From the files of Bernice Watkin & Mickie Moir as presented on Rabbit Courses at KCAT

Injuries and other maladies of rabbits will respond to care more effectively if the care is immediate rather than delayed for hours or even days. If medicants are handy and readily available, the owners are much more likely to treat the animal in a timely manner.

Some of the items that should be found in the first aid box of a rabbitry may vary from area to area; but basically whether the rabbit is small or very large, some items should be available at all times:

Antiseptic Soap - This should be available to thoroughly cleanse the hands prior to working with sick and/or infected animals and right after conclusion of the event.

Cotton Swabs & Cotton Tip

Applicators - An abundant supply of these items is necessary to assist in cleansing wounds and the application of medicine.

Antiseptic - Proviodine (tame iodine) is recommended to treat wounds with a minimum of stinging and for maximum effect. This solution should be wiped over the entire abscess area before lancing. Abscesses are bound to develop in all rabbitries sooner or later. They should be opened only when they develop a soft spot.

After the abscess has been opened and all infected material exuded, the area should be covered with antibiotic cream for three to five days.

Surgical Scissors and Forceps - These items are necessary to clip away the fur from an infected area and to remove any fur or foreign material from any wounded area or materials from the eye, etc.

Toenail Trimmers - These should be available to trim nails periodically so animals will not injure the foot by tearing long toenails.

Antibiotic Cream or Ointment - Recommended generic product is Polytopic. It can be obtained at most drug stores and can be used to treat injuries to the skin initially. The fur should be trimmed from the wound site and the area cleansed with antiseptic. This should be done daily until a healthy scab is formed.

Udder Balm or Thuja Ointment -

This is a healing ointment that can be applied to wounds following the application of antibiotic cream and to keep the wound area soft.

Mineral Oil - Use it to clean and lubricate ears to clear ear mites.

Opthalmic Ointment - Recommended generic product is Polycidin, may be used for clearing infections in both eyes and ears. It should be applied daily until the symptoms withdraw.

Rolled Oats and Other Roughage -

An ample supply of these materials should be available to supplement a normal diet where there is an incidence of non-specific diarrhea. These fibrous feeds will facilitate soothing the intestinal tract and aid in controlling the loss of body fat.

Electrolyte Powder - This can be added to the drinking water in times of stress. Example: Changing of weather, shipping.

Disposable Lance - (disposable scalpel blades) These are very convenient and can be used to open abscesses that develop and will be convenient that the lances will not need sterilization.

Javel Water - Use in a 10% solution to disinfect kindle boxes before reuse, also used to disinfect cages, etc. to ensure bacteria is eliminated.

Editor's Note: This list was revised to reflect recent advances in medicine.