How to Prepare?

 

Preparation starts with your regular veterinarian. What are their 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)