Evidence-based refinements for Rabbits.

Key Natural Behaviors

  • Highly social with strong dominance hierarchies
  • Foraging
  • Crepuscular/Nocturnal (Though can be diurnal in the laboratory. (Jilge, 1991))
  • Allo-grooming
  • Nesting for breeding does

Recommendations

  • Stable social housing
  • Pen housing
  • Raised area or shelves
  • Straw, hay, chew sticks, cardboard boxes
  • Shelter from intense light
  • Rotating, novel enrichment schedule
  • Behavioral management
  • Background noise
  • Mirrors
  • Positive handling: early contact, full support while carrying, positive reinforcement training, etc.
  • Nest boxes for does
  • Larger exercise areas, especially for males (with full contact or protected contact with perforated dividers)

Procedural Refinements

1. Rabbit Injections and Blood Collection

  • Use smaller needles and minimally invasive techniques
  • Consider using trained personnel to reduce stress and pain during procedures
  • Implement analgesia and anesthesia protocols to minimize discomfort
  • Avoid jugular vein when possible, the peripheral veins safer


2. Rabbit Surgical Procedures

  • Employ less invasive surgical techniques when possible, such as laparoscopic surgery
  • Ensure proper anesthesia and analgesia, and use precise surgical skills to minimize trauma
  • Post-operative care should include pain management and monitoring for complications


3. Rabbit Handling and Restraint

  • Train staff to handle rabbits gently and with minimal stress as rabbits are uniquely prone to back and leg injuries and must be handled properly
  • Use proper restraint techniques and provide training to avoid unnecessary handling. Snuggles, towel wraps, restraint devices, VAB Lines etc.


4. Rabbit Dermal and Ocular Testing

  • Consider the smallest area possible
  • Provide appropriate analgesia
  • Appropriate training to recognize pain/discomfort


5. Rabbit Humane Anesthesia

  • Special considerations on dosing, cardiovascular or respiratory impact

 

 

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