Bunny 201: Advance Rabbit Care Information
We have a unique interest in the medical side of rabbit care. We help design pacemakers, defibrillators, and other medical devices with a major medical device manufacturer.
We apply the same questions and critical thinking to the care of our rabbits that we use in our medical device work.
Why?
How did you know that?
What can we expect?
As rabbit caregivers, we believe it is important to ask questions, understand the reasoning behind a diagnosis or treatment, and know what to expect as our bunny receives care.
Disclaimer: If your bunny is in distress or if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to promptly contact your local licensed Exotic Rabbit Veterinarian. I am not a licensed Exotic Rabbit Veterinarian and this should not be a substitute for official medical advice by a board licensed Exotic Rabbit Veterinarian
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Bunny 911 Kit: Be Prepared for an Emergency
It is important to have a Bunny 911 Kit prepared and easily accessible before an emergency happens.
One of the most critical items in your kit is everything you need to take your bunny’s temperature safely when your rabbit is showing signs of distress.
A rabbit’s temperature can provide important information during an emergency:
Below 100°F: Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Above 104°F: Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
If your bunny’s temperature is outside this range, contact an emergency rabbit-savvy veterinarian (Rabbit DVM) right away. Do not wait to see if your bunny improves on their own.
Having your Bunny 911 Kit ready can save precious time when your rabbit needs help.
It is important to have a high-quality stethoscope when monitoring a rabbit’s health.
Listen to the rabbit’s heartbeat.
The normal heart rate for a rabbit is approximately 130 to 325 beats per minute.Listen to the lungs.
Listen for any unusual sounds, such as wheezing, crackling, or other abnormal breathing sounds.Listen to the stomach and gut sounds.
Listen for normal digestive sounds. A lack of gut sounds can be a concern and may indicate a gastrointestinal problem.
It is important to have a heating pad available in the event your rabbit’s temperature is below 100°F.
Provide heat support.
When taking a 911 rabbit with a temperature below 100°F to the Exotic DVM, we have the following supplies available to provide heat support while the bunny is in their carrier.Small electric heating pad.
Use a small heating pad that fits safely with the carrier.Electric power source.
A. Portable battery power source.
B. AC adapter that can be powered from your car.Inform your 911 Exotic DVM.
It is important to tell your Exotic DVM that your bunny was on a heating source. The heating source can raise the rabbit’s body temperature. You should take the rabbit’s temperature before placing the bunny on the heating source so the veterinarian knows the rabbit’s original temperature.
It is important for you to know how to take the temperature of your rabbit. Please have your Exotic Rabbit DVM and or rabbit rescue group teach you.
Advanced Medical Kit
We have built our medical kit over 20 years of caring for medical fosters and our own rabbits. We are grateful to live in an area where we have access to Exotic Rabbit Vets almost 24/7.
We understand that some people may live in an area where the nearest Exotic Rabbit Vet is several hours away, or where a vet may not be available on holidays or weekends.
It is important to work with your Exotic Rabbit Vet to build a medical kit that is appropriate for your rabbit and your individual situation. Your vet can help you determine which supplies you should have on hand and provide guidance on how and when they should be used.
G.I. Stasis is a life threatening symptom.
Nose2Tail Home Health Check
Performing a Nose2Tail Home Health Check on a monthly or quarterly basis is a good way to monitor your rabbit’s health.
At a minimum, you should weigh your rabbit and record their weight. Gradual weight loss over several months can be a hidden sign that your rabbit may be sick. If you notice unexplained weight loss, your rabbit should be evaluated by an Exotic Rabbit Vet.
We teach a Nose to Tail Home health class at SaveABunny a 501 (c)(3) Rabbit Rescue Group in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Simple Rabbit Hydration Test that takes seconds.
Rabbit Nail and Fur Care
Rabbits should have their nails trimmed and their fur brushed every 6 to 8 weeks.
We go over several different ways to safely trim your rabbit’s nails. We also cover proper brushing techniques for rabbits with short fur and long fur.