First Aid Kit

[thatkiidsean]

Hey guys!

I recently got Rabbits USA and I absolutely love it! Is there a subscription to it, and where can I get it (in the U.S.)?

One thing that struck me in the magazine was that they had a rabbit first aid kit that you can make. Do you guys have any? And if so, what do you recommend putting in it? Thanks!

:runningrabbit:

 

[iLuvMyLilBuns]

Here's the list recommended by the mn companion rabbit society. http://mnhouserabbit.org/rabbit/care/health/firstaidkit.html

styptic powder, like Kwik Stop (baking flour or corn starch will also do the job)stops the bleeding of nails cut too close to the quick (not to be used on skin)

A&D original or plain Desitin diaper ointmentUsed in the treatment of sore hocks or other sore areas on the rabbit's skin. Be sure to use only original A&D and plain

Desitin - not a variety with zinc, aloe, or other additions. These additives can cause harm to rabbits, in some cases.

infant simethicone (gas relief drops)relieves minor gas symptoms

heating pad or hot water bottlefor shock or hypothermia - be sure to wrap the bottle in a towel

eye dropper/oral syringeto administer liquids, medication, or foods that have been liquefied in the event bunny stops eating (3cc for medication, 40cc for hand feeding)

small jars of plain baby food with no additives or preservativesfor giving tablet medications or as calorie supplement for rabbits who are not eating (use apple sauce or fruit/apple sauce mixes, pear, carrot, squash, or even canned pumpkin - not pumpkin pie filling)

cotton swabs, cotton ballsto clean scent glands; to clean wounds

Betadine or hydrogen peroxidefor cleaning surface wounds and abscesses (use hydrogen peroxide diluted)

gauze bandages, butterfly bandages, bandaging padshave a variety of bandages on hand to dress wounds

triple antiobiotic, like Neosporin or similar generic brandused to treat wounds (do NOT use Neosporin Plus) consult your vet before treating a wound since a wound can lead to abscesses

baby cornstarch powder (NOT baby powder, containing talc)used for a "dry bath" to clean a messy bottom due to runny stool or urine leakage (preferred method over a wet bath)

flea combsafest way to get rid of a mild case of fleas - after each combing, rinse the comb by dipping it in warm, soapy water to kill the fleas

Rescue Remedycan be used to minimize anxiety caused by stressful situations (can be found in nutrition stores or at www.feelbach.com and other online retailers)

Petromalt (original flavor)during high-shed seasons, can be used as a preventative treatment to move hair through the digestive system (do not use on a daily basis or once GI stasis has developed)

digital infant thermometerto take temperature (apply lubricant and insert gently into rectum; normal rabbit temperature is 101-103 degrees Fahrenheit); ask your vet to show you how

petroleum jelly or KY jellya lubricant to use with the thermometer

saline eye wash to flush foreign matter out of eyes

stethoscopefor listening to gut sounds (inexpensive versions can be found at medical supply stores)

otoscopeto check inside the ears (inexpensive versions can be found at medical supply stores)

 

[Azerane]

Also Critical Care mix for herbivores (made by Oxbow), it's essentially a high nutrient powder that you mix with water to syringe feed if your rabbit isn't eating. However it does go bad over time, so it's probably something not to buy outright, but it is important to know where you can get it at short notice and odd hours.

Out of all the other things on the list, I think Simethicone (the infant gas release drops) and styptic powder are probably the most crucial. When rabbits have gas (from certain foods) it's very uncomfortable, there's often a lot of loud gurgling and they often don't want to eat. Simethicone makes all the small gas bubbles in their stomach, form one larger one that is easier to pass so they feel better This stuff is wonderful and can avoid a case of gastro-intestinal stasis.

The styptic powder is also important because nail clipping is something that needs to be done with relative frequency, so chances are you'll need it at some point more often than the other things until you get more comfortable with nail clipping.