Includes: fish hooks, thorns and splinters
Cause/Info
- Fish hooks are most associated with bats that feed close to the water, which are thought to confuse the hooks with insect prey when feeding over the water.
Treatment Options
- Disentanglement may require general anaesthetic.
- Remove thorns or splinters.
- Cleaning with antiseptic.
- Antibiotics may be required.
Considerations
- Depth of hook injury, depending on whether the hook is taken in the mouth or caught in wing or tail membrane.
- Circulatory impairment.
- Increased risk of bat being a Daubenton’s bat if found near water. Advise vets/handlers of higher rabies risk (see H&S>EBLV).