Safe Sedation and Immobilization of Unusual Exotic Species Encountered in Practice

Safe handling techniques for traditional exotic companion mammals (e.g., ferrets, rabbits, and rodents) have been well described. However, some uncommon species, including various wild animals maintained as pets, should not be manually restrained because of the nature of the animal and the potential for injury to both the pet and the handler. Sedation and immobilization techniques are useful to enhance safety and to facilitate diagnostic and treatment procedures. Sedatives are best administered to these animals with the aid of a squeeze cage.