E10

Dr. Marty Becker

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In the last decade, the veterinary profession has made huge strides in advancing the proper care of pet rabbits.

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Rabbit medicine and surgery are taught in an increasing number of veterinary schools, and much more published and lecture materials are available to keep in-practice veterinarians up-to-date.

Despite these advances, there is still confusion regarding the use of pain relief for sick or injured rabbits. Some veterinarians do not use painrelieving medications in their rabbit patients even though they routinely use these drugs in dogs and cats. But pain management is as important to a sick rabbit as it is to any other pet. Chronic moderate to severe pain can slow the healing process in addition to making life miserable.

Like other prey animals, rabbits will try to hide their pain, tending to become immobile in an effort to hide unusual behaviour from any predator. That doesn't mean they're not hurting.

There are acceptable pain medications available for rabbits, and they should be given to help these animals with recovery.

Talk to your veterinarian!

- Dr. Marty Becker