Vetario Incubators: Crucial for Safe Neutering Recovery in Rabbits

Highcroft exotic vets in Bristol is a specialised veterinary practice dedicated to the care of exotic pets, including reptiles, birds, small, mammals, invertebrates, amphibians, fish, and wildlife. Renowned for their expertise, the clinic, led by Dr Sonya, Miles, a highly respected, veterinary surgeon with extensive experience in exotic animal medicine, provides a wide range of services from routine check-ups to advanced surgical procedures. Dr Miles, along with her skilled colleagues is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care, tailored to the unique needs of each species, ensuring the health and well-being of exotic animals across the region and beyond. In 2021, Dr Sonya, Miles created, Just Exotics, an online exotic species teaching service, aimed at helping veterinary surgeons and nurses improve their understanding of exotic species care in clinical practice. Highcroft Exotic Vets has three Vetario intensive care units, they are particularly valued for their ease of set-up, simplicity of use and portability. They are a vital tool in our daily work and are used multiple times a day, for a wide variety of mammal, avian and wildlife patient.

Neutering rabbits is crucial for their health and well-being. This procedure significantly reduces the risk of reproductive cancers, which are common in un-spayed female rabbits. Additionally, neutering helps manage and prevent behavioural issues such as aggression, spraying, and territorial marking. It promotes harmonious cohabitation, as neutered rabbits are generally more sociable and less likely to fight. Furthermore, neutering helps control the rabbit population, preventing unwanted litters and reducing the number of rabbits in shelters.

The recovery period, following anaesthesia in rabbits is critically important and is a high-risk stage of the anaesthesia process. A rabbit’s recovery must be carefully monitored to prevent complications such as hypothermia, respiratory issues, and stress. During recovery, it is essential to provide a warm, quiet environment and ensure the rabbit begins eating and drinking promptly, as their digestive systems are highly sensitive and can easily develop gastrointestinal stasis. Close observation helps detect any signs of pain or distress early, allowing for timely intervention. Proper post-anaesthetic care, which includes adequate analgesia, ensures a smooth recovery, minimizing risks and promoting a swift return to normal activities. This is precisely where the Vetario intensive care units come into their own.

Using Vetario incubators for rabbits is essential for ensuring optimal care, particularly during recovery from surgery. These incubators provide a controlled, warm, and stable environment, which is critical for maintaining the delicate body temperature of rabbits, whilst safely allowing oxygen supplementation. The precise temperature and humidity control help prevent hypothermia and dehydration, common risks for rabbits under stress or in vulnerable conditions. Additionally, Vetario incubators offer clean, secure spaces that reduce the risk of infections and promote faster healing. Overall, the use of Vetario incubators significantly enhances the chances of recovery and survival for rabbits, ensuring they receive the best possible care during critical periods, and as such should be considered essential items of equipment for any practice performing surgery in rabbits.

Dr Sonya Miles

BVSc CertAVP(ZM), CertAqV, MRCVS. RCVS Recognised Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine. WAVMA Certified Aquatic Species Vet. Highcroft Exotic Vets.

Just Exotics www.justexotics.co.uk