Temp with Snuffles?

[Heritage Homestead]

Question... Would a rabbit have a temperature with snuffles? I don't think my buck has it, but I'm just not sure what it is and thought this might be a way to rule that out.
Thanks!

 

[Lastfling]

Dumb me, maybe, but how would you take a rabbits temp?

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Dumb me, maybe, but how would you take a rabbits temp?

Rectally. Make sure to lubricate the tip of the thermometer, and insert gently and only about 1/2".

 

[Lastfling]

I figured as much, but with the way mine kick that would be an interesting endeavor!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Haha! Good point!

But usually an ill animal doesn't have the energy to fight much- I'd say if they feel good enough to kick the heck out of you, they probably aren't that sick! Maybe that's the way- approach with thermometer, if you come away bloody, the rabbit is fine... :?

 

[MaggieJ]

Our vet uses an ear thermometers for Marilla's check-up. Would that work with a rabbit?

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Probably- but they were pretty pricey last I looked, compared to a few dollars for the old fashioned rectal kind. Plus they use little replaceable sleeves for the tip- so constant reinvestment.

I wonder if they are designed to make a seal in the ear canal to get an accurate internal reading? In which case they would need to be species specific.

 

[Frosted Rabbits]

the ear thermometers depend on the holder being able to 'direct' the opening at the ear drum. Now, if one had it pointed at the wall of the ear canal, one may be able to get accurate/consistent readings as long as the area was deep enough within the canal.
the plastic sleeves are a sanitation issue for using the same instrument on multiple patients on the course of a day. If you had one of them, and only used it every now and then, wiped it off with alcohol after each use, there should be no issue with sanitation.