Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Critical care of the rabbit.
- Journal:
- The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice
- Year:
- 2007
- Authors:
- Paul-Murphy, Joanne
- Affiliation:
- Department of Surgical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- rabbit
Plain-English summary
When it comes to caring for rabbits in emergencies, they need special attention because they can get stressed easily. It's important to quickly assess their condition and stabilize them before doing any detailed tests. Common issues that might send a rabbit to the vet include not eating for a long time, trouble breathing, tumors, nervous system problems, exposure to poisons, injuries, and urinary problems. The focus in these situations is on immediate care and giving fluids to help them recover.
Abstract
Emergency and critical care principles are similar for all mammals. However, because they are stressed easily, rabbits require specialized handling techniques. Rabbits must be evaluated efficiently and stabilized quickly before moving into the definitive diagnostic phase of their care. A thorough clinical history, systematic physical examination, and multiple diagnostic tests are ideal, but when a rabbit is in critical condition, emergency stabilization and fluid resuscitation must take priority. Common emergency presentations include gastrointestinal disorders, such as prolonged anorexia, respiratory distress, neoplasia, neurologic symptoms, exposure to toxins, trauma, and urinary tract infections or obstruction.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17577559/