Supporting your rabbit owners

Managing the chronic patient

• Identify the key welfare issues surrounding chronic disease in rabbits
• Discuss the ways in which management of chronic disease can promote better welfare
• Ethics of long term use of chemotherapeutics such as antibiotics and analgesics

Rabbit friendly considerations

• Understand the concept of behavioural first aid
• Appreciate the most commonly presented behavioural issues and what questions to ask

Exotics friendly practice tips

• Appreciate the difference between training and behaviour: who and how to refer
• Understand the basic rational for use of behavioural mediciations
• Understand the relationship between medication and behaviour modification
• Understanding the importance of client comms - including the barriers to medication use

Rabbits and other small furry animals have evolved to hide their pain: a literal life saver for them but a challenge for the veterinary profession. We cover how to recognise pain in these patients, as well as analgesic approaches to chronic pain (covering drugs, acupuncture and more). Regions Now events comprise an introductory lecture with supporting content available one week before a live lecture. This is followed by a one-week online discussion forum allowing participants to offer observations about the lessons learned and describe their own experience in handling cases. Regions Now sessions are free to BSAVA members and available for non-members to book - visit the Regions page of the BSAVA website for details of future Regions Now events. Recordings will be available for 3 years via the BSAVA Webinar Library.

Respiratory problems are commonly encountered in pet rabbits but represent a challenge to the veterinarian dealing with this species. Specific anatomic knowledge is required to be able to confidently handle these cases. Rabbits are almost obligate nasal breathers due to the position of the epiglottis engaged over the soft palate. This anatomical feature can result in more significant and debilitating respiratory compromise, when the upper respiratory tract is diseased, compared to other species. Adequate investigations are required to determine the full extent of the problem and identify all factors involved. This talk will enable delegates to make a logical assessment of respiratory disease in rabbits, and establish a more targeted treatment plan to increase the chances of a positive outcome. This recording replaces the South West Region meeting originally scheduled for 1st June 2020. Please note that the lecture recording and accompanying notes are as provided and have not been edited. This lecture is available to BSAVA members, others may purchase access, either by selecting ‘buy online access’, by using a library pass, or by subscribing to the entire webinar library.

Client information leaflet

Client information leaflet

Client information leaflet

Along with the growth in numbers of what is now the third most popular companion animal species, there has been a corresponding increase in their bodily dimensions, BSAVA members attending this year’s Congress will hear.

Pet rabbits are living longer owing to improvements in the understanding of their dietary and health requirements. As a result, more geriatric diseases are being seen either as a result of the ageing process or due to the increased ‘wear and tear’ associated with a longer lifespan.. These diseases are reviewed, together with their impact and management.

Rabbits may require sedation or anaesthesia for a variety of reasons. Neutering of male and female rabbits is now commonplace in general practice, as is dental treatment. This chapter details specific considerations for rabbit anaesthesia, and also includes an overview of sedative, anaesthetic and analgesic drugs which may be used in this species. Quick Reference Guides/Techniques: Placing a marginal ear vein cannula; Placing an ET tube with the assistance of a rigid endoscope; Placing an ET tube under direct visualization; Intubating a rabbit’s trachea using the ‘blind’ technique; Performing nasotracheal intubation; Placing a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in a rabbit; Performing Doppler blood pressure measurement in a rabbit.