Taking Rabbit's Temperature

[pamnock]

Now that viral season is upon us with avengence, it's important to know how to take your rabbit's bodytemperature because a rise or fall in body temperature is often thefirst sign of illness.

"All pet owners should have a baby thermometer. Apply some lubricant tothe thermometer, insert it gently into the rectum, and hold it therefor about 1 minute. Normal rabbit temperature is about 101o F to 103oF."

Source:http://www.rabbit.org/journal/2-4/emergency-preparedness.html

This site gives excellent instructions on taking the rabbit's temperature:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html



Pam

 

Thanks Pam , great post , especially for those who domt know how to take temperatures.

 

[shadow10978]

wow pam it amazes me more and more everyday just how much like kids rabbits are lol. You even take there temps the same way lol.

 

[FreddysMom]

I dont know if they even sell them anymore ....but just a lil side note after reading this

...Unless you are really good at taking a bunnies temp. Iwould steer away from any and all glass thermometers ...I can justpicture the rabbit thrashing and it going terribly wrong...

I think the plastic digital versions are best suited for this.


(I know it mentions this in the second link..but you know not everyone is going to read the links)

 

[JimD]

FreddysMom wrote:

I think the plastic digital versions are best suited for this.

That's what we use.

Do all bunnies get a surprised look on their face :shock:when you take their temp.

 

[Snuggys Mom]

Hee hee

Wouldn't you?

 

[Pet_Bunny]

Carolyn suggested this awhileago, and the last time I was at the vets,I had them show me how to take a temperaturereading. Pebbles didn't enjoy itthough... she peed all over the vetsshirt. :faint:

Rainbows!

 

[Carolyn]

Pet_Bunny wrote:

Carolyn suggested this awhile ago, andthe last time I was at the vets, I had them show mehow to take a temperature reading.

Smart move, Stan.

I know it's not fun, but it's oftentimes the first thing that shows up when a rabbit is in trouble.

-Carolyn

 

[Iwuvbunbuns72]

I once seen an ear thermometer that was said to be able to take a rabbits Tempature...can you get accurate results from that?

 

[pamnock]

A couple reports that I read on using thetympanic thermometers stated that they were not accurate enough forclinical use. They could give you a general indication ofbody temperature, but would not be as accurate as taking a rectaltemperature.

Pam

 

[Pet_Bunny]

The plastic digital thermometers can be bought for as little as $5.00

Some of them have a flexible tip so it can bend.

Stan