Pain in rabbits: a review for veterinary nurses part 2: management of pain in hospital

Pain management involves considering pain, recognising pain, and managing pain. Part 1 looked at assessment and recognition of pain. This discussed the physiological and behavioural signs that can indicate pain in rabbits. Part 2 (this article) will look at managing pain in the hospitalised rabbit. Analgesic options are discussed to cover all aspects of the pain pathway. Dose ranges for constant rate infusions are available. Local anaesthesia and analgesia techniques are discussed. Part 3 (next article) will look at managing the chronic pain rabbit at home.