Rabbits and Rodents

with Dr David Vella

Next session: 2 July to 29 July 2012
Cost: Members $425.00 | Non members $455.00 (GST incl. if enrolling within Australia)

  • If you have participated in a TimeOnline course or event in the previous 12 months you are eligible for a 10% discount on another TimeOnline course. Please download the information brochure (pdf) and complete a manual enrolment to enrol this way.

Pet rabbits and rodents are presenting to veterinary practitioners in ever increasing numbers. As the numbers climb, so too does the general public's expectation on veterinarians to provide these unique species with excellent veterinary care. The pet rabbit and rodent patient can provide unique challenges that set them apart from the more common canine and feline medicine disciplines.

This course aims to provide the practitioner with a general overview of rabbit, guinea pig, rat and mouse veterinary medicine. Beginning with the basics in rabbit and rodent biology, the course will then explore clinical anatomy and physiology relevant to recommendations on husbandry, nutrition and preventative health. Further clinical information will be detailed encompassing handling, restraint, physical examination, clinical techniques, diagnostics, therapeutics and general anaesthesia. A summary of common problems in rabbit and rodent health will be highlighted.

Upon completion of this course, participants should feel more confident in approaching pet rabbit and rodent patients and be able to formulate a measured diagnostic and therapeutic methodology to their common problems.

Course content

Modules

The course is designed to take approximately ten (10) hours to complete; however you can complete the units more quickly if you wish.

Unit 1 Rabbit and Rodent Natural History and Biology
Unit 2 Clinical Anatomy and Physiology
Unit 3 Husbandry
Unit 4 Nutrition and Preventative Health
Unit 5 Handling, Restraint and Physical Examination
Unit 6 Clinical Techniques
Unit 7 Rabbit Radiology and Radiography
Unit 8 Therapeutics
Unit 9 Anaesthesia
Unit 10 Common Problems

Each unit will take the participant through a general overview of the topic. Particular clinical characteristics of each particular species will be highlighted throughout each topic. Case studies will be presented throughout the course. Images, radiographs and videos will also supplement the material. Short quizzes will also feature within the course.

Unit 1 Rabbit and Rodent Natural History and Biology

This unit will provide an introduction to rabbit and rodent natural history and biology. Firstly, a brief outline of the natural history of these species will be reviewed. The major biological characteristics of rabbits and rodents will then be addressed and compared, including taxonomy, breeds, reproduction and vital statistics.

Unit 2 Clinical Anatomy and Physiology

An understanding of normal anatomy and physiology is the backbone of species specific veterinary medicine. This unit will cover the some of the anatomy and physiology of rabbits and rodents clinically pertinent to the veterinary practitioner.

Unit 3 Husbandry

Appreciating and providing adequate husbandry is essential in promoting good animal health, this is especially so with pet rabbits and rodents. The captive requirements of these species are distinct and well studied (utilising information from the laboratory setting). Husbandry requirements will be examined closely.

Unit 4 Nutrition and Preventative Health

Like husbandry, correct nutrition is vital to promoting good health. Many disease states seen in pet rabbits and rodents are thought to have a strong link to inappropriate diets. This unit will address nutritional recommendations as well as other preventative health principles.

Unit 5 Handling, Restraint and Physical Examination

Being confident with the handling of patients is important in terms of animal welfare, public relations and safety aspects. Handling and restraint techniques are probably best learned by doing, though some guidelines will be offered. Physical examination methods will then be explored.

Unit 6 Clinical Techniques

Some of the clinical techniques applicable to rabbits and rodents will be explored, including blood, urine and other sample collection, medication delivery, nutritional and environmental support.

Unit 7 Rabbit Radiography and Radiology

Basic radiographic techniques of rabbits will be introduced. The radiology of rabbit soft tissue and skull will then be explored.

Unit 8 Therapeutics

Therapeutics relevant to these species will be explored. Important medical contraindications will be highlighted. Fluid therapy will also be addressed.

Unit 9 Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia in these species can present unique challenges. Important principles and species specific anatomical and physiological traits will be emphasised in relation to providing balanced anaesthesia.

Unit 10 Common Problems

It is important to be able to diagnose and treat the more common problems seen with these species. Some of the more common ailments such as ectoparasites, dental disease and respiratory infection will be discussed.

Tutor

David Vella

Enrolment, information, enquiries