Dealing with wild deer casualties

The veterinary surgeon in practice may be asked to attend, examine and treat wild deer that are injured or diseased. For all species, the most common reason for such a request is as a result of a road traffic accident (RTA), but the smaller species may be trapped in drains, fences or gates or mauled by dogs. Larger deer may be entangled by their antlers. Neonates may be mistakenly ‘rescued’ by well-meaning members of the public and presented to the veterinarian. Species of wild deer in the UK differ widely in size, behaviour and suitability for rehabilitation. This article provides guidance and advice about the approach to wild deer casualties, including species differentiation, first-line triage and options for possible treatment. A brief overview of medicines suitable for deer is provided, together with recommendations for housing and nursing wild deer during recovery, although rapid release is recommended because survival rates of rehabilitated or translocated deer are likely to be poor.