Wildlife Vet Answers Twitter Questions About Animals: A Q&A with Romain Pets
Summary
Romain Pets, a wildlife vet, answers various questions related to animals on Twitter. In this Q&A, he discusses topics such as the vegetarian diet of hippopotamuses, the method of diagnosing sick animals, the regrowing teeth of crocodiles, and snake surgery. He also shares his personal experience and valuable insights into animal care and handling.
Table of Contents
- The vegetarian diet of Hippopotamuses
- The method of diagnosing sick animals
- The mystery of different pupil shapes between domestic and big cats
- The evolution of anesthetizing big cats
- The placebo effect on animals
- How to sex a snake
- Giraffe anatomy and behaviour
- Elephant communication
- Snake surgery
- Conclusion
Introduction
Wildlife animals are a fascinating subject, and understanding their behaviour and anatomy is crucial for taking care of them in captivity. Romain Pets, a wildlife vet, has extensive experience with a variety of animals, from the big cats to snakes, giraffes to elephants. In this Q&A, he shares his knowledge about animal behaviour and anatomy and discusses some of the most fascinating and challenging aspects of his profession.
Q&A
The vegetarian diet of Hippopotamuses
Question: Can hippopotamuses eat humans?
Answer: Hippopotamuses are strictly vegetarian and do not eat humans. However, they can still be fatal if they attack. That is why it’s essential to respect their habitats and keep a safe distance while observing them.
The method of diagnosing sick animals
Question: How do you diagnose animals that can’t tell you what’s wrong?
Answer: Vets diagnose animals by observing their symptoms and using tools such as thermal cameras. However, diagnosing animals can be challenging, especially when they cannot communicate their pain or discomfort. That’s why it’s crucial for vets to have extensive knowledge of animal behaviour and physiology to identify underlying issues.
The mystery of different pupil shapes between domestic and big cats
Question: Why do domestic cats have round pupils while big cats have vertical pupils?
Answer: The exact reason for the difference in pupil shape between domestic and big cats is still unknown. However, it’s believed that vertical pupils help big cats see better in low light conditions, while round pupils are better suited for bright light environments.
The evolution of anesthetizing big cats
Question: How do you anesthetize big cats?
Answer: Anesthetizing big cats has evolved since the 1800s, and now darts and masks or tubes are used. However, anesthetizing these animals can be a challenging process that requires extensive knowledge and experience. It’s essential to monitor their vital signs carefully and avoid complications during and after the procedure.
The placebo effect on animals
Question: Does the placebo effect work on animals?
Answer: The placebo effect may work on animals due to the involvement of humans. If an animal trusts and feels safe around a human, they may respond positively to a placebo treatment. However, it’s essential to use scientifically-validated treatments to ensure that animals receive the care they need.
How to sex a snake
Question: How do you determine a snake’s gender?
Answer: Sexing probes are used to determine a snake’s gender by placing them near the vent. However, this process should only be performed by experienced vet professionals since it can be dangerous for the snake if not done correctly.
Giraffe anatomy and behaviour
Question: How many neck bones does a giraffe have?
Answer: Giraffes have the same number of neck bones as humans, but their bones are much longer. Their necks can be up to six feet long and contain seven cervical vertebrae, the same as most other mammals, but much elongated.
Question: Why do giraffes have “antennae”?
Answer: Giraffes’ “antennae” are not antennae at all. They are known as ossicones, which are bony protrusions on the top of their heads that are used in combat by neck-banging.
Elephant communication
Question: How do elephants communicate with each other?
Answer: Communication methods vary among elephant species and involve nonverbal languages and low-frequency sounds. These low-frequency sounds cannot be heard by humans but can travel long distances and help elephants communicate with each other.
Snake surgery
Question: What is unique about snake surgery?
Answer: Snake surgery is interesting due to their unique body shape. Snakes have no limbs, and their internal organs are arranged differently from other animals. Vets need to have extensive knowledge of snake anatomy to perform surgery safely.
Conclusion
Romain Pets, a wildlife vet, shared valuable insights into animal anatomy and behaviour. He discussed various topics related to wildlife and animal care, providing answers to questions related to hippopotamus diet, diagnosis of sick animals, anesthetizing big cats, snake surgery, giraffe anatomy and behaviour, and elephant communication. Understanding these topics is essential for taking care of animals properly and ensuring their well-being.
