Vet Times

Tag: rabbit

  • Nasotracheal intubation in rabbits

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    Nasotracheal intubation can be used as an easy, less traumatic method of rabbit intubation when compared with orotracheal intubation. Nasotracheal intubation takes advantage of the fact the rabbit is an obligate nasal breather. Rabbits normally have their epiglottis entrapped on the dorsal surface of the soft palate, thus allowing direct passage of air from the…

  • Metabolic bone disease in rabbits

    Metabolic bone disease in rabbits

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    Metabolic bone disease is a common condition seen in almost all house rabbits with dental disease. The disease is similar to osteoporosis in humans, where there is lack of calcium in the bones. The actual disease is complex and many factors are involved. The three most important elements involved in metabolic bone disease are calcium, vitamin…

  • Blood testing for E cuniculi in rabbits

    Blood testing for E cuniculi in rabbits

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    Antibodies to E cuniculi in rabbits can be detected on a blood test. Hence, a rabbit that has been infected by E cuniculi will produce antibodies that will produce a positive test. However, some rabbits appear to clear the infection completely and over time their blood test will become negative again. Have or have not Until…

  • Anorexia in rabbits

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    Anorexia in rabbits is a medical emergency and should be treated aggressively. Subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intraosseous warm isotonic fluids given several times daily will improve hydration and help stabilise the rabbit. Fluids can be given using a 20 or 22 gauge needle into the medullary cavity of the femur. Syringe feeding nutritious high fibre slurry will increase…

  • How to effectively blood sample bunnies

    How to effectively blood sample bunnies

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    A venipuncture site should be chosen where the skin is clean and has no obvious inflammation or infection. The marginal ear vein or the lateral saphenous vein are usually good choices. The fur should be clipped and the skin cleaned. EMLA cream can be applied over the site 45-60 minutes prior to venipuncture and covered…

  • Selfish morality

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    Willow, my faithful (if neurotic) lurcher, is usually good company on our walks. We have some great conversations – I talk, she listens. We have covered many topics over many miles: who was the best Star Trek captain (Kirk, obviously), why we have seasons, why were the 1980s the best decade for music – but…

  • Total CPD immersion – from breakfast to lights out

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    For a long time before graduation, I held a special interest in “exotics” – a term I take to include birds, amphibians, invertebrates, wild animals and rabbits, even though the latter should be included in the “small animal” speciality. I even registered and studied for the CertZooMed before coming up hard against the requirement to gain…

  • The lost art of tortoise husbandry

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    In the role of client, I found myself praised and then shamed in equal measure when taking my tortoise for a check-up this week. Being a paranoid RVN pet owner, I was getting a bit worried because Bridget seemed considerably smaller than a friend’s female tortoise of the same type. After being quizzed on her housing, feeding,…

  • Anaesthetising rabbits

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    It is generally accepted rabbit anaesthesia can be challenging, but we do a lot of rabbit neutering as part of our work for an animal charity and use a protocol that has proved very safe and effective. We also use yellow gauge catheters placed into an ear vein for IV administration. Vetergesic (buprenorphine) 0.07ml/kg Hypnovel (midazolam) 0.2ml/kg Combine…

  • eCPD is harder than you might think

    eCPD is harder than you might think

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    I am just coming to the end of a six-week course run online by the Royal Veterinary College on anaesthesia and analgesia. I needed a brush-up and it’s pretty much fundamental to every practising vet’s skill set. Integral to the course are the discussion forums where participants discuss cases both from “real life” and the…