Rabbits are prey animals, so they instinctively hide their pain. In nature, prey animals in pain quickly get caught and devoured by predators. If your bunny is sick, he's likely to become extremely quiet rather than display obvious pain symptoms. Your veterinarian can choose from various medications with analgesic or anti-inflammatory properties to safely treat rabbit pain. In addition to medication, a veterinary acupuncturist might provide relief from arthritis pain or other chronic conditions.
Rabbit Pain Control
If your bunny is in pain, your veterinarian will prescribe pain relief medications based on her diagnosis of your pet's ailment. She might prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for chronic pain relief. Although you might take NSAIDs for your own pain control, which include over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, never give human drugs to your bunny. If your rabbit undergoes surgery, your vet will give an opioid drug by injection or intravenously prior to the operation. For minor procedures, your vet will numb the area with a local anesthetic.
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Writer Bio
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.
