The veterinary nurse's role in recognition and management of pain in rabbits

Rabbits have always been a popular companion animal. Due to increased levels of client knowledge, veterinary practices are expected to give species specific care both medically and surgically, but how can veterinary practices really improve this care to ensure that it is gold standard every time? Primarily it is the veterinary nurses (VNs) who provide the medical, environmental and client care. Failure to identify stress or pain in rabbits could have potentially fatal consequences. Initially this article will explore a definition of pain and why rabbits are so difficult to assess. A review of literary evidence will discuss in what areas practices can ensure species-specific care and recommended analgesia protocols, concluding with how VNs can be at the forefront of improving both practice and client education.

Pain is both an individual and a subjective experience. An accurate assessment of pain is crucial to relieve animal suffering as part of our veterinary oath. Pain can be acute and chronic. Acute pain will normally incite a demeanour/postural change in the patient that is recognisable and usually responds well to analgesia. Chronic pain can be harder to recognise and treat as there may not be an obvious cause and the patient may have adapted their physiological response (Stasiak and Hellyer, 2003).