Tamsin
11-03-2008, 09:46 AM
Each rabbit should be checked on intake to assess its health and any problems noted.
Points to check:
Eyes: The eyes should be clear and free from discharge. Discharge, soreness or swelling effecting both eyes could be an indication of myximatosis. Any animal showing these symptoms should be isolated and veterinary attention sought immediately.
Nose: The nose should be clean and free from discharge. Also check for dirt/matting on the inside of the front paws - an indication of nasal discharge that has been cleaned away by the rabbit.
Mouth: The front teeth should be checked for overgrowth, misalignment and discolouration.If available an otoscope can be used for a basic examination of the back teeth. Check for lumps on the jaw.
Ears: The ears should be clean. Check for any bad smell that could indicate an unseen problem.
Feet: Check the underside of the feed, particular the heels on the back feet, for soreness. Check the nails for overgrowth and clip if necessary.
Coat: Check for signs of fur loss, dandruff (an indication of mites), ticks and fleas.
Skin: Check for injuries that may be hidden in the fur by running fingers over body or blowing gently across the fur. Bite wounds are common in rabbits that have been group housed in too small conditions or unneutered.
Body Condition: Is the rabbit over or under weight. Record weight for reference.
Bum: Check whether clean and for any sores. Also check for flystrike, particularly if rabbit is dirty underneath.
Points to check:
Eyes: The eyes should be clear and free from discharge. Discharge, soreness or swelling effecting both eyes could be an indication of myximatosis. Any animal showing these symptoms should be isolated and veterinary attention sought immediately.
Nose: The nose should be clean and free from discharge. Also check for dirt/matting on the inside of the front paws - an indication of nasal discharge that has been cleaned away by the rabbit.
Mouth: The front teeth should be checked for overgrowth, misalignment and discolouration.If available an otoscope can be used for a basic examination of the back teeth. Check for lumps on the jaw.
Ears: The ears should be clean. Check for any bad smell that could indicate an unseen problem.
Feet: Check the underside of the feed, particular the heels on the back feet, for soreness. Check the nails for overgrowth and clip if necessary.
Coat: Check for signs of fur loss, dandruff (an indication of mites), ticks and fleas.
Skin: Check for injuries that may be hidden in the fur by running fingers over body or blowing gently across the fur. Bite wounds are common in rabbits that have been group housed in too small conditions or unneutered.
Body Condition: Is the rabbit over or under weight. Record weight for reference.
Bum: Check whether clean and for any sores. Also check for flystrike, particularly if rabbit is dirty underneath.