Guidelines

Physical Exams for Aging Rabbits

Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine
Jan 27, 2023 12:00 am
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Additional procedures associated with older rabbits.

  • Responsibility
    1. Husbandry Technicians
    2. Veterinary Technicians

  • Glossary Definitions

    Aging Rabbits

    Rabbits greater than, or equal to, 2 years of age housed within ULAM facilities.

     

  • Procedures

    1. Rabbits >2 years old:

    1. Husbandry personnel:
      1. Submits an ATR when a rabbit has reached 2 years of age.
        1. Denote on the ATR “2-year old rabbit”.
      2. Submit an ATR if a rabbit is more than 30 days overdue for an exam (e.g., if a rabbit is two years old and it has been 12 months + 31 days since their last recorded exam).
        1. Denote on the ATR “Due for Physical Exam"
    2. The veterinary technician:
      1. Informs the veterinary resident that a rabbit is due for an annual or semiannual physical examination.
    3. The veterinary resident:
      1. Performs a routine physical examination, including recording weight.
        1. Annually, starting at 2 years of age.
        2. Semiannually starting at 4 years of age.
        3. Complete the examinations within 30 days of the animal reaching the required age
      2. Place a yellow acetate and denote the following information once the physical examination is complete:
        1. Date of each physical examination.
        2. Clinical number.
        3. Age of the rabbit (i.e. 2 year old, 3 year old, or 4+ year old).
      3. Ensure complete blood counts and serum chemistries are performed yearly once the rabbit reached 4 years of age.
        1. Coordinate the blood collection with the laboratory’s schedule for antibody-producing rabbits where possible.
        2. Perform a urinalysis if deemed necessary by the resident or faculty veterinarian.
      4. Consider contacting the PI to offer a prophylactic ovariohysterectomy for rabbits at 2 years of age.
        1. Note the PI’s decision on the rabbit’s clinical record.
        2. Perform any approved ovariohysterectomies.

    2. Charging

    1. Physical examinations and subsequent, approved diagnostic tests will be subsidized by the Veterinary Service Fee (no direct charge to the PI).
    2. The PI is responsible for surgery fees associated with prophylactic ovariohysterectomy.
    3. See Standard Charging Procedures for Veterinary Services.

     

     

     

Species: Rabbits
Questions?

Questions or concerns about the content of this document should be directed to the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM) at (734) 764-0277 or ulam-questions@umich.edu.

Related Documents

Standard Charging Procedures for Veterinary Services