The rabbit consultation and clinical techniques

Intravenous sufentanil-midazolam versus sevoflurane anaesthesia in medetomidine pre-medicated Himalayan rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy

“…). Ear necrosis, which also occurred in the present study, has been described in small rabbits after catheterization of the auricular artery (Harcourt‐Brown ). Catheter placement was found more difficult in Himalayan rabbits compared with the larger NZW rabbit.…”

Rabbit anaesthesia

“…Overcrowding has induced cardiomyopathy in laboratory rabbits (Weber and Van der Walt, 1975), and catecholamine release can cause heart failure and death. Corticosteroids will also suppress the immune system, predisposing the animal to infectious processes (Harcourt-Brown, 2002d). Stress-induced gastric acidity may lead to gastric ulceration.…”

“…Provision of familiar smells or objects, such as hay or a companion, will provide some security (Harcourt-Brown, 2002d). The sections below discuss some important factors to consider when anaesthetising rabbits.…”

“…In certain breeds with small ears and veins (for example, dwarf breeds), venepuncture is more difficult and may occasionally lead to vasculitis, vascular necrosis and sloughing of the skin or parts of the pinnae (Donnelly, 2004). The central auricular artery should not be catheterised, as complications similarly include damage to the auricular blood supply and subsequent sloughing of part of the pinna (Harcourt-Brown, 2002d).…”

Retroperitoneal Teratoma in a Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

“…Similarly farmed rabbits are slaughtered at 3 months of age and tumor are only seldom reported. Instead, neoplasia is more common with increasing age in rabbits [5] as it is in most mammals. Teratomas seem to be very rare in rabbit and constitute an incidental finding during necropsy or at slaughterhouse.…”