Orphan Cottontails Flashcards
Scientific name
Sylvilagus floridanus
Scientific order
Lagomorpha
Cottontail, rabbit, and hare scientific family
Leporidae
Meaning of crepuscular
term for being active at twilight
Diet
herbivorous
Describe cottontail coprophagy habit and benefits
On first “pass”, these soft, green pellets pass through the digestive system only partially digested. These pellets, rich in protein and B vitamins, are re-ingested directly from the anus. After reingestion, the pellets are a drier brownish in nature. This practice allows the animals to spend relatively little time exposed to predators while in the field actually feeding. They consume green vegetation rapidly and then make optimum use of it in the safety of their cover.
When is the mating season
Feb through September
Average litter size
1 to 15
Describe nesting
shallow depression made from doe hair, grasses and leaves
Method of nursing
2 to 3 times a day at dusk and dawn, the doe crouches over the nest. She does not reside in the nest, but stays in the vicinity.
Describe neonates
Altricial; pink skin, closed eyes, flat ears, only able to crawl. 3-4” long. 35-45 grams
When do cottontails get fur?
end of first week
When do eyes open?
4 to 7 days
When do they begin exploring outside of nest
Within days of the eyes opening
When do cottontails leave the nest permanently?
10-20 days
Average weaning time
3 to 5 weeks
Why should handling be kept to a minium?
Cottontails stress easily. They are incredibly sensitive to light, scent, sound, and touch
Describe the natural feature that cottontails possess as a prey species
A spinal colum that is easily broken, facilitating a quick death
How does stress affect the digestive tracts of cottontails?
It precipitates an imbalance of delicate intestinal bacteria resulting in an overload of pathogenic bacteria causing “stress-induced enteritis”. Rapidly fatal if unchecked.
Properly admitting; Describe steps
- Get history
- Briefly check for shock, injuries, state of hydration, or immediate emergency needs. (optional heat only if needed)
- Stimluate to urinate
- Allow to rest for a few hours before weighing, feeding, and thoroughly examining
- Use masking tape on ears to tag/number
Normal healthy body temperature
101-103°
How should supplemental heat be given?
Always optional; place it only under part of the habitat used. Unless sick or injured, they will naturally move away from it.
Supplemental heat should be provided at temp?
85-90°
Special needs for infant elimination
While they defecate on their own, they need to stimulated to urninate.
How often to stimulate urination in infant cottontails?
Once each feeding until a few days after their eyes open and they begin urinating on their own
What kind of urine indicates cottontails have been eating solids?
Urine becomes creamy and opaque
Describe how to stimulate the infant to urinate
Hold the bunny on its side diagonally across one palm. Using a Q-tip, tissue or cloth, apply light rapid flicking motion to the genital area. Normal full bladders will empty in 15-25 seconds.
What is the most common cause of diarrhea in nursing orphans?
Overfeeding and not introducing a formula via a rehydrating solution
What do cottontails get fed first in attempting to rehydrate them?
100% warmed electrolyte solution (Entrolyte, lactated ringers, Pedialyte)
How many CCs of electrolyte solution should eyes-closed bunnies get?
1.5-2cc
How many CCs of electrolyte solution should open-eyed bunnies get?
2-3cc
When should you add milk replacers?
After initial rehydration, incorporate milk replacers into the electrolyte solution and increase by quarters or thirds
When/how should solution be replaced with water?
After formula has reached full strength, replace gradually with water
When should you weigh and record?
Daily
With a weanling, at what point should weight loss be taken seriously?
Anything more than 2 grams
Name an effective diarrhea preventative med and dose
Bactrim (Roche) given PO BID for 5 days, 0.02mls per 50grams body weight
What to do in case of severe dehydration (tenting skin)
Warmed isotonic fluids (lactated ringers) SQ in addition to oral fluid replacement (consult vet)
Formula recipe
1 part KMR 2 partts water 1.5 parts multi-milk powder ------ 1 part Esbilac 1.5 parts water 1 part multi-milk
How many feedings a day?
Depends on size and condition. Average:
Neonates: 4xday
Furred, eyes-closed: 3xday
Eyes-open: 2xday, gradually weaned to 1
Emaciated, unfurred, eyes-closed: 5xday until weight gains are noted
Abdomen should never appear round and taut
Special feeding instructions; syringes
Use marked syringes.
Warm in mug of hot water.
How long does unused formula keep?
Discard after 24 hours
When to start introducing solids
Gradual weaning. Begin intro-ing solids in a shallow lid of water
Best types solid foods
fresh wild greens (grasses, clover, plantain, dandelions) alfalfa rolled oats pieces of apple salt lick commerical rabbit food treats: carrots or corn
What to do if diarrhea occurs when intro-ing solid foods
Stop milk replacers and food. Feed “rice milk” and add probiotics
What should be added to diet along with solid foods?
probiotics (Probios)
How should cottontails be handled when feeding?
Do not hold in bare hands (stress). Wrap in a baby blanket.
Should be held with the palm covering back and shoulders with index finger over top of head to restrain from forward movement. Support against strong kicks, as they can fracture their spine.
Describe ideal housing
Eyes-closed: Small ventilated boxes with tight fitting lids.
Newly eyes-open: closed box not to exceed 3”
Others: cages or carriers with mesh less than 1”x1/2”
Always drape over the top with white or light colored sheets
When to separate to avoid stress
When nest is abandoned and increased mobility can be heard. Move to solo cages or two to a cage
Ideal release weight
100-200 grams
How to initially treat cat-caught bunnies
Carefully inspect and palpate for two days to locate any lacerations or punctures.
Flush any wounds with a dilute Betadine solution.
Can use prep-H to help numb
What should be assumed with all cat-caught bunnies?
The bite wounds are infected with pasteurella
How to treat bunny for pasteurella infection
Injectable Baytril should be used using the dosage for small mammals
What rabbit injuries make them a poor candidate for release?
Extensive degloving, wounds that require drainage tubes, malocclusion, permanent damage to eyes, fractured femurs, or compound or spinal fractures
