Changes

==Surgical Principles==

==Surgical Principles==

===Pre-operative preparation===

===Pre-operative Preparation===

A thorough '''pre-operative examination''' is required, and may bring to light problems which means surgery has to be delayed.

A thorough '''pre-operative examination''' is required, and may bring to light problems which means surgery has to be delayed.

Rabbits are prone to developing '''respiratory distress''' at ambient temperatures above 25°c.

Rabbits are prone to developing '''respiratory distress''' at ambient temperatures above 25°c.

===Surgical technique===

===Surgical Technique===

'''Haemostasis''' is very important in small mammals, as the loss of small volumes of blood is much more significant for them than in cats and dogs.  

'''Haemostasis''' is very important in small mammals, as the loss of small volumes of blood is much more significant for them than in cats and dogs.  

Rabbits readily develop '''caseous suppurative responses''' to foreign bodies and suture material like catgut. Polyglycolic acid sutures cause the least reaction. The '''size''' of the suture material is also important, and fine instruments and material should be used.

Rabbits readily develop '''caseous suppurative responses''' to foreign bodies and suture material like catgut. Polyglycolic acid sutures cause the least reaction. The '''size''' of the suture material is also important, and fine instruments and material should be used.

Rabbits and rodents are very likely to '''groom skin sutures''' out if left above the surface of the skin. Subcuticular suture patterns and a buried knot, such as the '''Aberdeen knot''', are recommended.

Rabbits and rodents are very likely to '''groom skin sutures out''' if left above the surface of the skin. Subcuticular suture patterns and a buried knot, such as the '''Aberdeen knot''', are recommended.

'''Tissue glue''' can be used in some cases, such as rodent castration.

'''Tissue glue''' can be used in some cases, such as rodent castration.