Rabbit Pre and Post Operative Information
A pre operative appointment will take 5-10 minutes for us to complete the admission details and for you to read and sign the consent form.
Feeding
Your rabbit can have food and water overnight and we advise you to bring a small amount of your rabbit’s normal
food with you.
Cleanliness
It is vital for the prevention of post operative infections that your pet comes to us as clean as possible. If necessary please make sure that they are groomed/bathed before admission to the hospital. We reserve the right to make a charge if bathing is required after admission.
Collection
You should expect that your pet will stay with us for the day. Please telephone the hospital between 2 – 3 pm to find out when your pet will be ready for collection. Occasionally, circumstances beyond our control may mean that your pet’s operation may be delayed.
Diet
We have already offered your rabbit some food as the metabolic rate of small animals is very high and it is important that they eat soon after an anaesthetic. Please ensure that they continue to eat and if you’re rabbit does not eat within 2 hours of returning home then please telephone the surgery for advice.
Housing and exercise
Please make sure that you use shredded paper bedding for 10 days as sawdust, wood shavings, straw and hay can cause an irritation to the wound. Please ensure that your cage is cleaned daily during this time to minimize the risk of infection.
We advise cage rest for 10 days to prevent the operation site from getting contaminated and infected.
Post operative checks
Following routine surgery your pet will require a 3 and 10 day post-operative check at your local vets. For routine dentistry your pet will require a 7 day and 4 week post-dental check. Further instructions will be given to you on collection of your rabbit.
Sutures
If your rabbit has had surgery they may have external or internal sutures. In which case they will need to have cage rest until the stitches have been removed – this is usually 10 days post operatively.
Vouchers
If you have a voucher for the RSPCA, please bring this with you, in the morning, as without it you will be responsible for payment at full cost.
Payment
Payment should be made at the time of treatment, so please be prepared to settle your bill when collecting your pet. The receptionist will be able to tell you the amount of your bill when you telephone us.
Important notice
Please ensure that you tell the nurse on admission if your pet has been unwell or has any on-going illnesses or conditions.
