13 Jul At the Southern Cross Wildlife Hospital, a bat in the hand is a bat that can be treated
All too often we hear that access for bats to see a veterinarian for assessment and/or treatment is hindered as many involved in providing such a service are unwilling or unable to because of the risk of Lyssa Virus.
The grant received from the Foundation has permitted the purchase of vaccine for those at the Southern Cross Wildlife Hospital involved in the treatment and care of these animals. This has been most needed and most welcomed.
Recently, a little microbat was admitted. Unable to fly, the bat needed to have a detailed examination and radiograph (x-ray) to determine the cause and, of course, treatment.
After careful and safe examination, the microbat was found to have a fractured metacarpal bone. Although a very delicate procedure on such a very small animal, it is something that our veterinary surgeon, Dr Howard Ralph, has successfully undertaken on numerous occasions and was well placed to perform. Under general anaesthesia, the fracture was successfully treated.
Follow up care was provided by our hospital staff and the bat’s carer. The little bat made a full recovery and was subsequently able to fly off back into the wild.
Whilst we have always treated bats, not all our veterinary staff were vaccinated resulting in Dr Ralph and the same one or two nurses assisting. Thanks to the Foundation, now all staff are fully vaccinated so no matter who is on duty there is a safe hand to assist bats.