fasting before surgery?

[cocobear]

Hello

When I took Coco to her new bunny specialist vet, the receptionist told me to be sure not to feed Coco that morning (before bringing her in for surgery next week), but that water was ok. I asked her if that was right for a rabbit- and she insisted yes .I have always fed my buns right up until surgery, as instructed by other rabbit vets “in the know”. Is restricting food, but not water, a new thing now?? Could it be because she’s having dental work done? Coco is prone to GI stasis so this worries me.

Thanks

 

[Cadbury]

It’s my understanding that you should NEVER fast a rabbit before surgery! The reason cats and dogs have to fast is because if they throw up under anesthesia, it can aspirate down into their lungs. However, since bunnies can’t vomit, they can (and should be encouraged to) eat right up until surgery. I would call back and ask to speak directly to the vet – some receptionists don’t know much about buns. Good luck!

[apanda]

yeah before Truffles’ neuter the receptionist told me to fast him but the vet specifically said to disregard the receptionists if they said anything like that. receptionists are just really used to giving instructions for dogs and cats but you should NEVER fast a rabbit cuz it can shut down their GI track and be fatal. seriously don’t worry about feeding CoCo it will be fine.

[Sarita]

Yes, that is correct – no fasting. I agree with apanda – many receptionists don’t always get instructions correct – do what you know is right and I suggest you bring this up with the vet so they can correct their receptionist. I would not always let the receptionist be a reflection on the vet either but definitely say something to the vet – I’m sure they want to know if you are given incorrect information so they can train or retrain.

[MooBunnay]

That happened to me before as well – a receptionist told me to fast my bunny because she didn’t realize that there was a difference between rabbits and cats and dogs pre-treatment for surgery. I have also heard that the reason you should feed rabbits right up until surgery is that there is no danger of rabbits vomiting like there is for cats and dogs – but I’m not sure if that is the main reason, or if it is the fact that rabbits can get stasis from not eating is the reason.

[Gravehearted]

yikes! yes, I agree with Sarita, that the issue really needs to brought up to the vet since it could be dangerous for other bunny patients. I am glad you knew it didn’t sound right and decided not to follow that advice!

[Deleted User]

The receptionist does not know what she is talking about.

No way … Never fast your bunny prior to any surgery … regardless of what bunny is having done!

Dawn xx

[osprey]

Even vet techs get this wrong sometimes.  When I bring in rescue bunnies for their spays, I always load up their kennel with fresh hay and pellets to encourage them to nibble right up until the time they get taken into surgery.  The last time I took one in I was helped by a different vet tech than the usual woman who helps me.  He was a little surprised by the hay, and made a comment like “Well, we don’t usually like them to eat on the day of the surgery”.  I just told him we always do it this way and left it at that.  I usually do not offer greens the morning of a surgery, just in case it gives them gas or poopy butt.

[babybunsmum]

i’ve run into this confusion before too.  before baby bun’s lumpectomy the vet told me (in her exam beforehand) to put hay in carry case when i bring her in but when the receptionist called the day before with their usual reminder she said no food that morning.  i told her what the vet had said & she seemed surprised.  i knew that rabbits shouldn’t be fasted but i was a little thrown off by the contradiction too.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Yup they are wrong. Bunnies can’t throw up so there is no need for fasting + Stasis is something to be worried about after a surgery so you want them eating before surgery.

[thencamebun]

wow i can’t believe all of the staff in the hospital that sees exotics wouldn’t know this!? all of our vet techs, dr.’s and receptionists know which animals get fasted and which ones don’t. there’s a few exotics species that have food and water all the way up until their surgeries.

[kimberleyanddarren]

yes i have never heard about it either, because rabbits cant vomit like dogs and cats as someone said above so there would be no need. Ring the vet specifically, not the receptionist, and ask him/her, they will tell you the correct answer

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