Be vewy vewy quiet

Slide 1:Be vewy vewy quiet�

We�we anesthetizing wabbits. Selina Balding & C. J. Weideman

Slide 2:Why use anesthesia in Rabbits?

Slide 3:That�s a very BAD BUNNY!!!

(No yogurt drops for him)

Slide 4:Why ELSE would you anesthetize a rabbit???

Common surgical procedures Neutering (�Gee doc, my rabbit made love to my slipper SIX TIMES last night!�) Spaying (�The kids have seen the miracle of life 5 times this year already!�) Dental work Trichobezoars (Hairballs) Tumor removal, wound treatment, etc�

Slide 5:Pre-operative considerations

Basic Husbandry Body weight, diet, caging/housing, companions To fast, or not to fast? Pre-Sx Bloodwork Serum chemistry profile +/- CBC depending on procedure Bare minimum (in our opinion): TS, PCV, Glucose Accurate weight (Duh!)

Slide 6:Possible Pre-medications & induction agents

Ketamine/Diazepam 0.2-0.5 mg/kg Diaz. IV then 10-15 mg/kg Ket. to effect. Acepromazine 0.75-1.0 mg/kg IM (No, the decimal points are NOT in the wrong place). Many other possibilities/combinations. Telazol not recommended At higher doses, can be nephrotoxic. Other possibilities: Propofol (10 mg/kg, slow bolus�3-5 minutes); Thiopental; XylazineOther possibilities: Propofol (10 mg/kg, slow bolus�3-5 minutes); Thiopental; Xylazine

Slide 7:Intubation

Unless rabbit is very large, intubation is blind Lidocaine splash is possible with visualization in large rabbits Most rabbits masked, not intubated Practice, practice, practice�

Slide 8:Inhalant Anesthetic Agents

Isoflurane Inhalant of choice Can induce with Iso alone Induction: 3-5% Maintenance: 1.5-1.75% Halothane Induction: 3-4% Maintenance: 0.5-2% Sevoflurane To effect More expensive

Slide 9:Surgical considerations

Bain system is preferred over re-breathing system Chest elevation Temperature�monitor frequently to avoid bunny-cicles Fluids If procedure > � hour. 5-10 ml/kg/hr crystalloid fluids, add 5% dextrose Monitor as in other species (Pulse, respiration, etc) May need to use stainless steel sutures to prevent post-op complications (Remember: Rabbits chew!)

Slide 10:Post Operative Care

Keep warm, but not too warm�we aren�t dealing with tropical species here! QUIET!!! May or may not need to isolate from other rabbits Feed Blenderize regular pelleted feed with water. Can also be done with veggies, greens, etc Last resort: Canned, strained pumpkin (without pie spice!) Pain management Have regular favorite feeds available. Liquid feeds are mostly for a �Just in case� scenario. Want to prevent gastric ulcers and GI stasis.Have regular favorite feeds available. Liquid feeds are mostly for a �Just in case� scenario. Want to prevent gastric ulcers and GI stasis.

Slide 13:Why should we care?

Decreasing pain can shorten recovery time Rabbits in pain may not eat, possibly leading to gastric ulcers and/or GI stasis Remember: ��above all DO NO HARM�� Imagine getting yourself castrated or hysterectomized with no pain killers�

Slide 14:Signs of Pain

Bunnies can�t say OWEEEEE! Reduced feed/water intake Lack of grooming Hunched position and refusal to move Put head in corner/hide Abnormal aggression towards handlers/companions Vocalization on handling Not consuming �cecals� Tooth grinding

Slide 15:Means of Alleviating Pain

Warm compress Soft resting area/bedding Medical management Many, many options. See next slide. Disclaimer: We do not condone the use of illicit substances for pain management in animals.

Slide 16:Pain killers

NSAIDS Acetaminophen�alone or in combination with codeine Aspirin Carprofen�for chronic joint pain Flunixin meglumine�use for no more than 3 days Ibuprofen�GI side effects common Opioids Buprenorphine, Butorphanol Morphine Many many others�.

Slide 17:So many drugs�How do I choose the right one?

Many analgesics can be used in rabbits Check a formulary for the dose and side effects Avoid those with GI side effects Plumb does have doses for rabbits Look around your clinic�use what you have�just check for the right dosage!Look around your clinic�use what you have�just check for the right dosage!

Slide 18:When all else fails�

Euthanasia

Slide 19:Means of euthanasia

Consider the owners feelings They may not want to see you �fishing� for veins Anesthetic overdose�can use gas anesthetics Carbon Dioxide Other means� See next slide

Slide 20:Wecommended ONLY for wild (wascally) wabbits!!!

Wabbit swayer!!!

Slide 21:Final disposition

Depending on cause of death and/or illness�necropsy? The owner may want to take the body They may want you to dispose of it� Normal rendering service. Others� See upcoming slides

Slide 22:If healthy, and gassed down with CO2�

The circle of life� Especially if you�re involved with wildlife rehab Not recommended for people�s pets.

Slide 23:And for the one Elmer got�

2-3 cottontail rabbits 3 potatoes--diced 1 handful baby carrots 1 handful corn 1 handful peas 1 � cups flour 1 � cups water Salt & Pepper to taste 2 tsp. Garlic powder 1 tsp. Paprika Peel meat from rabbit carcasses. (It�s a good idea to make sure you get all the shot out at this point.) Coat meat with flour/seasonings and place in crock pot. Add veggies to crock pot. Add water. Cook on low-medium heat for 6-8 hours. Add 1-2 tsp corn starch, as needed, after cooking�to thicken broth/gravy. Best served with Biscuits.

Slide 24:References

Hillyer EV, Quesenberry KE. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents, Clinical Medicine and Surgery. Saunders, Philadelphia. 1997. Carpenter JW, Mashima TY, Rupiper DJ. Exotic Animal Formulary, Second Edition. Saunders, Philadelphia. 2001 Cantwell, SL. Ferret, Rabbit, and Rodent Anesthesia. The Veterinary Clinics of North America, Exotic Animal Practice, Analgesia and Anesthesia. Saunders, Philadelphia. 2001. pp. 169-191. Kris Springsteen, LVT