Asian small-clawed otter

Urinary stones

SignsCrying when urinating, bloody urine, frequent urination, no urine, abdominal pain

PreventionAvoid mineral imbalance from a freshwater-fish-heavy diet; provide an environment where it can always drink while swimming

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency

SignsWobbling, seizures, head tilt, reduced appetite

PreventionAvoid continuous feeding of raw freshwater fish. Mix in marine fish and cooked fish; discuss supplementation with your vet

Periodontal disease / tooth fracture

SignsBad breath, drooling, chewing on one side, facial swelling, avoiding hard food

PreventionReduce the habit of chewing hard shells and stones; annual dental checkup. Have tartar removed at the clinic

Dermatitis / hair loss

SignsFur stays wet and will not dry, hair loss, itching, red skin

PreventionKeep water clean. Provide a dry area where it can dry off after swimming and a place to towel its fur

Obesity / liver disease

SignsSagging belly, sluggish movement, jaundice, loss of appetite

PreventionLimit fatty fish and treats; weigh weekly. Ensure enough swimming exercise

Heatstroke

SignsOpen-mouth rapid breathing, lethargy, drooling, body hot to the touch

PreventionDo not let water get too warm. Always provide shade and a cool water area; increase water changes in summer

Drowning (when weakened)

PreventionFor sick or elderly animals, keep the water shallow and always fit a ramp to the water area

First aidLift out, lower the head to drain water, dry with a towel, and keep warm. If breathing is weak, see a vet immediately

Bite wounds from companions

PreventionProvide one hideout and feeding spot per animal. Introduce new animals through a fence first

First aidPress bleeding with clean gauze. Deep wounds, pus, or swelling: see a vet the same day. Separate the aggressor

Trapped claws or fingers

PreventionMake tank lids, drain grates, and wire mesh gaps too fine for fingers to enter

First aidDo not pull; remove the fixture instead. Press bleeding; if a claw is torn off or a finger is bent, see a vet

Intestinal blockage from swallowed objects

PreventionKeep stones, shells, sponges, and rubber away from the water area. Use large toys only

First aidVomiting, no stool, or a swollen abdomen: see a vet immediately. Do not force vomiting; withhold food and go to the clinic

Salmonellosis

RouteFeces, water from the pool, handling raw fish

PreventionAlways wash hands after care. Wear gloves when cleaning the water area; use a separate cutting board for raw fish

Leptospirosis

RouteWater contaminated with urine; entry through wounds

PreventionDo not put hands with cuts into the pool water. Wear gloves and boots when changing water

Parasites (roundworms, etc.)

RouteFeces, soiled bedding or water

PreventionRemove feces daily; regular fecal exams. Fully wash the water area once a week

Bacterial infection from bites

RouteBite and scratch wounds

PreventionThe bite is strong and wounds are deep. Wash under running water; swelling or fever: see a doctor

Food

• Mainly fish (horse mackerel, smelt, etc.), 3–4 times a day, 15–20% of body weight
• Mix in small amounts of chicken, shrimp, shellfish, and boiled egg to avoid nutritional imbalance
• Add vitamin supplements as advised by your vet. Feed frozen fish right after thawing

Water

• Drinking water in a clean ceramic bowl at all times, separate from the pool
• Change or filter the pool water daily. Do not let it drink dirty water

Toys & play

• Floating balls and float toys (too big to chew apart)
• Ice blocks with fish inside and foraging toys
• Rolling pebbles (only stones too big to swallow)

Nest, bed & hideout

• A dry, dark nest box away from the water. Line with towels and replace them
• At least two sleeping spots large enough for several animals

Bedding & litter

• Non-slip flooring in the dry area (artificial turf, rubber mats)
• The toilet spot settles in a corner near the water. Use sand or pet sheets
• Remove feces and urine daily. Odor is strong, so fully wash once a week

Cage / housing material

Stainless steel or FRP tank with wire mesh. Wood rots and gets chewed through

Size & space

At least 10 sq m of land plus a water area at least 50 cm deep (for 2 animals). An outdoor enclosure is realistic

Layout

• Connect the water area (one third of the area) and the dry area with a ramp
• Place the nest box, toilet, and feeding spot away from the water
• Protect the filter and drain with grates that fingers cannot enter

Placement notes

• A waterproofed place where water can be changed and drained. Soundproofing and odor control
• Cover the top with wire mesh against escape; inspect the perimeter daily

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Needs several hours of swimming and land exploration daily. Hard to replace with indoor walks
• Outdoor walks are not recommended: high risk of escape and bite incidents
• Play in the water. Spend at least 30 minutes a day playing together

Temperature & humidity

TemperatureAir temperature 18–28°C. Water around 20°C; 30°C or above is dangerous

Humidity50–70%. Do not let the dry area get damp

Summer & winter

• Summer: watch for rising water temperature and water quality decline. Increase water changes and create shade
• Winter: prevent the pool from freezing and keep the dry area warm. Never let it get cold while wet

Nail trimming

Wear down naturally on land; if overgrown, two people trim the tips only. The bite is strong, so have the clinic do it if difficult

Brushing, skin & coat care

The waterproof coat is vital. Towel dry after swimming and check for red skin and hair loss

Other care

Daily water changes and weekly washing of the tank and filter. Tartar is removed at the clinic. Wipe eye discharge and dirty ears with gauze

Protection from predators

• No contact with dogs or cats. Serious bite wounds on both sides
• Outdoors, crows and birds of prey target young. Cover the top with wire mesh too
• Mosquitoes: ask your vet about heartworm prevention. Install insect screens

Foreign-body ingestion

Swallows stones, shells, sponges, and rubber. Vomiting, no stool, or a swollen abdomen: see a vet immediately. Do not force vomiting; keep small objects away from the water area

Being stepped on

Clings to your feet, and people slip on wet floors. Watch your feet when walking and lay non-slip mats around the water

Getting pinched

Fingers and tail get caught in tank lids, drains, and doors. Fix lids in place and secure doors while it roams free. If caught, see a vet right away

Falls

Falls from the pool edge or shelves. Keep height differences within 50 cm and always install a ramp. If it drags a leg after a fall, see a vet the same day

Escape

Strong enough to push up wire mesh. Cover the top with mesh and use a padlock. If it escapes, search around waterways first and notify the municipal office, police, and Ministry of the Environment

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving and lower your arm so the animal lands on the floor
2. Drape a towel over its head to block its view
3. Splash a little water on its mouth or blow hard on its nose
4. The moment its jaw loosens, slide your hand forward and out, and let the animal go to the water

After the release

Wash under running water for 5 minutes and disinfect. Deep wounds often need stitches; go to a doctor. Isolate the animal and review the cause

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Line up a clinic that treats otters in advance. Bring the registration certificate, body weight, diet details and amounts, and photos of urine or stool

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Call its name and touch its body to check for a response. Also check eye movement
• Check breathing by the rise and fall of the chest. Normal is 20–30 breaths per minute
• Place a hand on the left side of the chest to check the heartbeat. Normal is 100–150 beats per minute

Stopping bleeding

• Press with clean gauze for 5 minutes without letting go
• Keep it out of the water while stopping bleeding. Wet wounds do not clot well
• If oozing does not stop in 10 minutes, see a vet while maintaining pressure

Transport

• Dry the body, wrap in a towel, and place in a dark carrier. Keep warm in winter
• Do not add water; keep the car quiet and steady. Aim for a trip of 30 minutes or less