10- Treating the rabbit

Question 1

What is gut stasis in rabbits

Answer 1

slowing of the passage of food through the GI tract
Reduced faecal output, reduced gut sounds, gas-filled intestines

Question 2

List 3 things that can cause gut stasis in rabbits

Answer 2

pain
stress
incorrect diet
lack of caecotrophy
gastrointestinal bacterial infection, viral parasites

Question 3

Describe how you would treat gut stasis in rabbits

Answer 3

analgesia
syringe feeds
prokinetics- metoclopramide, Ranitidine, cisapride

Question 4

when is it important not to use a prokinetic

Answer 4

if you think there is an obstruction

Question 5

which vaccinations do rabbits need

Answer 5

myxomatosis
rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD)- strains 1 and 2

Question 6

List 3 clinical signs of myxomatosis

Answer 6

swelling, redness and/ or ulcers
nasal and eye discharge
blindness
resp signs e.g. dyspnoea
lethargy and anorexia

Question 7

List 3 clinical signs of rabbit haemorrhage disease

Answer 7

sudden death
anorexia
lethargy
neuro signs
internal bleeding
jaundice

Question 8

At what age can a rabbit be vaccinated at

Answer 8

7 weeks old

Question 9

At what age can rabbits typically be neutered

Answer 9

males- from 12 weeks
females- from 16 weeks