Should rabbits be fasted before anesthesia?

Should rabbits be fasted before anesthesia?

Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits should not fast before operations. As a matter of fact, rabbits should have food and water available right up to the time of surgery. Feeding keeps the gastrointestinal tract moving, which helps them to recover quickly.

Is intubation necessary for rabbit anesthesia?

Rabbits are commonly anesthetized for both biomedical research and clinical veterinary medicine. Procedures that require anesthesia typically also require a patent airway, which can be difficult to obtain in rabbits. … The difficulty perceived in intubating rabbits has spawned many methods of endotracheal intubation.

Can rabbits die from anesthesia?

One study found the risk of a rabbit dying under anesthesia to be about 1.39% overall – which is fairly low, but higher than for dogs and cats. … Sick rabbits should be stabilized when needed to be sure they are appropriate anesthetic patients. Stress should be as minimal as possible considering the nature of rabbits.

How long does anesthesia last in rabbits?

The injection often used is Ketamine (or a combination including Ketamine.) In our experience, a pre-anesthesia injection usually delays a rabbit's return to normal, particularly appetite and digestion, by 1-2 days.

How soon after anesthesia can rabbits eat?

Your rabbit needs to begin eating as soon as possible – within 24 hours of surgery. Offer fresh water, hay, veggies, and pellets. Keep a close eye on food and water consumption. If normal eating and drinking does not resume within 24 hours consult your veterinarian.

How do you hold a rabbit for grooming?

Rabbits are very delicate creatures – though they would never admit it – and the shock and stress of being bathed can actually kill them by triggering fatal gastrointestinal stasis or even a heart attack. … In most cases the rabbit can be spot-cleaned, or given a dry bath using cornstarch.

How do I get my rabbit to stop licking his stitches?

If your rabbit licks excessively, to the point of opening up the incision, your vet may need to put the rabbit under anesthesia and re-close the area. If intradermal sutures were not used the first time, ask your vet to use them when re-suturing.