Essential Clinical Insights on Rabbit Care: Biology, Diseases, and Treatment
Table of Contents
Introduction
An introduction to the topic “Essential Clinical Insights on Rabbit Care” Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are the third most common mammalian pet in the UK, making them a vital part of exotic veterinary practice. Despite their popularity, many caregivers and even professionals overlook their complex biology and specialized clinical needs. This blog post delivers a full, verbatim excerpt on rabbit biology, handling, diagnostics, and disease management from the renowned BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets. With the focus keyword “rabbit clinical care,” this resource is indispensable for veterinarians, veterinary students, and pet owners seeking in-depth, evidence-based rabbit healthcare knowledge.
Excerpt (Verbatim)
Introduction
Over the centuries, the rabbit has been used for food, sport and clothing, as a scientific model, and as a hobby (the rabbit ‘fancy’). In the UK, the keeping of rabbits as pets developed in Victorian times, since when their popularity has grown enormously: rabbits are now the UK’s third most popular mammalian pet. Many are kept as house pets and true companion animals. They are relatively long-lived in captivity (up to 10 years) and this should be borne in mind when acquiring a young animal.
Biology
Rabbits are highly social, burrowing herbivores that are natural prey for a large number of carnivores. In the wild they live in warrens of 70 or more individuals, broken down into small groups of two to eight…
Haematology and Biochemistry
Urine specific gravity 1.003–1.036, average pH 8.2. Normal crystals: ammonium magnesium phosphate, calcium carbonate…
Catheterization and CSF Collection
Bladder catheterization is possible in bucks but extremely difficult in does. Sedation is usually required…
Common Conditions
- Aberrant conjunctival overgrowth
- Abscesses caused by Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, etc.
- Accumulation of caecotrophs due to low-fibre diets or obesity
- Allergic/irritant rhinitis and bronchitis
- Pasteurellosis with symptoms including nasal discharge, sneezing, and head tilt
- Myiasis (fly strike) in warm weather due to poor hygiene
- Myxomatosis: Poxvirus spread by biting insects
- Otitis externa/media/interna
- Mastitis, both bacterial and aseptic
- Pinworms (Passalurus ambiguus)
Anaesthesia and Monitoring
Endotracheal intubation techniques include visual and blind methods. Anaesthetic depth is best monitored via the ear pinch reflex.
Postoperative Care
Rabbits should be kept warm, stress minimized, fluids continued, and appetite monitored. GI motility drugs like metoclopramide may be required.
Analgesia
Postoperative pain relief is essential. Recommended: buprenorphine, butorphanol, carprofen.
Surgical Considerations
- Use monofilament absorbable sutures to avoid inflammatory reactions
- Subcuticular sutures or tissue glue recommended
- Rabbits are prone to intra-abdominal adhesions
- Verapamil may help reduce adhesions
Dentistry
Regular tooth grinding every 4–6 weeks may be needed for overgrowth. Radiography of tooth roots is advised before treatment.
Source Citation
Researcher: Anna Meredith, David A. Crossley
Thesis Title: BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets, 4th Edition
Supervisor: [Not applicable – edited manual]
University: British Small Animal Veterinary Association
Year of Completion: 2001
Exit Page Number: 87
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