AboutDana Krempels, Ph.D. Expertise I can answer just about any question regarding rabbit BIOLOGY and HEALTH from the commonplace (e.g. "runny stool"; dental problems) to the unusual. I can also help you with the most recent information on general rabbit care, as recommended by the nation`s top rabbit veterinarians and other experts.
For the best information on rabbit care anywhere on the internet, be sure to visit www.rabbit.org and consider joining EtherBun, a free listserve about rabbit health, care, and behavior. For more information on EtherBun, visit www.bio.miami.edu/hare/etherbun.html
Experience I have lived with companion rabbits for over 30 years, and have been a rabbit rescuer for the last 13. (Our first rescue, Maggie, just celebrated her 13th birthday!) I can answer just about any question concerning rabbit biology, health, care, and behavior.
I have a Ph.D. in biology (expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, botany, and herpetology), and have worked extensively with veterinarians who are on the cutting edge of rabbit medicine.
I own EtherBun (EtherBun@yahoogroups.com), the largest free listserve devoted to companion rabbit health, care and behavior.
Since 1998, I have answered rabbit health and care questions from all over the world via the House Rabbit Society web site (www.rabbit.org), and if I cannot answer your question, I can certainly refer you to someone who can.
Organizations belong to House Rabbit Society
Publications Exotic DVM
Warren Peace (Journal of the House Rabbit Society of Miami)
Various newsletters of the House Rabbit Society, nationwide
Education/Credentials Ph.D - Biology
B.S. - Biology
B.A. - English
Awards and Honors Lightspan Academic Excellence Award for web site on rabbit health and biology
(http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare)
Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. Date: 7/7/2008 Subject: Rabbit fasting before surgery?
Question Hello Dana, one of our rabbits is being desexed and the assistant at the vets told us not to feed her anything before the operation, but I thought that bunnies needed to have food in their stomachs to keep it all moving along, and the not eating before operations was an issue associated with the possible regurgitating during anasthesia ?
should we still feed her..?
Answer Dear Luke,
The receptionist may not have been informed by the vet that rabbits should absolutely *not* be fasted before surgery, and was giving the instructions she usually gives for dogs or cats. Please ask to speak directly to the vet about this.
If the vet says to fast the bunny, then I would be very cautious, and wonder about how experienced with rabbits this vet is. If you're not sure, then you may wish to find another vet here for a second opinion:
www.rabbit.org/vets
But if this is an experienced rabbit vet, then I'll bet s/he will direct you not to fast your bunny before the spay/neuter.
