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Emergencies: Being Prepared
How to Prepare?
Preparation starts with your regular veterinarian. What are her/his days and hours of operation? Check for extended hour options. Does your veterinarian refer to an emergency clinic? Write this information down and keep in a handy location for quick reference. Make a trial run by driving to the facility at least once so you have an approximate idea of how long it will take you.
Things to have on-hand:
A&D Original or Plain Desitin Diaper Ointment – can be used to help soothe sore hocks
Alcohol (rubbing) & Towels – to reduce temperature, used for a quick alcohol bath followed by cold towel wraps
Baby Cornstarch Powder - used for “dry bath” to treat poopy butt; preferred over wet bath
Bandaging Tape – used with bandagesClippers – to buzz away fur around wound area
Cotton Swabs - to clean wounds
Critical Care – also used for force feeding
Digital Infant Thermometer - used to take temperature (apply lubricant and insert gently into rectum; normal rabbit temperature is 101-103 degrees Fahrenheit); ask your vet to show you how!
Dilute povidone iodine (Betadine) - for cleaning wound surfaces and abscesses
Gauze bandages, Bandaging Pads, Butterfly Bandages – used for dressing wounds
Heating Pad (or hot water bottle) - used for hypothermia but be sure to wrap a hot water bottle in a towel. (Never place a heating pad directly on a chilled rabbit, as it is quite possible to burn them)
Infant Simethicone (gas relief drops) – used for the relief of minor gas symptoms
Neosporin (or other triple antibiotic) - used to treat wounds (NOT NEOSPORIN PLUS!)
Otoscope – to check inside of ears (inexpensive version can be found at medical supply stores)
Pedilayte – for dehydration
Plain Baby Food (no additives or preservatives) – used for mixing medicine or force feeding if necessary; can also use canned pumpkin – NOT PUMPKIN PIE FILLING!
Petroleum Jelly – used to lubricate thermometer before insertion
Saline Solution Eye Wash – to flush foreign matter out of eyes
ScissorsSmall Animal Nail Clippers – for clipping nails
Stethoscope – to listen to gut movements
Styptic Powder (Baking flour or corn starch will also work) – used to stop bleeding of nails cut too close to the quick – NOT TO BE USED ON SKIN!
Syringes (without needles) – to force feed if necessary or to administer medication
Syringes for subcutaneous fluids (this should only be included if you have experience administering and your rabbit-savvy vet approves)

Information Provided By

Friends of Willow
Rabbit Rescue
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