Session Abstracts
Selected Topics in Avian Anatomy
James E. Smallwood, DVM, MS
A basic knowledge of avian anatomy is useful for anyone involved with the rehabilitation of birds. Although other topics may be included, this 90-minute presentation will focus on the skeletal system, selected external features, the digestive system and the respiratory system. As an adaptation for flight, the skeleton of birds has been markedly lightened, largely through the pneumanitization of various bones. Feathers are believed to represent modified scales, and the transformation of scale to feather has thought to have evolved initially to provide insulation against cold and to allow birds to maintain a high body temperature. The digestive system of birds varies widely due to the great diversity of foods consumed by different avian species. Some of these differences will hopefully be pointed out along our tour of the digestive apparatus. One of the most remarkable differences in avian species vs. mammals is their hightly efficient respiratory system.
Magical Swifts, Tough Times
Krista Fox
Krista covers the basic information of chimney swift-history, habits, ecosystems, conservation and rehabilitation of both bird and the public to their opinion of them and ways to aid the species.
Fawn Rehabilitation (in NC)
Beth Knapp-Tyner & Kelly Douglass
Kelly covers a brief introduction and explanation of the process of applying for a fawn rehabilitation permit in North Carolina, facility requirements, and program rules and requirements. Beth covers white tailed deer natural history, understanding digestion, formulas, feeding, caging/pens, common problems & treatment, to release.
Wildlife Parasites
James Flowers, DVM
North Carolina has a diverse population of wildlife species, which are infected with a diverse array of parasitic helminths. Some selected parasites of wild mammals will be discussed. The life cycles and impact of these parasites on the wildlife host and rehabilitation management will be addressed.
Natural History & Rehabilitation of Killdeer (Charadrius vociferous)
Elizabeth Hanrahan
Successful rehabilitation of killdeer (Charadrius vociferous) creates many unique challenges for a rehabilitator. This common year around resident of NC presents specialized needs for housing, nutrition, and habilitation from intake through successful release. Participants are be guided through identification, the rehabilitation process, successful techniques, discussion of problems, and pitfalls to avoid.
Technology in Rehab
Jean Chamberlain
Thinking about setting up a website? Jean covers the basics. She also covers how sites are used, listservs, Internet resources for rehabilitators, recordkeeping databases, upcoming changes to WRNC’s website and more.
Capture, restraint and transport of large birds
Jennifer Gordon
Jennifer covers techniques for catching injured birds from the water and on land. She includes handling and restraint techniques for large birds. She also touches on Capture Myopathy and which birds are most affected by it and how to prevent it.
You Can't Read an X-Ray
Alicia Cawlfield
After a brief introduction on how x-rays are used to create radiographs,
basics on reading radiographs follows. Then participants review radiographs
together in an interactive forum. Images are presented in a digital format
allowing larger group participation and participants immediately get to
put to use their new knowledge looking at real cases.
Permit Roundtable
Daron Barnes, Permits and Planning Supervisor, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Carmen Simonton, USFWS
The various permits required for wildlife rehabilitation and related activities are explained. Questions about the permits and application requirements are addressed by NC and USFWS officials.
Beginner Case Studies
Elizabeth Hanrahan & Jean Chamberlain
Test your diagnostic skills against some of the common conditions that rehabilitators encounter.
Cage Building Demo
Bob Kiger
Build your own mammal cage on site with Bob's guidance.
Woodchucks
Glenda Combs
This presentation is an overview of the rehabilitation of groundhogs. The speaker
shares information on the characteristics, care, feeding and housing of
groundhogs. She hopes to entice you to want to rehabilitate this complex species.
Physical Therapy for Birds
Elizabeth Hanrahan
Physical therapy in bird rehabilitation should be a part of standard practices. The two most prevalent diagnoses among birds are typically fracture reduction/repair and soft tissue wounds. Secondary conditions from these may include decreased range-of-motion, loss of strength and endurance, and head trauma. This presentation addresses the primary presenting diagnosis and secondary complications including nutrition, hydration, balance control, and loss of equilibrium. Students may have opportunities to practice hands on techniques.
Mammal Diseases
Karen Wolf, DVM
Stress Management
Cheryl Hoggard , DVM, Piedmont Wildlife Center
Reducing stress in the wildlife patient is critical to that animal's recovery.
This presentation focuses on ways to reduce stress during the time the animal
is being held in captivity. Restraint methods and ways to reduce stress during
restraint are discussed.
Turtle Shell Repair Workshop
Jeff Ginsberg
This workshop is a hands-on demonstration of non-surgical turtle shell repair.
Avian Necropsy Workshop
Betty O'Leary, Carolina Raptor Center
This workshop will be a hands on demonstration on how to do visual necropsies on birds using raptor carcasses. You will also learn how to take tissue samples to send off for lab tests.
Mammal Necropsy Workshop
Arnaud Van Wettere, DVM
This lab starts by a brief presentation on how to carry out a necropsy and collect diagnostic samples, and will be followed by a wet lab.
Bandaging Workshop
Cheryl Hoggard, DVM
Dosage Calculation Workshop
Jean Chamberlain
In this workshop you learn how to do dosage calculations. The focus is on understanding the calculations. The workshop is taught by a former high school math teacher.
Additional abstracts will be listed as they are submitted.