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New study sheds light on rabbit handling
If future research identifies more appropriate handling methods, researchers said this information must be consistent and available across a wide range of media.
Further research needed to determine rabbits’ experiences 

A new survey suggests the most popular method of rabbit handling is supporting the animal’s body against the chest, while ‘scruffing’ with rear support is the least popular.

Researchers carried out an online survey of pet owners, breeders, veterinary staff and laboratory personnel, who were shown photographs of five different handling methods.

Out of 2,644 respondents, 86.2 per cent said they had used method B (supporting rabbits against the chest); compared to method E (scruffing), which was used by 15.3 per cent.

Other methods studied were:
  • Method A - Rabbit supported with both arms (63.6 per cent)
  • Method C - One hand under the chest, the other hand under the bottom, held slightly away from the handler’s chest (53.6 per cent)
  • Method D - Rabbit on its back, which can induce tonic immobility (59.9 per cent). However, 71 per cent of participants felt this would be a negative experience for the rabbit. It was mainly used for health checks, grooming or administering medication.

Methods A and E were more commonly used by those with laboratory experience, but E was the least frequently used in all other contexts. Method B was more popular with pet owners and in all other work contexts.

Meanwhile, Methods D and E appeared to prompt a negative emotional response, with 11 participants calling method D ‘wrong’, ‘cruel’, ‘dangerous’ or ‘dreadful’. Likewise, 80 people said method E was ‘cruel’, ‘distressing’, ‘disgraceful’, ‘horrible’, ‘painful’, or ‘uncaring’. Participants were also seven times more likely to say “I was told never to do that”, in response to photos D and E.

Methods A and C were viewed as being the most unfamiliar or difficult to use, but there were fewer welfare concerns about A and B, compared to C, D and E.

The research team, writing in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, encouraged further research to explore rabbits’ experiences during handling, to identify methods that are easy to use, with the fewest welfare compromises.

However, if future research identifies more appropriate handling methods, researchers said this information must be disseminated in a way that will reach handlers. It must also be consistent and available across a wide range of media in order to have a significant impact on handling and, therefore, rabbit welfare.

 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.