rabbit anaesthesia protocol

Re: rabbit anaesthesia protocol

ginny — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:00:32 GMT

Rabbits tolerate gaseous induction very well providing they are adequately pre medicated and it is done slowly. We would start with oxygen then sneak nitrous in then isoflo. I know the books say not to use nitrous but we do and have never had a problem. Because stress is such a big factor you wouldn't attempt to mask an unpremedicated one. Very sick rabbits or ones who have had multiple GA's sometimes get midozalam as a pre med iv. Buprenorphine is used as analgesia post op - sometimes for abscesses or painful mouths.

The rabbits age, sex, condition and history should also be considered. If you have a big rabbit list (like H-B's do!) then a good ANA to help you out with feeding, monitoring on recovery etc is vital!!

Alfaxan can be used as an induction agent.

Re: rabbit anaesthesia protocol

Honeybadger — Sun, 20 May 2012 20:42:02 GMT

In my last practice we would do a mask induction with sevo which they tolerated really well, then intubate and switch to iso. We saw a lot of bunnies and had a good out come with this method. I do agree that the protocol you are used to is always to safest.

Re: rabbit anaesthesia protocol

Amy Homer. RVN. NCert A&CC — Sun, 20 May 2012 20:36:27 GMT

thanks for your comment.. we are doing all the above, we dont starve, we give metoclop, we always always put an iv in and give ivft at the above dose. we manage to intubate approx 70% of bunnies but we are improving with practice!!!lol . are you using buprenorphine as a premed? if so what do you combine it with? also if you dont use prop then what induction agent do you use ( am aware that gas induction is a big no no). we use triple but i dont particulary like it. just find we usually end up having to top up with iso, and they often take so long to wake up. what do you use??? many thanks xx

Re: rabbit anaesthesia protocol

Phrin Vernon RVN — Sun, 20 May 2012 20:19:09 GMT

The things I take extra care with with bunnies are making sure they are NOT starved from 8pm the night before (yep had this happen loads!) warmth (so important!), preoxygenation, analgesia, metaclop, getting them eating post op, and I always insist on an IV line - if we do it as standard (at my last practice anyway) for cats and dogs, then surely bunnies should have an IV line too as they are usually higher ga risk. Warmed IV fluids is good too - their rate is much higher - I think 100mls/kg/24hrs but not 100% sure - it says in the anaesthesia for vet nurses book, which is just brilliant!

I also reckon that the safest ga protocol is the one you are most familiar with. Never seen propofol induction in buns, but bup premed seems to help with analgesia.

Re: rabbit anaesthesia protocol

Mark Walsh — Sun, 20 May 2012 17:58:02 GMT

Also don't forget to keep them warm as hypothermia is a big risk with rabbit anaesthetics, having hot water bottles and bubble wrap from the start of the ga can prevent hypothermia from occuring in the first place. Also if the rabbit is having abdominal surgery ask the vet if you can do a minimal clip, enough for the vet to operate on whilst leaving enough fur behind. When prepping the opsite maybe use warm water scub solution and not to over do it with the surgical spirit.

Re: rabbit anaesthesia protocol

ginny — Sun, 20 May 2012 13:01:46 GMT

Personally I think the safest anaesthetic protocol for a rabbit is the one you are most familiar with. If you haven't experienced problems with your protocol then leave it as it is. Everyone will tell you their protocol and preferences but don't do something different without a lot of thought if your current method has good outcomes.

I sort of fell into the world of rabbit anaesthesia unintentionally.... In my experience the most important thing is to keep everything quiet, calm and stress free (sometimes putting an iv in can add to the stress of an already stressed rabbit!!). Pre oxygenate and give good analgesia - meloxicam, tramadol, buprenorphine - depends on procedure and vets choice. Keep them comfy and fed post op. Most importantly WATCH THEM - i don't use anything but eyes, fingers and stethoscope.

Avoid hypnorm in entire males!

Re: rabbit anaesthesia protocol

Mark Hedberg — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:36:40 GMT

Are you having any particular problems with the triple combo?