duty of care for these patients . A clear triage process and appropriate first aid is key to an ethical and successful outcome .

Keywords Triage , hedgehog , handling , wildlife protocol

Introduction

The Animal Welfare Act ( 2006 ) protects wild animals that are no longer able to function in the wild , most commonly due to injury and unnecessary suffering . Erinaceus europaeus ( wild hedgehog ) often present in veterinary practice for a variety of reasons and veterinary professionals are responsible for the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation of these animals under the Act . The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for veterinary surgeons ( VSs ) and registered veterinary nurses ( RVNs ) also states that animal welfare must be the overriding consideration in all cases ( RCVS , 2021 ). This article discusses the provision of triage and first aid

VOL 37 • May 2022

29