Hopping Ahead: Advanced Care for Rabbits in Practice
This advanced CPD day is designed for veterinary professionals who want to build confidence and deepen their understanding of rabbit medicine. Covering a range of complex and commonly encountered conditions, the course focuses on practical clinical decision-making, diagnostic interpretation, and long-term case management. Through a series of structured, clinically relevant lectures, delegates will develop the skills needed to approach challenging rabbit cases with greater precision and confidence in first opinion practice.
Course Agenda
09:00–09:05
Delegates log on to the Zoom platform
09:05–10:05
Clinical Pathology and Diagnostic Sampling in Rabbits
This session provides a clinically focused overview of diagnostic sampling in rabbits, including practical techniques for blood, urine, and faecal collection, alongside guidance on sample handling and processing. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of haematology and biochemistry, recognising species-specific variations, and avoiding common diagnostic pitfalls.
10:05–10:15
Q and A
10:15–11:15
Veterinary Care of Geriatric Rabbits
This lecture explores the complexities of managing the ageing rabbit, with a focus on chronic disease, multimorbidity, and quality of life. Practical approaches to analgesia, ongoing monitoring, and client communication are discussed, alongside strategies for adapting husbandry to support geriatric patients.
11:15–11:30
Morning Break
11:30–12:30
The Approach to Gut Stasis
This session delivers a structured approach to gastrointestinal stasis, examining its multifactorial causes, diagnostic approach, and evidence-based treatment strategies. Key areas include early recognition, appropriate use of imaging, fluid therapy, analgesia, and nutritional support.
12:30–13:15
Lunch Break
13:15–14:15
The Approach to Ocular and Auricular Disease
This lecture provides an overview of common eye and ear conditions in rabbits, including dacryocystitis, retrobulbar disease, and otitis. It focuses on diagnostic pathways, including imaging and tear duct assessment, alongside practical medical and surgical management strategies.
14:15–14:25
Q and A
14:25–15:25
The Approach to Encephalitozoon cuniculi
This session examines the challenges associated with E. cuniculi, including clinical presentation, diagnostic limitations, and interpretation of serology. It emphasises a rational, evidence-based approach to treatment, long-term management, and client communication.
15:25–15:40
Afternoon Break
15:40–16:40
The Approach to Respiratory Disease in Rabbits
This lecture provides a structured approach to respiratory disease, covering upper and lower airway pathology, differential diagnoses, and diagnostic imaging. Practical management strategies, including nebulisation, oxygen therapy, and long-term care of chronic cases, are discussed.
16:40–17:00
Q and A and Closing Discussion
