Rabbit Maturity, Breeding and Routine Medical Care Flashcards
What’s the term for being born naked, blind, and helpless?
Atrical
When ovulation occurs only as a result of mating
Induced Ovulation
Rabbits can breed again less than __ hours after having a litter
24 hours
Giving birth to rabbit kits is called
Kindling
What is the father’s role with the kits?
Bad Dads - Bucks should be removed as aggressive tendencies toward kits is common
This pouch of fat beneath the jaw develops during sexual maturity in some female rabbits(usually larger breeds)
Dewlap
With proper technique rabbits can be sexed at as young as __ weeks of age
6 weeks
How often are exams recommended for healthy young bunnies?
Once a year - Annually
How often are exams recommended for senior bunnies(>5)?
Every 6 months - Twice a year
When can males be neutered?
As soon as the testicles descend - Around 10 weeks
When can females be spayed?
Around 6 months - Dependent on size.
What common deadly condition is of major concern in intact does?
Uterine adenocarcinoma
Benefits of spay/neuter?
- Reduces aggressive behaviour
- Prevents false or real pregnancy
- Prevention of testicular cancers
- Prevention of uterine adenocarcinoma
- Reduces urine marking A.K.A spraying behaviours
- Prevention of pyometra and endometritis
- Decreases urine smell and encourages better litterbox habits
- Bunny bonding becomes easier to facilitate
How long should rabbits be fasted for prior to surgery?
They shouldn’t!!!! No fasting rabbits allowed!!
How can we decrease stress in the clinic environment?
- Rabbit surgery intakes the night prior to surgery
- Bringing rabbits in with their entire cage
- Bring comfort items with familiar smells
- Clean scrubs when handling rabbits
- Sending rabbits home ASAP after surgery
- Quiet voices and slow movements
- Handling slowly and carefully
etc.
When making up meds and providing directions to clients, what’s essential to remember about dosages in rabbits?
You’ll see higher and/or more frequent doses of pain medications in rabbits
What element are we most concerned about in post-op rabbits?
Gut motility
The vet should be contacted if a post op rabbit has gone 12 hours without this. Becomes a medical emergency at 24 hours
Eating!
E-collars for rabbits?
Can interfere with essential cecotrophy
