title: Critical care of the rabbit.
abstract: Emergency and critical care principles are similar for all mammals. However, because they are stressed easily, rabbits require specialized handling techniques. Rabbits must be evaluated efficiently and stabilized quickly before moving into the definitive diagnostic phase of their care. A thorough clinical history, systematic physical examination, and multiple diagnostic tests are ideal, but when a rabbit is in critical condition, emergency stabilization and fluid resuscitation must take priority. Common emergency presentations include gastrointestinal disorders, such as prolonged anorexia, respiratory distress, neoplasia, neurologic symptoms, exposure to toxins, trauma, and urinary tract infections or obstruction.
authors.affiliation: Special Species Health, Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA. jpmurphy@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paul-Murphy
mesh_terms: D000820:Animal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D000818:Animals; D004630:Emergencies / Q000662:veterinary; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D011817:Rabbits; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods*