Detecting Illness Using a Thermometer

[snowballsmomma]

I recently bought a thermometer for my foster rabbit Snowball and was relieved to now have it on hand in case he ever got ill and I couldn’t tell!

This is kind of a general question, but is there any type of illnesses that wouldn’t show up as a low or high temperature (below 101F or above 103F)?  For example, if my bun is experiencing GI stasis, would that register as a low temperature?  I assume chronic pain also wouldn’t show up as an unusual temperature, but I was just wondering what illnesses are caught with a high or low temperature and what illnesses are not.

Thanks!!!

[Bam]

Pain can cause stress, and stress typically raises temperature. I’d say a thermometer is a very good tool but it won’t really offer a diagnosis. It has many practical uses though.

First of all it’s very good to establish a baseline temp. Just as with humans and dogs (and probably other mammals as well), normal temp varies somewhat between individuals. If you know what her normal temp is when she’s healthy, it’s easier for you (and your vet) to know when sth is off, based on her temp. Keep in mind that body temp varies over the day and with the bun’s activity level.

If your bun should stop eating etc, it’s very useful to know if she has a low temp, because if she does, she must be warmed up until you can get to a vet.  For this reason it’s good to always have hand warmers or a heating pad in the bunny first aid kit. Buns can easily get hypothermic if they are poorly, and that’s very dangerous for them. Rabbit painkillers, often given when a bun has tummy trouble as an important part of stasis treatment, lower the body temp, making it extra important to keep an eye on the temperature.

Obviously a very high temp (fever) means there’s some sort of infection or other serious problem. A slightly higher temp can signify stress, as previously mentioned.

Its good to practice taking your buns temp, but don’t practice so much that she gets stressed out (obviously). I’ve found this video very useful: https://youtu.be/YZd10Hk0maA

 

[snowballsmomma]

Thanks Bam for the detailed response!!

I did see that video and was able to test Snowball’s thermometer twice yesterday to test his baseline 🙂  It was also a good reminder to clean his bum a bit more often too 😛

I  don’t expect to be able to diagnose the problem if he has a high or low temperature (I’m still very much a bunny amateur) but I just wanted to make sure that I wouldn’t miss anything.  It sounds like anything serious would probably show up as a low or high temperature and if that is the case, I will definitely immediately call the vet.  And thanks for the advice!  I am still missing a few first aid things but will look into getting a rabbit-safe heat warmer as my next item on his first aid supply kit!

[snowballsmomma]

When taking your rabbit’s temperature, how do you ensure that your rabbit doesn’t go into a trance?  I was watching the Howcast video again linked above and previously tried to take Snowball’s temperature similarly (in a more C-shape way than just specifically on his back), but he did get very still in that position and had wide eyes.  I want to ensure that I’m not putting him in a trance but maybe it’s necessary when taking your rabbit’s temperature?

[DanaNM]

If you can keep him more upright that will prevent him from trancing.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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