rabbits
report issues
Post-partum estrus Uterine cancer rate high Males spray and mount Neutering recommended
Antibiotics in Rabbits
Potential toxicities Use of selective gram-positive meds Bacterial dysbiosis in gut Diarrhea and inappetance Endotoxemia and XX
Cephalic catheter for IV therapy
*Alert rabbits will chew line!
Bad Choices Abx
Beta-lactams Cephalosporins Oral penicillins The Mycin Family: lincomycin, clindamycin, erythromycin ***Selective Gram-positive antibiotics result in Clostridium overgrowth!
Rabbits as Prey Species
Bottom of the food chain Fear factor: always there Strong reproductive drive Behavior issues common
Good Choices abx
Quinolones Sulfa Drugs Chloramphenicol Penicillin: inject only! Metronidazole Azithromycin
ear vein cath
Some IV injectables can cause ear sloughs (diazepam)
Enteric Pathogens
E. coli Clostridium spiroforme Toxin producers Combination drugs may be needed Gram-negative and anaerobic spectrum
companion rabbit
European rabbit One domesticated species Oryctolagus cuniculi (rabbit ending) North American cottontail Sylvagus sylvatticus
clinical techniques
Examination Venipuncture Parenteral meds Radiographs Oral medications ...Welch-Allyn Bivalve Nasal Speculum
housing at home
Indoors, please! Wire vs. solid bottom Litter-box trainable Water bowl or bottle Chew things Hide box
biologic characteristics
Lagomorphs (not rodents!) Rabbits have extra pair of incisors called "peg teeth" Nocturnal and social u Lifespan 6-10 years All teeth open-rooted Hindgut-fermenting herbivore
Venipuncture sites
Lateral saphenous Cephalic veins Jugular vein Ear vein
reproductive parameters
Male = Buck, testes descend 3 mos Female = Doe, induced ovulator Gestation 30-33 days 4-12 young, born blind Wean at 6 weeks Rabbits breed like rabbits!
Restraint and Handling
Minimalize handling Always support the lower back Lumbar fractures possible (L6)*** Prefer feet on the ground Cover eyes Treat on the floor
Rabbit Treatments
Mostly subcutaneous or oral IV fluids in shocky rabbits (gastric bloat) Orals or injectables at home Out-patient vs. in-patient
Analgesics Choices
NSAIDS: Carprofen, meloxicam Opioids: Buprenorphine, butorphanol, hydromorphone Tramadol
Analgesics Important!
Prey species heal poorly with pain Quiet and non-demonstrative Hiding, hunched, not moving Assume painful if not eating
jump rabbit
floor bunny
fear factor in the home
Over-handling Back injuries, broken legs Over-zealous kids Inability to pickup Hard to give meds
fear factor in the clinic
Stress responses: fight or flight Catecholamine release Injuries are possible Dog as predator Rabbits are unpredictable
urinary
Urinate infrequent, large amounts Color can change Calciuria: chalky white Porphyrins: rusty orange Blood is abnormal Hi pH, ammonia, crystals
pet rabbit
Very popular Solo or bonded pairs Husbandry problems common
Hospitalizing Rabbits
Only if necessary Quiet place away from predators Bottom cage Minimize handling Treat on floor if jumpy
GI
Open-rooted teeth: front and back Fiber chewing for dental health Large GIT designed for fiber diet Coprophagic (cecotropes) Cecotropes circadian rhythm with early morning/night production Provide B vitamins and amino acids produced by bacteria in cecum ...two poops: day and night