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)