Analgesia and Anesthesia Information for Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Pain Recognition
Rabbits in pain may be apprehensive, and assume a hunched posture or unwillingness to move. Other clinical signs of pain include:
- exaggerated reactions to handling, sometimes with vocalization
- excessive scratching or licking
- teeth grinding
- increased respiratory rate
- dilation of pupils
- anorexia
Physiologic parameters
| Body temperature | 38-39.6° C |
| Heart rate | 130-325/min | Respiratory rate | 32-60/min |
| Tidal volume | 4-6 ml/kg |
Many rabbits have serum atropinesterase which causes reduced response to atropine. Glycopyrrolate, another anticholinergic, can be used instead of atropine.
Unique hypnotism or immobilization reflex has been observed in rabbits in the absence of drug use.
Large cecum can act as reservoir for anesthetics. Depending on drug solubility, the cecum can alter the pharmacologic effect.
Induction of anesthesia using volatile anesthetics (e.g., halothane and isoflurane) should be done with caution due to initial breath holding when animals are first exposed to irritating gas vapors.
Give IV injections via marginal ear veins.
Analgesia and Anesthesia Dosages
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