Taking tempurature – a few questions

[FluffyBunny]

I’ve been reading up about how important it is to know how to take a bunny’s tempurature when they’re sick. I’ve been working on a better “emergency supply bag” for them anyway, so I’d like to get them a thermometer. I have a few questions, though:

1. The way I understand it, you take a bunny’s tempurature by coating a thermometer’s tip with petroleum jelly and then inserting it into the anus for about a minute. Is this correct? (A vet tech showed me this method with Mr. Bunny. I just wanted to make sure that this is the best way.)

2. What’s the best type of thermometer for taking a bunny’s tempurature? (Some links would be great.)

[Sarita]

That’s what I understand as well – I have never checked temperatures and wish I knew how. Why don’t you call your vet’s office and ask the vet tech what they use? That’s what I would do.

[Monkeybun]

digital thermometers are great for that kind of thing. Just make sure you keep it separate from ones you use

[FluffyBunny]

Thanks for your help.

I bought a cheap 60-second digital thermometer today. I tried taking Ms. Rabbit’s temperature first, since she’s very easy to handle. It was much easier than I thought it would be – the whole process took less than two minutes! Her temperature was 100.6. She had just been sleeping in a cold room, though, so her temperature is probably normally a lot higher.

[KatnipCrzy]

FB- sounds like you have it figured out.  Just be sure to wipe down the end of the thermometer with a cotton ball/alcohol before storing to clean it. 

I wrote on my pet thermometer “PET” with a Sharpie marker.  With a bunny you don’t want to insert very far- and some thermometers are actually flexable (though plastic) and that can be helpful- as if the bunny starts to struggle- I would recommend removing the thermometer as you would not want to cause any accidental damage (possible not likely).

I would say for taking a bunny temp- you use petroleum jelly and insert the thermometer past the metal tip.  I like digital as then you know when it is done and the results are clear. 

Good job for doing it successfully- I know it can be very daunting.  I am so used to doing gross stuff- that I have had hubby, friends, and barn friends either look at me weird or am glad I am there to do the “dirty work”.

 

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