'Wildlife Veterinary Journal' Case Study Template

Through sharing cases, we start to celebrate & normalise high standards of care, by supporting one another…

So…. We had an idea last year (based on what the IWRC do but less formalised, to start off with) for a ‘Wildlife Care Journal’ for Rehabbers to share about unusual and/or interesting cases so that everyone could learn from one another and help wildlife more.  Recently, in conversation, it was suggested by a wildlife expert RVN to - first - launch a sort of ‘Vet Journal For Wildlife Care’: Vet Surgeons & RVNs submit cases on wildlife they’ve treated, to be shared amongst other veterinary professionals to help educate one another.

ALSO: Vets submit cases that they have collaborated with Rescues/Rehabbers on, providing examples of good working relationships, to best provide wildlife care.

The thought behind this is the industry self educating itself (sharing case studies, sharing notes) - with the sharing of cases & the celebrating of high welfare practices, eventually becoming a huge education tool.

Below is the layout of how case studies would be submitted (created by Beth Ragan RVN & her veterinary colleagues)...

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Case Study Title: [A concise and descriptive title that summarizes the case, e.g., "Successful Rehabilitation of a Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) with Mandibular Fracture," or "Fatal Lead Toxicosis in a Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)"]

• Date of Submission: [Current Date]

• Prepared By: [Your Name/Institution Name]

1. Introduction & Background

Species Information:

Species (common and scientific names):

Conservation Status (IUCN Red List):

Patient Identification:

Unique Identifier if appropriate:

(e.g., Tag number, internal ID)

Age:

(approximately e.g., juvenile, adult, unknown)

Sex:

Weight on admission:

Location Found:

(specifics of rescue site, e.g., urban garden, roadside, woodland edge)

Date of Admission:

Admission Type:

(e.g., direct rescue, transferred from another facility, public drop-off)

Presenting Complaint:

Brief, concise summary of why the animal was admitted (eg. "found unable to fly", "hit by car", "orphaned") and include any observer's notes (if available, e.g., "witnessed limping for 2 days", "seen tangled in fishing line").

2. Clinical History & Examination

Initial Assessment

Physical Examination:

(Eg. general demeanour, hydration, body condition score, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous system, injuries).Example: "Alert but depressed, BCS 2/5, moderate dehydration, open wound on left wing distal ulna, crepitus on palpation of left humerus”.

• Vital Parameters (if possible):

Temperature: Heart Rate: Respiratory Rate: CRT: Mucous Membrane Colour:

Preliminary Differential Diagnoses:

(Based on initial findings, what are the most likely causes of the observed signs?)

Initial Plan of Action:

(e.g., immediate stabilization, fluid therapy, pain management, diagnostic imaging).

Diagnostic Procedures & Results:

Laboratory Tests:

Other Diagnostics:

Definitive Diagnosis:

3. Treatment & Management

Medical Treatment:

Pharmacology

(List all medications, dosage, route, frequency, duration, and rationale)

●Example: "Meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg PO SID for 7 days - pain and inflammation control)"

●Example: "Amoxicillin-clavulanate (15 mg/kg SC BID for 10 days - broad-spectrum antibiotic

for wound infection)"

Fluid Therapy:

(Type, rate, route, duration, rationale)

Nutritional Support:

(Type of diet, feeding method, frequency, amount, weight changes)

Supportive Care:

(e.g., wound management, physical therapy, heat support, environmental enrichment)

Surgical Treatment (if applicable):

Date of Surgery:

Surgical Procedure:

(Detailed description of technique)

Anesthesia Protocol:

(Pre-medication, induction, maintenance, monitoring)

Intra-operative Findings:

Post-operative Care:

(Medications, monitoring, wound care)

Rehabilitation Plan:

[If collaborating with a Rescue/Rehabber, this information should be included here.]

Enclosure/Housing:

(Type, size, environmental considerations, enrichment)

Progression of Care:

(How the animal's needs and environment changed over time, e.g., initial cage rest, then larger enclosure, then flight pen).

Assessment of Readiness for Release:

(Criteria used to determine fitness for release, e.g., flight ability, hunting skills, social behaviour, body condition).

4. Outcome

Patient Outcome:

Released:

Date of Release:

Location of Release (specific details):

Condition at Release:

Any post-release monitoring (if applicable):

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Died:

Date of Death:

Cause of Death:

(If Euthanasia please include reasonings eg. non-releasable due to permanent injury, poor prognosis, welfare concerns):

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Transferred/Still in Care:

(If the case is ongoing or the animal was transferred to another facility)

5. Discussion

Key Learning Points:

(What were the most important aspects of this case? What challenges were faced?)

Clinical Significance:

(How does this case contribute to our understanding of this species or particular condition?)

Relevance to Wildlife Conservation/Management:

(Are there broader implications for wildlife health, disease surveillance, or human-wildlife conflict?)

Recommendations for future cases:

(What would you do differently next time? What areas need further research?)

Ethical Considerations:

(Were there any ethical dilemmas encountered and how were they addressed?)

6. References

7. Appendices (if applicable)