Treatment Update for the Rehabilitation of Insectivorous Bats

© Bat World Sanctuary, 2005. Reproduction prohibited without permission.
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TABLE I - Diagnostic Chart for Insectivorous Bats
HOW TO USE THIS PAGE:
Table I provides information on ailments and specific treatments.
Links within the text provide additional details or photos.
Links to the medications listed in Table II are provided in the treatment section.
 

 Recent Updates:

 
 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
All non-hibernating captive bats should be given daily physical examinations. Insectivorous bats have been known to contract a variety of ailments including dental and bladder infections for example.  If not treated, these infections can result in death within 24 hours. Daily exams will allow you to detect such problems in early stages, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful treatment. The charts below provide an overview of ailments of both wild and captive bats, as well as treatment protocols.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT

ABSCESS

 Also see:
Bite Wounds
Dental Disorders
Misc. Wounds
 

A puss-filled wound or cavity sometimes surrounded by inflamed tissue.

Administer BAYTRIL injections and CLAVAMOX orally. Administer METACAM for pain. Aged bats or bats that appear shocky should receive the oral CLAVAMOX/
BAYTRIL mixture. Lance and drain the abscess. Flush with warm tap water. Keep the wound puss free thereafter by re-lancing, draining and flushing when necessary. Abscesses heal from the inside out. Use discretion with topical antibiotics. Do not apply Manuka honey to abscesses. 

AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
ABDOMINAL BLOCKAGE/BLOAT

ADULTS:
Can be caused by impaction, overfeeding, torsion or tumors.

PUPS:
Commonly caused by overfeeding or by feeding kitten formula or cows milk.

Also see:
Appetite Changes
Blunt Force Trauma
Dental Disorders
Respiratory Distress

 

 

 Adults: loss of appetite; swollen or hard abdomen; labored breathing; vomiting; constipation; sustained erection in males.

Pups: Swollen or hard abdomen; labored breathing; crying; whitish stools; may include ravenous appetite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Adults: Administer 1 drop (.05ml) of reconstituted LA 200. Administer 1 drop (.05ml) of mineral oil and 2 drops (.10ml) of SIMETHICONE every two hours. Also rehydrate and provide supportive care. If veterinary help is not available, bats exhibiting further abdominal swelling, or no improvement after 48 hours, should be humanely euthanized.

PUPS: Administer 1 drop (.05ml) of  SIMETHICONE every two hours until abdominal swelling is gone. Also Rehydrate and add .05ml. of reconstituted LA 200 or BENE-BAC  to every 5ml reconstituted milk formula. Begin offering small amounts of milk formula as soon as abdominal swelling begins to subside. Pups often improve within 24 hours. NOTE: A single drop (.01ml) of LASIX has been used successfully in the treatment of ascites (abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen) in infant red bats. 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
APPETITE CHANGES
INCREASE: Pregnancy and pre- hibernation/migration.

DECREASE: Dehydration, systemic infection,  hepatic lipidosis.

Also see:
Dental Disorders
Liver Disease
Yeast Infection

Hibernation/migration: Sudden increase in appetite in late summer or fall.

 

 

 Pregnancy - see Pregnancy.

Dehydration - see Dehydration.

Systemic infection - see Systemic infection.

Hepatic Lipidosis - see Liver Disease.

Hibernation/migration: Obese or overweight bats can be artificially hibernated following the method described in Captive Care and Medical Reference for the Rehabilitation of Insectivorous Bats. Overweight bats that aren't being overwintered in hibernation, should be exercised throughout the winter. Training bats to chase mealworms and hand flying them will help to combat obesity.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
BAND INJURIES

Result from tagging with numbered metal bands or plastic leg bands made for birds.

 

 

 Swelling, inflammation, oozing, bruising, bleeding, scabbing or other damage to soft membrane tissue; fracture at the forearm (may not be detectable until the band is removed). Colored tapes are sometimes applied to bands. Bats will sometimes chew on these tapes, leaving jagged edges that can cause irritation to
the eye. NOTE: Bats frequently chew on bands in an attempt to remove them and destroy the ID number in the process.		 Bands should be carefully removed to prevent further injury. Treat wounds with topical applications of Neosporin. Administer CLAVAMOX orally. Administer METACAM for pain. Treat irritated eyes with topical applications of a triple antibiotic ophthalmic ointment. See treatment for wing fractures below.

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
BITE WOUNDS

From cats or other bats.

Also see:
Punctured lung		 Cat: Puncture marks on the torso; tears in the wing membrane; arm, finger, and/or leg fractures; abscesses. 

Bat: Small infected or scabbed wounds and/or abscesses on the wings, tail, legs or head; finger fractures.		 Administer BAYTRIL injections and CLAVAMOX orally. Aged bats or bats that appear shocky should receive the oral CLAVAMOX/BAYTRIL mixture only. Some infections due to cat bites require treatment with TETRACYCLINE.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA

Often results from being swatted or hit with an object such as a broom. May result in back and/or internal injury.

Also see:
Head Injury
Hematoma
Misc. Wounds
Wing Fractures
Membrane Tears		 May appear dazed although the eyes are clear; rapid, shallow or labored breathing; ataxia (inability to coordinate muscular movements); lays to one side; drags or favors one or both legs; abdominal swelling; hematomas (bruising)--use a light source behind the bat to detect pooled areas of blood). Treat wounds and fractures (see Misc. Wounds and Wing Fractures below), rehydrate and administer Rehydrate and administer KETOPROPHEN. Provide supportive care and monitor urine and stools for signs of blood. Bats with abdominal swelling that have shown no sign of improvement and have not passed normal stools or urine for 48 hours should be humanely euthanized.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
BURNS
(FIRE/ELECTRICAL)

Caused by fire while roosting in chimneys or contact with electrical wires.

Also see:
Respiratory Distress		 Chimney burns: Bright red skin; blisters; swelling; respiratory distress
due to smoke inhalation.

Electrical burns: Bright red skin;
blisters; hard, black tissue. One or both wings may be affected. Sometimes appendages on opposite sides of the body are affected, for example, the right wing and the left foot or ear are burned.

 Rehydrate and administer BAYTRIL. Administer CLAVAMOX orally. Aged bats should receive the oral CLAVAMOX/ BAYTRIL mixture. Administer BUPRENEX for pain. Apply Manuka honey topically to affected areas. Provide supportive care. Severely damaged wings may need to be amputated (see Wing Fractures below). Bats that are burned over 50% of their body should be humanely euthanized.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
DEHYDRATION

Can result from being grounded due to injury or illness in general; being trapped indoors; heat exhaustion; orphaned status; low humidity; lack of an adequate water supply.
Also see:
Emaciation           
Heat Exhaustion           
Rabies		 Loss of appetite, dull and/or dry eyes (not matted or glassy eyes); flaky skin; droopy eyelids; dry or discolored wings; feces stuck to the tail membrane; vomiting.

In severe dehydration ataxia (inability to coordinate muscular movements) may be present. Fluids may not be absorbed when organ failure is eminent.  In these cases the bat may go into shock and die within moments of being injected.
 		 Rehydrate. Humidifiers will help increase humidity.  Humidity levels should be between 60%-80%.
Lasko model # 1155 is the current humidifier of choice.

 

 

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
DENTAL DISORDERS
(plaque; gum infections; abscessed teeth)

Captive:
Can result from captive diets that do not include the hard exoskeleton, wing or leg parts of insects that may act as a natural dentifrice for bats in the wild.

Wild:
Dental disorders are occasionally observed in wild bats.  

Plaque can accumulate on the teeth and harden to tarter. Tarter turns black as it becomes stained by mealworms. Plaque and tarter build up can result in severe dental problems  including gingivitis, loose teeth, and abscessed teeth. Gum infections are first visible as a thin red line along the gum line. Excessive salivation, lethargy, anorexia, a watering or protruding eye, a swollen area on the head, behind the ear, on the jaw, or near the eye, and/or a cabbage-like odor are signs of an abscess. Left untreated, infections associated with dental disorders can be deadly. Antibiotic treatment is critical.

Click here to view a PDF file on the treatment of Dental Disorders

Note: Many captive dental problems can be avoided by using the tarter control method recommended by Bat World for insectivorous bats.
Additionally, bats that are hand fed will have less dental problems if they are given a few drops of water immediately after being fed blended food (water helps to rinse the food from the teeth).
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT

DIARRHEA
Also see:
Endoparasites
Heat Exhaustion
Systemic Infections
Pesticide Poisoning

 Loose or runny stools. Can be life threatening if the underlying cause is not established and treated. Rehydrate. Short term relief may be given by administering 0.05ml an oral over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication. Further treatment should be directed toward the source of the problem.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
EMACIATION

Wild: Can result  from being trapped indoors; hibernation; migration; inability to feed due to injury, old age, orphaned status, or dental disorders.

Captive: Dental disorders, territorial cage mate, inability to feed due to old age, liver disease (hepatic lipidosis).

Also see:
Appetite Change   
Liver Disease

 Underweight;  protruding shoulder blades; concave abdomen; weakness; dehydration; uncoordinated movements.

 

 

 

 

 

 Rehydrate. Immediately after administering subcutaneous fluids, offer pups Zoologic 33/40 milk replacement formula. Offer adult bats small amounts of  blended food or VITAL at 4 to 6 hour intervals during the first 24 hours. Gradually increase the amount of food offered at each feeding. Offer normal amounts of blended food the following day. Do not give an adult bat solid food until it is fully hydrated.

 

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
FACIAL GLAND
SECRETIONS

Infections may cause overproduction of glandular secretions and impacted facial glands.

 		 Excessive Yellow/orange secretions on the face; impacted facial glands.

 

 

 Gently clean affected areas twice daily with warm water (use gauze or soft make-up pads). Impacted or infected  glands will need to be lanced with a sterile needle and the area gently pressed to expel the puss (always apply pressure away from the eye). Warm compresses applied beforehand will aid in the removal of hardened cellular debris. If infected, apply Neosporin or  MANUKA HONEY  twice daily until healed. Administer CLAVAMOX orally if the gland is infected.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT

FROST BITE

May occur when bats found inside buildings are placed outdoors during cold weather.

The areas most likely to be first affected are wrists, elbows, thumbs, ears, and feet.
 

Click here for a PDF file on the treatment of Frostbite/Hypothermia

AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
FUR LOSS/SKIN CONDITIONS

Can result from low humidity, nutritional deficiencies (lack of fatty acids), fungal or bacterial infections, injury, poor hygiene or improper caging.

Also see:
Dental Disorders
Liver Disease
Miscellaneous Wounds Ringworms            
Wing Depigmentation
 

 Balding patches on the torso, around the neck and the head; flaky skin; de-pigmentation of the wing membrane.

Note: Fur loss under the neck can occur when blended food is allowed to drip under the chin of bats being hand fed.  To prevent this happening, thoroughly clean any food from fur.
 

 

 Maintain proper caging, including appropriate humidity levels. Humidity should be maintained at 60-80%. Lasko model #1128 is the current humidifier of choice.

If lack of fatty acids is suspected, administer one drop (0.05ml) Barlean's Flax Oil every day until condition improves. Barlean's Flax Oil can also be applied directly to the skin in moderation.

Use good hygiene practices. Apply Neosporin to chapped or irritated skin if bacterial infection is suspected. Also obtain tissue culture to determine any fungal/bacterial infections and treat accordingly.

Nutritional supplements listed in the 2007 Mealworm Medium & Blended Food Recipe  will encourage new fur growth.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT

GLUE TRAPS &  OTHER ADHESIVES

Sometimes purposely set to trap bats exiting roosts. Occasionally bats become caught in fly paper hanging in open barns or stables.

Also see:
Oil Contamination

Substance coating the fur and/or membranes.

 

 

 

Click here for a PDF file on the treatment of Adhesives and Contaminates

 

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
HEAD INJURY

Also see:
Blunt Force Trauma
 		 Often no outward signs of injury. May appear dazed although the eyes are clear; ataxia (an inability to coordinated muscular movements); laying to one side or favoring one side of the body. Administer Dexamethasone. If present, treat open wounds (see Misc. Wounds). House the bat in a warm, quiet environment. Provide supportive care.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
HEAD TORSION (TWISTING) - Torticollis

May result from endoparasites or bacterial infection.

Also see:
West Nile Virus

Torticollis (extreme twisting of the head as if the bat is attempting to look over its shoulder); ataxia (an inability to coordinate muscular movements); black tarry stools; clear eyes; labored breathing.

 

Click here to view a PDF on the treatment of possible Chlamydophila infection.

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
HEAT EXHAUSTION/STROKE

Captive:
Heat exhaustion can result if a bat is unable to get away from a heating source placed in or under a cage.

Wild:
Can result when bats are trapped in confined areas with no ventilation or when grounded bats are exposed to extreme temperatures from hot pavement.

Prostration (collapse); clear eyes; shallow, rapid respiration; tremors of the wings and feet; seizures that include wing flapping; diarrhea; vomiting; petechial hemorrhaging of the wings and legs; nasal, rectal and vaginal bleeding.

 

 

 

 

 Move the bat into a cooler environment (e.g., into the stream of an air conditioner). Administer lactated Ringers solution. Keep bat calm as exertion will result in increased oxygen consumption. Provide supportive care and maintain room temperature caging (no heat) until the bat has recovered. 

 

 

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
HEMATOMA

A bruise or contusion. Often accompanies a fracture or other injury due to blunt force trauma.

Also see:
Blunt Force Trauma
Wing Fractures
Leg Fractures

 Bruising (a localized collection of blood, usually clotted, in a tissue or organ) visible when a light is held behind the bat. Often seen in the wings or legs.

 

 

 Treat any fractures (see Wing and Leg Fractures below). Provide supportive care. If the injury resulted from blunt force trauma, monitor urine and stools for signs of blood. METACAM can be given for pain. Minor bruises do not require treatment. Bats with abdominal swelling that have shown no improvement for 48 hours should be humanely euthanized.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
HYPOCALCEMIA

A low blood calcium level sometimes seen in lactating bats.

 		 Muscle tremors and twitches in early stages. Convulsions occur in later stages. Species that normally carry their young may be found roosting away from the pups.  NOTE: This condition progresses rapidly and is fatal if not treated in early stages. Administer CALSORB orally once a day until symptoms subside. Also add Osteo-form SA to the blended food; add add 1 gram (1/4 tsp) to 3ml's of blended food. The supplements should be given simultaneously. Remove nursing pups and hand feed them until the mother recovers.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
INSECT STINGS

Fire Ant bites:
Can occur when bats become grounded.

Wasps, bees and spiders:
Can occur when bats roost behind window shutters, crawlspaces and in trees.

 Clear eyes; panting; wincing; anorexia; fur may stand on ends; rapid respiration; lethargy and anorexia.




 

 

 Click here to view a PDF on the treatment of Insect sting

 

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
JOINT SWELLING

Swelling of the thumbs, toes and finger joints can result from  fractures, infection, or contact with inappropriate caging surfaces.  Migratory joint swelling of the wrists, knees, and elbows may indicate a bacterial infection.

Also see:
MBD
Yeast Infection
Misc. Injuries       
Wing Fractures

 Swollen, abraded fingers, toes or thumbs (often result from inappropriate caging materials-this is particularly true of foliage-roosting species).  Swelling at the knee, wrist, or elbow (can be associated with fractures). Sudden onset of swelling at the knee, wrist, or elbow which diminishes only to reoccur in a different knee, wrist, or elbow (migratory joint swelling). The condition causes severe pain when palpated.

 

 		 Administer CLAVAMOX orally. For migratory joint swelling, administer TETRACYCLINE orally. Thumb, finger, and toe injuries can be prevented by providing proper caging. Antibacterial ointment or MANUKA HONEY should be applied to any wounds twice daily.






 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
KIDNEY DISEASE Excessive thirst; pale gums; dehydration despite fluid intake; weight loss despite good appetite. There is no known treatment for kidney disease in bats. Bats generally die within a week of the onset of clinical signs. When quality of life declines, the bat should be humanely euthanized.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
LEG FRACTURE

Also see:
Blunt Force Trauma

 

 

 

 

 Swelling; hematomas; dragging the leg; holding the leg close to the body; or refusal to use the leg or foot to hang. (Open fractures are easily visible.  While closed, displaced fractures may be visible, closed non-displaced fractures are not.)

 

 

 

 Trim the toe claws of the affected leg only. Displaced fractures, either open or closed, should be carefully realigned and then splinted. A splint can be made from high density foam such as a make up pad. Cut the splint to the appropriate size and secure it to the body using skin adhesive or Crazy Glue™. Avoid getting glue into open wounds. See Misc. Wounds for treatment of open fracture injuries. Other than supportive care, no medical intervention is required in most non-displaced closed fractures.  Administer BAYTRIL injections and CLAVAMOX orally if open wounds are present. Administer METACAM or BUPRENEX for pain. Old  bats should receive the oral CLAVAMOX/ BAYTRIL mixture only.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
LEG PARALYSIS

Leg paralysis can result from rabies, back injuries, and leg fractures.  Here we refer to flaccid leg paralysis associated with pregnancy due bacterial infection (possibly Chlamydophila or Coxiella).

Also see:
Leg Fracture
Blunt Force Trauma
Rabies

Dragging one or both legs.  Chlamydophila or Coxiella should be suspected particularly in pregnant females when one or both legs are limp (flaccid paralysis).

 

 

 

Click here to view a PDF on the treatment of possible Chlamydophila infection.

 

 

 

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
LIVER DISEASE
(Hepatic Lipidosis)

 

 Anexoria; vomiting; excessive salivation; foul smelling stools. Jaundice (yellowing) where the wing membrane attaches to the body (visible first ventrally then dorsally).  Jaundice may also be visible at the base of the ears. Rehydrate and provide supportive care. Administer DENOSYL. If the bat refuses to accept food, be persistent.  Encourage it to eat by gently placing blended food in the mouth.  Patiently wait for the bat to swallow each bite, then offer more. Continue feeding in this manner several times a day until appetite returns to normal.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
MBD
(Metabolic Bone Disease)

Can result from nutritional deficiency in pups, i.e., orphans that have been without food for a prolonged period.  Can also result in captivity, when pups are fed inappropriate milk replacement formulas.

Curvature of the long bones of the wing, swelling of the wrists and/or finger joints; muscular weakness. A pup will hold its wings out to the side, partially open, and cry when handled. In severe cases, tremors and seizures can occur, leading to death.

 

 Administer CALSORB orally once a day until symptoms subside. Also add 1 gram (1/4 tsp) Osteo-form SA to each each tbsp of dry milk replacement formula. For juveniles, add 1 gram (1/4 tsp) to 3ml of blended food. Administer METACAM for pain.

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
MASTITIS

Swelling and inflammation of the breast during nursing.

 		 Abnormal swelling of the breast, a pus-like, or bloody discharge; appetite loss; lethargy.

 

 Administer BAYTRIL injections and CLAVAMOX orally. Aged bats should receive the oral CLAVAMOX/BAYTRIL mixture. Give METACAM for pain. Hot compresses may also help alleviate pain. Remove nursing pups and hand feed them until the mother is stable.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
MISC. WOUNDS

Also see:
Bite Wounds
Wing Fractures
Yeast Infection

 Wounds; abrasions; and swelling at the elbow, or wrist or knee or ankle.

 

 

 Open wounds should be cleaned and treated with a topical application of triple antibiotic ointment or MANUKA HONEY twice daily until healed.  Administer CLAVAMOX orally. Administer METACAM for pain. Band-Aid Liquid Bandage™ can be used to cover large wounds resistant to healing.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
MEMBRANE TEARS
Often results from cat and bird attacks.

 

 Holes and tears to the wing membrane, sometimes extending through the trailing edge.


 		 Membrane tears heal without any intervention other than initial cleaning and topical application of a triple antibiotic ointment. Tears can take anywhere from weeks to month to heal completely. If present, exposed finger bones should be de-gloved and sealed with skin adhesive (see Amputation at the Radius in Wing Fractures, below). CEPHALEXIN or CLAVAMOX should be administered orally if such wounds are present.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
OIL CONTAMINATION

Bats can accidentally come into contact with oil in garages or factories or by acts of cruelty.

Also see:
Glue Traps

 Partially or totally covered in oil.

 

 

 Click here to view a PDF on the treatment of Adhesives and Contaminates

 

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
OSTEOMYELITIS
(Bone infection)

Results from bacterial infection.

Also see:
Bite Wounds         
Wing Fractures 

 Pain, tenderness, swelling and warmth in the infected area.

 

 

 Administer  BAYTRIL injections and oral CLAVAMOX if open wounds are present. Aged bats should receive the oral CLAVAMOX/BAYTRIL mixture only.  If no improvement within a week, change antibiotic treatment to injectable CLINDAMYCIN. Some infections due to cat bites require treatment with TETRACYCLINE.  Administer METACAM for pain.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
PARASITES

A bat that is grounded due to illness or injury is often more heavily parasitized than others. Heavy parasite loads are also often found on orphaned pups or old bats.

Ectoparasites:        Fleas, ticks, mites, bugs, and parasitic flies.

Endoparasites: Trematodes (flatworms), Nematodes (roundworms), and Cestodes (tapeworms).

Also see:
Blunt Force Trauma  Burns         
Dehydration Emaciation           
Glue Traps           
Head Torsion            Leg Fractures              Leg Paralysis       
Misc. Wounds           Pesticide Poisoning Rabies                 
Wing Fractures

 

 

 

 ECTOPARASITES:

Mites, ticks, fleas, bugs, and parasitic flies can cause debilitation. Large bird ticks take numerous blood meals  that may result in death to the bat. Mites have a spider- or crab-like appearance and may be red or white. Bat fleas resemble those on cats or dogs and are typically brown or tan.  Bugs, such as bed-bugs, are larger than most mites or fleas found on bats, although they are also brown in color.  Bat flies look like tiny yellow or white flies.

ENDOPARASITES:

Coccidia (Protozoa): Loss of appetite;
vomiting; dehydration; tremors; and ataxia 9innability to control muscular movements).

Roundworms (Nematodes):
Lethargy; loss of appetite; dull or thin coat; vomiting; slow growth rate in pups; pot belly; pale gums; torticollis (head torsion); head tilts; circling; ataxia (inability to control muscular movements); paralysis; visual defects. Roundworms can be found in the intestine, gallbladder, liver, lungs, body cavity, urinary bladder, and bloodstream. 

Tapeworms (Cestodes):
Fur loss or dull, thin coat; excessive appetite; diarrhea; and lethargy. Tapeworms are found in the intestine.

Flukes (Trematodes). Weakness; emaciation; anexoria; pale gums; and excessive thirst.  Signs of severe infestation also include heaving respiration; stiff torso; hunched back; wings crossed in front of the chest; stiffening of the fingers, so they don't fold.  Flukes (Trematodes) can be found in the intestine, gallbladder, liver, and lungs.

 ECTOPARASITES:

For severe infestations, dip a cotton swab into 70% Isopropyl alcohol and use it to dampen the fur of the head and neck first. This will force parasites away from the face and onto the torso. Shield the bat's face with a soft cloth during this process. Then dip a gauze pad into the alcohol and swab the wings. After most of the mites have been killed or removed, rinse each wing with gauze pads soaked in warm water. Keep the bat warm during this process and dry the fur if needed. Administer REVOLUTION topically to eliminate any remaining parasites.  (If the bat is debilitated, wait until it has stabilized before administering Revolution.) 

ENDOPARASITES:

Coccidia (Protozoa): Administer ALBON orally.

Roundworms (Nematodes): Administer PANACUR orally.

Tapeworms (Cestodes): Administer VALBAZEN orally.

Flukes (Trematodes): Administer Administer PANACUR and VALBAZEN orally. Bats that recover should also be treated with DENOSYL. 

NOTE: Bats with signs of severe fluke infestation should be humanely euthanized as the condition is exceptionally painful and they do not generally respond to treatment.

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
PESTICIDE POISONING

 

 Gasping; excessive salivation; abnormal vocalization; vomiting; diarrhea; tremors; convulsions. If veterinary assistance is not available, the bat should be humanely euthanized.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
PREGNANCY










 

 

 Pregnancy: Early stages - sudden increase in appetite. Abdomen feels hard when gently palpated, (rather than soft or mushy as it is when full of food). In later stages, the abdominal region is grossly distended and whitish milk can be seen beneath the skin in the mammary glands when the fur is parted.  Captive bats occasionally loose fur on the abdomen.



 		 Pregnancy: Allow a pregnant bat to eat as much as it wants. If hand fed, feed a minimum of twice daily and allow bat to consume as much as it wants at each feeding. For bats that self feed, supplemental calcium should be provided by sprinkling a milk replacement formula on mealworms. For hand fed bats, adding .05 ml of reconstituted milk formula to every 1ml of blended food. 

Do not make changes to the bats housing or add new roostmates. Heat should be provided on at least two side walls of the cage.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT

PUNCTURED LUNG

Caused by rib fractures or a foreign object entering the  chest and puncturing the lung.

Also see:
Blunt Force Trauma
Bite Wounds

Respiratory distress; crackling sound when palpating the chest area; bleeding from an external wound; bat appears "puffed up" from two to three times its normal size.

 


Click here to view a PDF on the treatment of Punctured Lung

 

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT

RABIES

Seen more frequently in summer through fall. Rabies can be passed in-utero to pups. Rabies should be assumed if a bat has either two primary or three secondary clinical signs.

NOTE: If anyone has been bitten, scratched, or had direct contact with the bat's saliva,  contact your local health department immediately.

 

 

 

 

 Primary signs:
Disoriented flight; spastic paralysis of one or both legs; ataxia (inability to coordinate muscular movements);  one or both legs clamped tightly against the abdomen (free-tailed bats in particular); seizures; attacks/chews on inanimate objects; infants with rabies will sometimes attack and bite/chew aggressively on other infants; chews food/formula when offered, but does not swallow; inability to swallow water (or aspirates upon swallowing); abrasions around the mouth/chin; abraded gums; blisters under the upper lip; dirt in the mouth; abnormal vocalization; hypersensitivity to sound and light; exhibits anger (body jerking) rather than fear; falls asleep while being examined/held in the hand; agonal respiration (high in the chest).

Secondary signs:
 Hanging in an exposed area (crevice dwelling-species); emaciated;  glassy/watery eyes; heavy parasite load; bites aggressively; petechial hemorrhage around the ears. 

NOTE: Healthy foliage-roosting bats sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior that should not be confused with rabies.

 Humanely euthanize with ISOFLURANE (check respiration or heart beat to ensure bat is dead) and submit it for rabies testing or dispose of it in accordance with your state regulations. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

Respiratory distress can be associated with a variety of causes, including a punctured lung and bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

Also see:
Punctured Lung
Systemic Infections

 Infections:

Stuffy or runny nose; matted eyes; wheezing or squeaking sounds during respiration; mouth breathing (bloat from swallowing air). Breathing visible externally in the upper chest region (normal respiration is visible in the pelvic area).

Rehydrate. Administer DEXAMETHASONE and BAYTRIL injections. If the bat is not mouth breathing, also administer CLAVAMOX orally. If the bat only has a runny nose, substitute CHILDRENS BENADRYL LIQUID for DEXAMETHASONE. Provide supportive care, including warm housing. Care must be taken while hand-feeding blended food to the bat.  The bat will need to eat very slowly to avoid aspirating food into the lungs. Bats with agonal respiration (gasping) should be humanely euthanized.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
RINGWORM
Fungal infection. 		Pale iridescent areas on the wings, ears, face or body, or bald circular patches within the fur. There may also be scaly or yellowish crusted lesions on the skin. Click here for a PDF file on the treatment Ringworm
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
SYSTEMIC INFECTIONS

Also see:
 Parasites
Rabies
 		 Glassy eyes; anorexia; unkempt fur; lethargy; diarrhea. Administer  BAYTRIL injections and  CLAVAMOX orally. Keep the bat rehydrated and provide supportive care. VITAL should be given to bats that are anorexic. NOTE: Aged bats or bats that appear shocky should receive the oral CLAVAMOX/BAYTRIL mixture only.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT

TAIL SHAFT INFECTION

Inflammation of the tail of unknown etiology.
 

 Inflammation in the shaft of the tail. The infection usually starts at the base of the tail and moves towards  the tip until the entire shaft is inflamed.  These infections are very painful. Administer BAYTRIL injections and CLAVAMOX  orally. Lance and clean puss-filled areas. Administer METACAM for pain. NOTE: Aged bats or overly stressed bats should receive the CLAVAMOX/BAYTRIL mixture orally.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
URINARY TRACT
DISORDERS

Also see:
Blunt Force Trauma
Systemic Infection
 		 Straining to urinate or a pink tinge to the urine may indicate cystitis,  a stone blockage or internal injury from blunt force trauma.

In pregnant females, foul smelling urine often indicates fetal death.


 		 Administer  BAYTRIL injections and oral CLAVAMOX.  Rehydrate. Administer METACAM for pain. Minor blockages can sometimes be cleared by massaging the end of the penis or vagina while applying gentle pressure on the bladder. If a serious blockage or fetal death is suspected contact your veterinarian. If not available contact Bat World Sanctuary.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
WEST NILE DISEASE

NOTE: Clinical signs of West Nile infection have not been thoroughly described in most mammalian species, including bats.

Also see:
Head Torsion		 Clinical signs for other mammals include weakness; stumbling; uncoordinated movements;  paralysis; stiff neck; tremors; twitching of the ears and face; head shaking; dazed expression; droopy eyelids; sleepiness; abnormal head posture and anorexia. Symptoms of mild disease may only last a few days; symptoms of severe disease may last several weeks. Neurological effects may be permanent. As yet no treatment exists for West Nile infection in bats. Provide supportive care and  hydrate as needed. Bats may need to be fed small amounts of  blended food several times daily. To date, bats that have recovered from suspected cases of West Nile infection did so within 3 weeks.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
WING DEPIGMENTATION

Captive:
Typically due to low humidity or lack of essential fatty acids in the diet.
 		 Depigmentation of the wing membrane. Sometimes accompanied by flaky skin and balding patches on the torso, around the neck and on the head.

Depigmentation in conjunction with inflamed finger joints may be indicative of skin mites.
 		 Humidifiers should be used to increase humidity if needed. Humidity should be maintained at 60-80%. Lasko model # 1155 is the current humidifier of choice.
If skin mites are present the bat should be treated topically with Revolution.
 
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
WING FRACTURES


 

 Closed fractures do not involve protrusion of a bone. Hematomas may be present and swelling may occur, particularly with closed fractures of the wrist. 

Open fractures involve protrusion of a bone through the skin. Open fractures to the elbow or humerus are difficult to stabilize and may require amputation.

Bats will occasionally chew on necrotic or dying tissue.		 Do not put casts on bats as further injury and infection will result. Many bats will self mutilate in attempts to remove the cast.

Click the links below to view treatments.

PDF file - Stabilizing radial fractures
Web page - Stabilizing the humerus
PDF file - Amputation of the radius
PDF file - Amputation of the humerus
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
WING INFECTION
A fungal and/or bacterial infection that primarily occurs in captivity.

Also see:
Wing - Necrotic

 		 Membrane between the fingers, close to the wrist, or the wing tips look slimy or gooey and/or discolored. May also be related to, or a possible early sign of  necrotic membrane condition below. Apply NOVALSAN suspension to the effected areas once daily. If the infection does not improve or becomes worse after two days of treatment, administer CLAVAMOX. Continue to apply Novalsan once weekly to bats prone to infection due to injuries that prevent opening of the wing. To prevent the condition, do daily checks of wing membranes, particularly on pups.  Keep wing membrane dry, free of food and debris.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
WING, GOOPY/NECROTIC

Membrane necrosis of unknown etiology, occurring primarily in the wild.		 Membrane between the fingers, close to the wrist, or the wing tips look slimy or gooey and/or discolored Membrane is sensitive and the bat is unable to fly. Membrane around the fingers gradually begin sloughing off. The skin becomes red and irritated, slowly dries, turns black, and then breaks or falls off. Exposed fingers then also dry and break off. Damaged skin does not grow back. Bats will occasionally chew on necrotic or dying tissue. Treatment in early stages limits damage. Bath the membrane in NOVALSAN  suspension and administer CLAVAMOX. Trim back desiccated/necrotic portions of the wing membranes. Provide supportive care. Damaged skin does not grow back.
AILMENT CLINICAL SIGNS TREATMENT
YEAST INFECTION

Changes in the normal gut flora due to a variety of causes, including long-term antibiotic treatment, can result in yeast overgrowth in the oral cavity, sinuses and gastrointestinal tract. 		 Voracious appetite suddenly diminishes, leading to anexoria and debilitation.  Bats also develop swollen thumbs and wing joints.  Wing tips may curl under and the tail membrane may flip up. Wings appear rigid when extended manually.  Diarrhea also develops. NOTE: Yeast infections can be deadly and should be treated before diarrhea develops.
 		 Yeast infections can be successfully treated with NYSTATIN oral suspension.

     
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