RE: rabbit IV's

jojofruits — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 09:51:31 GMT

We place an IV in the marginal ear vein on every rabbit that gets a GA. I use a bit of rolled up soffban in the back of the ear and tape around it so that the ear doesn't fold over, but instead curls nicely around the bandage if that makes sense?

never had a problem :)

RE: rabbit IV's

Vicky Ford-Fennah — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 10:17:52 GMT

The risks associated with anaesthetising rabbits is higher than cats and dogs and it is generally accepted that I/V catheters should be placed in these patient, so why not rabbits! I have always found cannula placement in rabbits fairly easy due the very superficial nature of the marginal ear vein (do not place it in the central vessel as that is an artery), I also always palate the vessel to check for pulse to double check. The clipping and application of EMLA with an occlusive dressing like opsite flexi-grid work really well, covered with vetwrap for at least 30mins before catheter placement can also really help (it seems to work very effectively). The use of a couple of swabs rolled up and placed on the inner surface during placement and tapping in can also really help stabilise the ear.

Fingers crossed, in 15 yrs of clinical practice I have never had a problem with a catheter site/ necrosis of a rabbits ear, so I would say the benefits massively outweigh any possible risk. I also have placed arteral lines in rabbit ears (higher associated risks) and not had an issue.

As with many things preparation is key.

Hope that helps

Vicky

Vicky Ford-Fennah

BSc(Hons) RVN VTS(anesthesia/analgesia) A1 VPAC

Nurse/ technician Representative Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists

RE: rabbit IV's

melanie lavender — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 15:54:21 GMT

I've always placed them in the lateral vein the one that runs down the out side of the ear.

the middle blood vessel is an artery and should never be used.