POSSUMS AND GLIDERS
7.1 Capture and physical restraint
There are 30 species in the Suborder Phalangerida in Australia, ranging in size from less than 10 g up to 5 kg. Consequently, the methods used to capture and restrain them are varied.
Capture of free-ranging possums and gliders can be difficult because many species are highly arboreal. Capture success may also vary with time of year and habitat. Various techniques have been recommended. Many species can be trapped in cage traps, set on the ground for brush-tailed possums (Trichosurus spp.) and in trees for most other species. Small species can be captured in Elliott traps or nest boxes (animals retrieved from these during the day). Pygmy-possums (Burramyidae) and honey possums (Tarsipes rostratus) can be caught using pitfall traps. Hand capture of ringtailed possums (Pseudocheirinae) and greater gliders (Petauroides spp.) from drays or tree hollows is possible. Free-ranging medium- to large-sized possums and greater gliders have been captured using small, purpose- designed darts (NHMRC 2014).Larger species, particularly brush-tailed possums, may struggle vigorously and attempt to bite and scratch; some gliders bite fiercely; however, most species are fairly docile when handled appropriately. Honey possums must be handled with great care because they are stress- prone. Handling can result in cardiac arrest and they are particularly sensitive to high-frequency noise (NHMRC 2014). Pillow cases, small linen bags or hessian sacks for larger species are useful for restraint, handling and transport. Nest boxes or logs with removable lids are useful because the animals will frequently be in them during the day and can be readily transferred from the box to a bag. Most species are readily picked up using a towel or cloth bag covering one’s hands. Other than perhaps with brush-tailed possums, protective gloves should not be used, as they reduce tactile discrimination, making it difficult to grasp small species and increasing the risk of applying excessive pressure, which may compromise respiration or cause injury. Possums can be held by the tail, but they can turn around and bite.
Brushtailed and eastern ring-tailed possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) can be grasped firmly with one hand around the shoulders (index and middle finger on either side of the neck) and the other holding the base of the tail. Physical restraint (preferably within a bag) can be used for minor procedures such as brief examination, medicating orally, hand injection for medication or induction of anaesthesia, or mask induction for gaseous anaesthesia. Injections can be given through the cloth of a bag. Cat squeeze cages may be used to restrain more fractious animals for injection. Hollow logs or plastic plumbing pipe can also serve as restraint devices for access to the rear of the animal while inside. Possums and gliders held in managed care, particularly if handled regularly, can become very tractable (Johnson and Hemsley 2008).7.2 Chemical restraint
Sedation may be useful before inhalation anaesthesia or for minor procedures and transport (see Appendix 3).
Pre-anaesthetic fasting requirements are provided in Table 9.1. Inhalation anaesthesia using isoflurane or sevo- flurane in oxygen delivered via a face mask, with or without pre-medication, is the method of choice for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. An induction chamber or nest box can also be used. Injectable agents are useful if inhalation anaesthesia is unavailable, in field situations or with animals that are difficult to restrain (see Appendix 3). Maintenance with inhalation agents is usually via mask; however, larger species are easily intubated. Sternal recumbency with the neck extended and head elevated facilitates intubation. Intubation of smaller species is limited by the size of endotracheal tubes available.
8.
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- Contents