Rabbits - What Nurses Need to Know
A four module Flexi CPD course with Claire Speight
This Flexi CPD course gives an overview of everything a nurse in general practice needs to know about rabbits – from basic husbandry and preventative healthcare, through to common illnesses and nursing in-patients. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of nursing rabbits including syringe feeding, fluid therapy and hospitalisation tips.
Module 1
Understanding Rabbits
- Normal and abnormal rabbit parameters (fluid intake, urine output, RR, HR, body temperature etc.)
- The nutritional requirements and what rabbits should and shouldn’t eat and why
- Commonly kept breeds and health and welfare related problems (brachycephalics, lops, Rex’s, giants etc.)
Module 2
Rabbits in Practice
- Advising clients on neutering, vaccinations, and health checking – the benefits for rabbits and when these should be performed
- How to perform a head to tail examination, without causing stress to the rabbit and what to look for
- Steps that can be taken to reduce stress in hospitalised rabbits and during visits to the practice
Module 3
Nursing Common Medical Conditions
- Nursing requirements for common medical conditions in rabbits, including flystrike, pododermatitis, dental disease and urinary tract disease
- Should hospitalised rabbits be kept with a companion – the pros and cons
- Caring for rabbits after surgery - getting them eating, mobilising and pain scoring
Module 4
Practical Techniques
- How to successfully place intravenous cannulas, syringe feed (even the reluctant rabbit) and take blood samples
- Safe handling to ensure clinical techniques are carried out safely and successfully
- Fluid therapy, discussing routes and rates