Basics Flashcards
Common rabbit emergencies
Low BT (< 99), moribund
- Typically acutely sick r/o liver torsion, GIT obstruction (both surgical ER)
Anorexia but QAR/BAR/ normal T
- Could be anything dental disease, uterine disease (intact), cardiac, liver, renal disease, orthopedic pain …
GI stasis
- Sick rabbit don’t eat and the GIT stops moving
- Poor diet lead to stasis
- treat with supportive care
Respiratory difficulties
- Upper vs lower
- O2, midazolam, CXR mask iso
Reproductive disorders
- Enlarged uterus in intact older female r/o thoracic mets
- enlagred mammary glands
- Pyometra; rare
Orthopedic
- Fracture, common. (bandage, cage rest, analgesic)
- Spondylosis, common in older rabbit, NSAID
Medications that should never be use in rabbit
Steroid can kill
- Cause fatal immunosuppression nd should only be used for cancer treatment
Antibiotic can be fatal, dysbiosis (overgrowth of clostridium spiroforme) - PLACE
- Oral beta lactam antibiotic can lead to fatal dysbiosis
- Convenia is not long lasting and can lead to dysbiosis
- Clindamycin, lincomycin can lead to fatal dysbiosis
Fipronil can cause seizure and can be fatal
Diet
Strict herbivore
Monogastic
Hindgut fermenter
High fiber diet - 20-25% fiber
Hay, greens, pellets
Restraint technique rabbit
Can be very nervous
Support back legs
Spinal injuries are common
Towel wrap
Venipuncture in rabbit
Blood volume is 6-8% of body weight in KG
Remove 6-10% of blood volume
Jugular vein: Large volume, dewlap, jugular furrow, typically superficial. Hold on table edge, forefeet pulled down, head held upwards. Stressful site (respiratory arrest, monitoring) 25G, 1-3 CC
Cephalic vein: 25G, 1cc insulin syringe small volume, IVC, sternal recumbency, wet the fur , hold on near elbow
Lateral saphenous vein: Place rabbit laterally, pluck the fur (do nt shave), grasp the scruff, cover eyes. Hold off proximal thigh, 25G 1 CC. Hematoma possible
Marginal ear vein
- Pinna necrosis
IVC placement vs IO catheter in Rabbits
Cephalic vein
Lateral saphenous vein
Jugular vein
22, 24 or 26 G
Anesthesia, stressful, minimal amount of tape
if venous is not possible IO catheter using spinal needle in tibia or femur
Fluid administration in rabbits
Maintenance rate 50-70 mL/kg/day but 100 mL/kg/day is possible
Balanced salt solution
added dextrose
SC (over the dorsum and along the side), IV, IO
Drug therapy in Rabbits
Difficult to pill
Hide pill in jelly or jam
Oral suspension
Proper restraint for treatment
Carful with antibiotics