Hypothermia in Anaesthetised Rabbits

Abstract

Many veterinary nursesencounter anaesthesia on a daily basis, and, as pet rabbits are the third most common pet in the UK (RSPCA, 2013), this may frequently include anaesthesia of rabbits. It is therefore essential to consider the potential causes of hypothermia and the importance of monitoring body temperature during general anaesthesia. Nurses involved in providing the care required by these patients must be aware of the different methods available to prevent and correct hypothermia in anaesthetised rabbits.

Acknowledgements

All images published courtesy of MediRabbit.com (©MediRabbit.com)

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kelly Druce

Kelly qualified as a VN in 2001 and later completed the BSc top-up in veterinary nursing, gaining a first class honours degree. She has a keen interest in feline internal medicine and domestic animal behaviour. In 2005 she gained the Improve International Nurses Certificate in Animal Behaviour and in 2007 the Improve International Nurses Certificate in Advanced Anaesthesia. Kelly worked as a nurse, assessor and internal verifier in practice until 2008 when she left to pursue a career in teaching, and has since gained her DTLLS. Kelly recently returned to practice as a medicine nurse at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.