Emergency Kit- What’s in it?
As we go through the months and years being bunny slaves, most of us eventually realize (and sometimes learn the hard way), that bunny is going to get sick. And as we all know, this almost always happens during the night, or on a weekend when “rabbit savvy vets” just aren’t available. So instead of panicking, we must be prepared.
Over the last 14 years of being a bunny slave, my “bunny emergency kit” has grown in more ways than one, and for different reasons and illnesses. One item you always want to have on hand is Simethicone, better known as infant gas drops. This can be found in any drug store such as CVS, Target, Wal-mart or the like. This is used for when bunny has gas, which can be indicated by lethargy, depression and inappetence, and can escalate into full-blown gastrointestinal stasis if left untreated. I would also suggest a heat source such as a Snuggle Safe, as well as Critical Care, Metacam and 100% pure canned pumpkin. All of these items will help in dealing with gas and getting bunny to eat again. A heat source (you can also use the top of a hot dryer), along with belly massages and Simethicone, will hopefully help to break up the gas bubbles that are causing bunny pain and discomfort.
I also always have Metacam on hand for pain (by vet prescription only – please ask your vet about possibly obtaining this ahead of time so that you can have it on hand for emergencies). A bunny that is in pain is NOT going to eat. If he doesn’t eat, you’re now looking at possible stasis. You’ll also want to tempt him to eat by mixing up some Critical Care with pumpkin mixed in, if need be. So that the entire can of pumpkin does not go bad, I freeze pumpkin cubes in an ice cube tray and then pop them out as needed. Defrost for about 30-60 seconds in the microwave and you’re good to go!
Due to my extensive care over the years with sick and elder rabbits, I also have the subcutaneous fluid set-up with bags of LRS (Lactated Ringers Solution) on hand. My subcutaneous set-up includes the IV set, a 60 cc Luer-Lock syringe, 18 gauge needles, as well as 21 gauge butterfly needles. Fluids given subcutaneously help a great deal when dealing with a bunny in stasis. In addition to that, I sometimes have injectable Reglan left over from previous times (also known as Metochlopramide – by vet prescription only). I have dealt with stasis more times than I ever care to remember over 14 years, so my protocol is always the same (and given alongside the advice of my veterinarian).
Now, cutting nails is another story. Sometimes we cut a little too close to the quick, which will often result in bleeding. Don’t panic! Making sure that you have styptic powder/gel (such as Kwik-stop) or even simple cornstarch on hand is a life-saver and a great item to have in your bunny emergency kit. It will stop the bleeding almost immediately and provide some relief to bunny.
Other items worth mentioning are a digital thermometer, baby wipes, Bene-bac (probiotics in gel or powder form), pill cutter/crusher, different sized small syringes for meds (1 cc, 3 cc, etc.), stethoscope, otoscope (yes, I even have the last two mentioned items – call me a crazy bunny slave). I also have first aid antibiotic ointment such as A&D Ointment or Original Neosporin (NOT the Plus), Bag Balm and Silvadene Cream (vet prescription). Additional items that are great to have on-hand are hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds, puppy pads for incontinence, latex-free gloves, lube for the thermometer, and ace bandages for possible wounds that need pressure.
As your bunny knowledge expands, so might your “emergency kit”. This is just a sampling of what I personally have in my “kit”. Please note that some of these items DO require a vet’s prescription (as noted) and may not be available to you unless your bunny is seen by a veterinarian. ALWAYS take your bunny to a vet if s/he is exhibiting absolutely any signs of illness.
Shannon Cail and Mary Lempert, author of The Rabbit Advocate