Drug notes

Not a vetted list just topic jumping off points for further research

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 2 mg/ml solution.Oral: 10 mg, 25 mg tablets.

Not analgesic. Should not be used in animals less than 3 months of age or with liver disease.[1]

Acepromazine + butorphanolSedative0.5 mg/kg + 0.5 mg/kg IM, SC (Varga, 2013)Can by mixed in same syringe.

Vasodilatory.

Acetaminophen, ParacetamolParacetamol, Pardale V, PerfalganAnalgesic200-500 mg/kg PO (Ramsey, 2011)

Overdose may cause liver damage.

Acetaminophen-codeineAnalgesic1 ml elixir/100 ml drinking water (Wixson, 1994)AcetylcysteineIlube, ParvolexMucolyticMucolytic: nebulize 50 mg as 2% (dilute with saline) solution over 30-60 min as required (e.g. q6-12 hours) (Meredith, 2015)Otic lavage: 1-2 ml of a 20% solution (Meredith, 2015)

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 200 mg/ml solutionTopical: 5% ophthalmic solution in combination with 0.35% hypromellose ophthalmic drops in 10 ml bottle

Used as a mucolytic in respiratory disease. In rabbits, direct application into ear has been reported as beneficial in cases of secretory otitis media, reducing inflammation and preventing long-term fibrotic changes.[1]

Activated charcoalAntidote0.5-5 g/kg PO (anecdotal) (Meredith, 2015)1-3 g/kg every 4-6 hours as needed PO. Dilute 1 g charcoal/5-10 mL water. (Blackwells, 2011)

Formulations available:[1]Oral: 50 g activated charcoal powder or premixed slurry (200 mg/ml).

Absorbs toxins, fluids, and gases in the GI tract. As a general rule, administer at a dose of at least 10 times the volume of intoxicant ingested.[1]

Activated charcoal flats, covering everything in the area — use carefully as it will stain permanently. May color stools black, which can be alarming to owners. Will reduce efficacy of orally administered drugs.[1]

Adrenaline, EpinephrineAdrenaline, EpinephrineVasopressor, Adrenergic bronchodilatorCardiac resuscitation: 100 µg/kg IV, repeated and/or higher doses (up to 200 µg/kg) may be required at intervals of 2-5 min.

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 0.1-10 mg/ml, equivalent to 1:10,000 to 1:100.

Used for cardiac resuscitation, status asthmaticus and to offset the effects of histamine release in severe anaphylactoid reactions.[1]

Adrenaline is sensitive to light and air; do not use if pink, brown, or contains a precipitate.[1]

AglepristoneAlizinAntiprogestinPregnancytermination: 10 mg/kg on days 6 and 7 post implantation

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 30 mg/ml solution.

Used to terminate pregnancies.

Use with care. Accidental injection may be a hazard to women who are pregnant or intending to become pregnant.[1]

AlbendazoleAntiparasitic20 mg/kg PO daily for 3-14 days (Varga, 2013)20-30 mg/kg once daily; PO for 30 days, then reduce to 15 mg/kg once daily PO for 30 days (Blackwells, 2011)Used treat Encephalitozoon cuniculi.Alphaxalone, AlfaxaloneAlfaxan-CDSedativeUnpremedicated: 1-3 mg/kg IV or 3-6 mg/kg IM (Meredith, 2015)6-9 mg/kg IV or 9 mg/kg IM (Ramsey, 2011)

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 10 mg/ml solution.

Does not contain an antimicrobial preservative, so it is recommended to discard the remainder of an opened bottle after single use within 24 hours.[1]

Alphaxalone-alphadoloneSedative9-12 mg/kg BW IM (Flecknell, 1987)AlfentanilRapifenAnalgesic0.03-0.07 mg/kg IV (Meredith, 2015)

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 0.5 mg/ml solution, available in 2 ml or 10 ml vials; 5 mg/ml solution

A very potent opioid analgesic - 10-20 times more potent than morphine.[1]

Aluminum antacids, Aluminum hydroxideAlucap. With alginate: Acidex, Gastrocote, Gaviscon, Advance, Peptac. With magnesium salt: Asilone, Maalox, Mucogel.Antacid30-60 mg/kg PO q8-12h (Meredith, 2015)

Formulations available:[1]Oral: available as a dried gel. Other products are composite preparations.

Used for management of gastritis and gastric ulceration. Thoroughly mix drug with food to disperse it throughout the GI tract and increase palatability.[1]

AmantadineLysovir, SymmetrelAnalgesic3-5 mg/kg PO q24h (Meredith, 2015)

Formulations available:[1]Oral: 100 mg capsule; 10 mg/ml syrup

Proves analgesia through NMDA antagonist action. Used in animals that are unresponsive to opioids or require chronic pain relief in a home environment. May have a role in the treatment of neuropathic pain in rabbits.[1]

AmikacinAmikacin, AmikinAntibiotic2-10 mg/kg IV/IM/SC q8-12h (Meredith, 2015)2-5 mg/kg SC/IM bid-tid (Varga, 2013)General antibiotic therapy: 2 mg/kg q8h; SC, IM, IV (Blackwells, 2011)

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 50 mg/ml, 250 mg/ml solutions.

Active against many gram-negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Nocardia spp., including some that may be resistant to gentamicin. Streptococci and anaerobes are usually resistant.[1]

Can affect renal function if hydration not maintained.[1]

Oral doses can cause fatal enterotoxaemia in rabbits.[1]

AminopyrineAnalgesic, Anti-inflammatory50 mg/kg BW PO (Jenkins, 1987)Amino acid solutionsDuphalyte, Aminoplasmal, Aminoven, Clinimix, Glamin, Hyperamine, Intrafusin, Kabiven, Kabiven Peripheral, NutriflexNutritional supportAnecdotally, used alone or diluted with LRS at 1:5 ratio and given at a total volume of approx. 100 ml/kg/day. (Meredith, 2015)

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: synthetic crystalline l-amino acid solutions for IV use only. Available in a variety of concentrations.

Amino acid solutions supply essential and non-essential amino acids for protein production. They are used parenterally in patients requiring nutritional support but unable to receive enteral support.[1]

Should not by used for animals with dehydration, hepatic encephalopathy, severe azotaemia, shock, congestive heart failure and electrolyte imbalances.[1]

Amoxicillin, AmoxycillinAmoxinsol, Amoxycare, Amoxypen, Bimoxyl, Clamoxyl, Duphamox, VetremoxAntibiotic7 mg/kg SC q24h (Meredith, 2015)

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 150 mg/ml suspension.

Active against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic organisms and many obligate anaerobes but not against those that produce penicillinases (beta-lactamases), e.g. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus. The more difficult Gram-negative organisms (Pseudomonas, Klebsiella) are usually resistant.[1]

Should only be given by injection. Causes diarrhea after oral administration.[2]

Amphotericin BAbelcet, AmBisome, Amphocil, FungizoneAntifungal1 mg/kg IV q24h (desoxycholate form) or 5 mg/kg SC q24h (liposomal form) (Meredith, 2015)

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 50 mg/vial powder for reconstitution.

Used for management of systemic fungal infections and leishmaniosis.[1]

Given the risk of severe toxicity it is advisable to reserve use for severe/potentially fatal fungal infections only.[1]Should not be used in animals with renal or hepatic failure.[1]

Medication should be kept in the dark, although loss of drug activity is negligible for at least 8 hours in room light. After initial reconstitution, the drug is stable for 1 week if refrigerated and stored in the dark.[1]

AmpicillinAmfipen, Ampipcaps, Ampicare, DuphacillinAntibioticDO NOT USECauses 40 to 100% fatal enteritis, dependent on dosage.[2]

Toxic both orally and parenterally. Bactericidal that is excreted in urine and bile.[3]

AmproliumCoxoidCoccidiostat20 mg/kg PO q24h for 2-4 weeks (Meredith, 2015)0.5 mL/500 mL of drinking water for 10 days of 9.6% solution (Blackwells, 2011)

Formulations available:[1]Oral: 3.84% solution for dilution in water.

Used for coccidiosis in animals.

Limit duration of therapy to 2 weeks. Prolonged high doses can cause thiamine deficiency.[1]

AntipyrineAnalgesic500 mg/kg BW PO (Borchard, et al., 1990)100 mg/kg BW IM/IP/SC (Borchard, et al., 1990)100 mg/kg BW PO (Jenkins, 1987)AspirinAspirin BP and component of many othersAnalgesic100 mg/kg PO q12-24h (Meredith, 2015)100 mg/kg PO q12-24h (Ramsey, 2011)20 mg/kg BW PO sid (equivalent to 600-mg dose in humans) (Marangos, et al., 1994)100 mg/kg BW PO, try q4h (Fleckell, 1991)400 ml/kg BW SC, PO sid (Harkness and Wagner, 1983)

Formulations available:[1]Oral: 75 mg, 300 mg tablets.

Used to control mild to moderate pain and prevent arterial thromboembolism.

Do not give to dehydrated, hypovolaemic or hypotensive paties or those with GI disease. Do not give to pregnant animals or animals less than 6 weeks old.[1]

AtenololAtenolol, TenorminBeta blocker0.5-2 mg/kg PO q24h (Meredith, 2015)

Formulations available:[1]Oral: 24 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg tablets; 5 mg/ml syrup.

Used for cardiac tachyarrhythmias, hyperthyroidism, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, obstructive cardiac disease (severe aortic or pulmonic stenosis) and systemic hypertension.[1]

Should not be used for animals with bradyarrhythmias, acute or decompensated congestive heart failure. Relatively contraindicated in animals with medically controlled congestive heart failure.[1]

AtipamezoleAlzane, Antisedan, Atipam, Revertor, SedastopSedative reversal2.5 times the previous medetomidine dose. (Meredith, 2015)

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 5 mg/ml solution

Reverses the sedative effects of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine.

When medetomidine or dexmedetomidine has been administered at least an hour before, dose of atipamezole can be reduced by half (i.e. half the volume of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine) and repeated if recovery is slow.[1]

AtropineAtrocarePremedication0.04-0.1 mg/kg IM/SC (Meredith, 2015)Organophospate toxicity: 0.05 mg/kg IM (Varga, 2013)Bradycardia: 0.1-0.5 mg/kg; IM, SC (Blackwells, 2011)Organophosphate toxicity: 2-10 mg/kg q20min as necessary; IM, SC (Blackwells, 2011)Mydriasis: 1% atropine ophthalmic drops to dilate eyes in albino animals (Blackwells, 2011)

Formulations available:[1]Injectable: 0.6 mg/ml.Ophthalmic: 0.5%, 1% solution in single-use vials; 5 ml bottle; 1% ointment.

Used to prevent or correct bradycardia and bradyarrhythmias, to dilate pupiles, to manage organophosphate and carbamate toxicities, and in conjunction with anticholinesterase drugs during antagonism of neuromuscular block.[1]

40% rabbits produce atropine esterase that metabolizes atropine.[3]Endogenous atropinase levels may make repeat injections q10–15min necessary.[1]

The solution does not contain any antimicrobial preservative, so any remaining solution in vial should be discarded after use. The solution should be protected from light.[1]

Atropine should not be used in animals with glaucoma, lens luxation, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.[1]

Atropine + phenylephrine

Herbs

Herbs and their role for your disabled rabbit.

Herbs are very healthy for rabbits and provide them with many natural benefits due to their healthy vitamin and nutrient makeup. Like with humans, they are also thought to provide remedies for some (minor) everyday rabbit ailments. When it comes to disabled rabbits, we need to be sure to provide them with a range of healthy plants for a variety of different vitamins and minerals to keep their bodies and immune systems as healthy as possible. As herbs rank among the top of healthy greens, it is great to add a type or two to your rabbit's daily veggie meal. Herbs are best fresh when available, but dried herbs may be used when an herb is out of season or if you would like a longer shelf life. A great option for dried herbs is to sprinkle some dried herbs on freshly washed vegetables (I do this with Romaine lettuce). The water will help to rehydrate the herbs and help them stick to the vegetables so that your rabbit can eat them. Use herbs on occasion in small amounts and be sure to introduce slowly to prevent any digestive upset.

• Please note that herbs should not be used as a replacement for proper veterinary care. If you suspect that your rabbit may be ill, please contact your veterinarian.



Rabbit-Safe Herbs. Not vetted notes list

There are a number of different herbs to choose from, each with its own taste and texture.

BASIL - itching, inflammation, nervousness

BIRCH LEAF - pain relief, anti-inflammatory

BLACKBERRY LEAF - diarrhea, stimulates appetite

CHAMOMILE - pain relief, calming

CILANTRO (CORIANDER)

COLTSFOOT - high fiber

COMFREY LEAF- aids digestion, good for molting, healing, stress

DANDELION - high fiber, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, constipation, aids digestion, prevent osteoporosis

DILL

ECHINACEA - boosts immune system and digestive health, anti-inflammatory

FENNEL - bloating and gas

LAVENDER - circulation problems, gas, nervousness, stress, analgesic

LEMON BALM - bloating and gas, diarrhea, stress

MARIGOLD FLOWERS - healing, skin health, digestion

MARJORAM - digestion, calming

MINT LEAF - firms loose stool, digestion, flatulence

NETTLES - digestion, urinary tract

OREGANO

PARSLEY - urinary tract, enriches the blood, roots are used for constipation and obstruction of the intestines

PEPPERMINT LEAF - digestion, flatulence

PLANTAIN LEAF - digestion, urinary tract infections

RASPBERRY LEAF - diarrhea, digestion

ROSEMARY LEAF - weakness, circulation, nervousness, indigestion, low blood pressure

SORREL - very cooling and soothing

STRAWBERRY LEAF - antiseptic, cooling, rich in iron

THYME LEAF - diarrhea, digestive upset

• • Be sure to avoid chives and other herbs that are a member of the onion family

Herbs We Use Often

When we found out that there were so many herbs out there that we could use, all of which had great but different natural benefits for our disabled rabbit, we got a bit overwhelmed. We found ourselves at the store, stuck in front of vegetable and herb sections just wondering which to get. So, we thought we would share what we use most often in the hopes that it will help you choose.

Basil



Easy to grow indoors and widely available in the summer, this is a great easy herb to add to our rabbits' diets. Our rabbits love the fragrant sweet smell and strong taste. Pinch off the leaves, rinse lightly and feed. It can handle storage in the refrigerator for a few days.

Cilantro



Cilantro is easily accessible in stores year round and makes for the bulk of our rabbits' daily green diet. It is their favorite by far with it's citrusy smell and taste. They can eat the leaves and stems after a good rinse. Fresh is best as it does not handle storage very well.

Dandelion Greens



These greens are harder to find in stores, but are very healthy and a great add to our rabbits' diets. It has a peppery sort of smell and taste that they like, plus it helps keeps their digestion running smoothly. Just cut off the very bottom of the stems and give the greens a good rinse. They are hardy in storage.

Dill



Fairly accessible and easy to grow, this pungent pickly herb is a good supplement that we add occasionally to our rabbits' diets. We find they are a bit pickier with this one, but it is easy to feed and holds up relatively well in the refrigerator for storage.

Mint



Mint is a staple herb at the grocery store and can also be fed dried sprinkled on some wet romaine lettuce. It has a beautiful minty smell and the rabbits love the taste. We use it for our disabled rabbit often to manage loose stool and any digestive tract blockage and she does great on it. Pinch off the leaves, rinse lightly and feed. Leave the leaves on the stem for better storage in the refrigerator.

Parsley



Both flat-leafed and curled parsley are easily accessible in stores year round and make for a good portion of our rabbits' daily green diet. We find that our rabbits like the flat-leafed better because the taste is somewhat stronger. Overall, parsley has a "grassy" smell and taste that they enjoy. It seems to be a rich green that is very healthy for them. They can eat the leaves and stems after a good rinse. Fresh is best as it does not handle storage very well.