Guidelines

Physical Exams for Aged Rabbits

Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine

Mar 15, 2019 12:00 am

Additional procedures associated with older rabbits.

Responsibility
Husbandry Technicians

Veterinary Technicians
Glossary Definitions

Animal Treatment Report (ATR)

A form completed by husbandry personnel requesting veterinary personnel to examine the animal(s). ATRs can be submitted either in paper format or electronically, depending on the species involved.

Related Terms:
ULAM Veterinary Personnel Permanent Medical Record Veterinary Recommendations

Long-Term Rabbits

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

Ovariohysterectomy

Surgical removal of the female reproductive organs.

Related Terms:
ULAM Veterinary Personnel
Procedures
1. Rabbits >2 years old:

Husbandry personnel submits an ATR when a rabbit has reached 2 years of age.

Denote on the ATR “2-year old rabbit”.

Veterinary technician places a yellow acetate labeled "Weigh Monthly" over the cage card.

Husbandry technician records weight on Monthly Weight Sheet hung in the animal room provided by the veterinary technician.

Veterinary technician informs the veterinary resident of rabbits that are >2 years of age.

Veterinary resident performs annual physical examinations on rabbits that are >2 years old.

Veterinary resident contacts the Principal Investigator (PI) offering prophylactic ovariohysterectomy.

Note the PI's decision on the rabbit's clinical record.

Approved rabbits are spayed by the veterinary resident.
2. Rabbits >4 years old:

Husbandry personnel submits an ATR when a rabbit has reached 4 years of age.

Denote on the ATR “4-year old rabbit”.

Veterinary technician places a yellow acetate labeled “Weigh Monthly” over the cage card.

Husbandry technician records weight on Monthly Weight Sheet hung in the animal room provided by the veterinary technician.

Veterinary technician informs the veterinary resident of rabbits that are >4 years of age.

Veterinary resident performs semi-annual physical examinations on rabbits that are >4 years old.

Complete blood count and serum chemistry, +/- urinalysis, is performed yearly.

Blood collection schedule can be coordinated with the laboratory's schedule for antibody-producing rabbits.
3. Charging

Physical examinations and subsequent, approved diagnostic tests will be subsidized by the Veterinary Service Fee (no direct charge to the PI).

The PI is responsible for surgery fees associated with prophylactic ovariohysterectomy.

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.