Topic in medicine and surgery
The Use of Emeraid Exotic Carnivore Diet Improves Postsurgical Recovery and Survival of Long-tailed Ducks

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Abstract

Gavage feeding is a commonly used technique in wildlife rehabilitation. While implanting satellite transmitters in long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis), a need for extra postsurgical nutritional support was identified. A new product, Emeraid Exotic Carnivore Diet, has proven effective in maintaining and even increasing the birds' body weights while in captivity. This has resulted in a 54-g increase in weight at release and better survival postrelease. Tips for mixing and using the new diet are included.

Section snippets

What You Will Need

  • 1

    Emeraid Exotic Carnivore Diet for use with diving ducks or other appropriate diets.

  • 2

    Catheter-tip syringes of various sizes. The authors routinely stock 6-, 12-, 20-, 35-, and 60-mL sizes (Monoject Catheter-tipped Syringes; Tyco Health care group LP, Mansfield, MA USA).

  • 3

    Feeding tubes of various sizes. The authors stock 12-, 18-, and 22-Fr feeding tubes (Kendal, Sovereign, Tyco Health Care group LP or Baxter Pharmaseal, Baxter Health Care Corporation, Deerfield, IL USA). For the ducks, the authors

Step-By-Step Guide

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    The formula comes in a large tub with a double-ended measuring scoop of 1 tablespoon (15 mL) and 1 teaspoon (5 mL) capacity (Fig 4). The authors found the best mixing ratio to be 1 part Emeraid Exotic Carnivore Diet to 3 parts warm water for ease in passage through 18-Fr catheter feeding tubes. The diet is thick and can form clumps; therefore, using a mortar and pestle helps ensure adequate mixing with the warm water. The authors mix a new batch, sometimes more than one batch, with each

Acknowledgments

This report is part of two larger projects, one examining long-tailed duck biology and the other investigating perioperative techniques associated with intracoelomic implant surgery. The authors thank the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Seaduck Joint Venture for their help and support for these long-tailed duck projects.

References (5)

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    Abnormal behavior of canvasbacks equipped with radio transmitters

    J Wildl Manage

    (1981)
  • G.H. Olsen et al.

    Implanting radio transmitters in wintering canvasbacks

    J Wildl Manage

    (1992)
There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

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