General
Subcutaneous injections are commonly used when giving certain medications or fluids in many exotic species. Here is a video on how to do this in a rabbit. Make sure the rabbit feels safe and secure prior to attempting, if the rabbit is fractious this should be done on the floor. A fresh needle and syringe should be used for each injection.
Taking bloods from the cranial vena cava in ferrets is one of many sites that could be considered. It is however a site that should only be attempted when the patient is anaesthetised. Keeping the patient straight will aid in the sampling.
Intravenous catheters should be placed in all patients undergoing general anaesthesia. This video will take you through how to place an intravenous cannula into the cephalic vein. On this species this vessel is a lot more lateral than in other species.
Rabbits can be tricky to medicate and should only have material put in to their mouths under the direct supervision of a vet. This video will take you through how to give oral medications at home. You could utilise the bunny burrito technique to help secure them when giving the medications.
Intravenous catheterisation should be considered in all rabbits undergoing a sedation or general anaesthesia, or those being hospitalised for any condition. In this video we will be utilising the marginal auricular vein. Clipping the ear and applying EMLA will make your patient more comfortable and make placing the cannula easier. make sure your patient is on a flat surface and appropriately restrained. You could utilise the bunny burrito technique demonstrated in our other video.
Inhalers are used for many illnesses, the dose and type of medication will depend on the size of the rabbit and the condition being treated and should only be prescribed by a suitably qualified veterinary surgeon. Having the rabbit on a flat surface will make your life easier, and if the rabbit is really not tolerating being held, the bunny burrito technique should be considered.
Fly strike is an often fatal condition seen in many species. In this video we will be demonstrating how to apply rear guard safely in rabbits. To make this easier I recommend having two people present. One to hold the rabbit, the other to apply the medication. This product should only be supplied by a vet. Please consult a vet before using.
Rabbits can be tricky patients. Sometimes wrapping them up in a Bunny Burrito will help safely control them and stop themselves getting hurt. this video will take you through how to do exactly this. I would recommend doing this on the floor on a flat surface.
Rabbits nails need trimming on a regular basis. Especially in those kept indoors. Here is a quick guide on how to do exactly that. Having two people, on to hold the patient, and the other to clip the nails will make this easier.
Subcutaneous injections in rodents are used for various reasons most commonly for insulin injections in diabetic patients. This video will take you through how to perform these injections.
A video showing how to use insulin syringes including drawing up medications.
This video will take you through how to clip your ferret/ skunks nails. If you look closely you will see a link structure within the nail, it is called the quick. This will hurt and bleed if you cut it. You want to cut the nail a few millimetres away from the quick.
This video will take you through how to place a hormone implant in a ferret. Hormone implants are favoured more than surgical neutering due to the adrenal cancer risk associated with spaying or castrating. It is our opinion these should be placed under a very short general anaesthetic. Sometimes the skin will bleed a small amount. Some digital pressure will stop this.
An invaluable video on how to perform a closed castration in rabbits. Thank you Dr Aga Witk
A step by step guide on how to perform a rabbit spay in a small breed rabbit. With thanks to Dr Agga Witk
A helpful video demonstrating how to spay a large breed rabbit. Thank you to Dr Agga Witk.
Rabbits are notoriously challenging to intubate. There are many ways of intubating, in this video we demonstrate otoscopic visualisation and the use of a stylette.
Rabbits with head tilts can be incredibly challenging patients, but it is important to remember that alongside medical therapy, making sure they are comfortable is essential This video gives an example on simple physiotherapy techniques that can ease the inevitable aches and pains you patient will get.
After this type of ear surgery, post operative wound care is essential. One person should hold the rabbit, the other the flushing and cleaning.
The rabbit does not need to be sedated for this procedure given gentle appropriate restraint.