Rabbit Maturity, Breeding and Routine Medical Care

Question 1

What’s the term for being born naked, blind, and helpless?

Answer 1

Atrical

Question 2

When ovulation occurs only as a result of mating

Answer 2

Induced Ovulation

Question 3

Rabbits can breed again less than __ hours after having a litter

Answer 3

24 hours

Question 4

Giving birth to rabbit kits is called

Answer 4

Kindling

Question 5

What is the father’s role with the kits?

Answer 5

Bad Dads - Bucks should be removed as aggressive tendencies toward kits is common

Question 6

This pouch of fat beneath the jaw develops during sexual maturity in some female rabbits(usually larger breeds)

Answer 6

Dewlap

Question 7

With proper technique rabbits can be sexed at as young as __ weeks of age

Answer 7

6 weeks

Question 8

How often are exams recommended for healthy young bunnies?

Answer 8

Once a year - Annually

Question 9

How often are exams recommended for senior bunnies(>5)?

Answer 9

Every 6 months - Twice a year

Question 10

When can males be neutered?

Answer 10

As soon as the testicles descend - Around 10 weeks

Question 11

When can females be spayed?

Answer 11

Around 6 months - Dependent on size.

Question 12

What common deadly condition is of major concern in intact does?

Answer 12

Uterine adenocarcinoma

Question 13

Benefits of spay/neuter?

Answer 13

• Reduces aggressive behaviour
• Prevents false or real pregnancy
• Prevention of testicular cancers
• Prevention of uterine adenocarcinoma
• Reduces urine marking A.K.A spraying behaviours
• Prevention of pyometra and endometritis
• Decreases urine smell and encourages better litterbox habits
• Bunny bonding becomes easier to facilitate

Question 14

How long should rabbits be fasted for prior to surgery?

Answer 14

They shouldn’t!!!! No fasting rabbits allowed!!

Question 15

How can we decrease stress in the clinic environment?

Answer 15

• Rabbit surgery intakes the night prior to surgery
• Bringing rabbits in with their entire cage
• Bring comfort items with familiar smells
• Clean scrubs when handling rabbits
• Sending rabbits home ASAP after surgery
• Quiet voices and slow movements
• Handling slowly and carefully
  etc.

Question 16

When making up meds and providing directions to clients, what’s essential to remember about dosages in rabbits?

Answer 16

You’ll see higher and/or more frequent doses of pain medications in rabbits

Question 17

What element are we most concerned about in post-op rabbits?

Answer 17

Gut motility

Question 18

The vet should be contacted if a post op rabbit has gone 12 hours without this. Becomes a medical emergency at 24 hours

Answer 18

Eating!

Question 19

E-collars for rabbits?

Answer 19

Can interfere with essential cecotrophy