This webinar will provide a six step framework for responding when an adverse event or medical error occurs in your practice.

The Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Small Animal Fatalities (Brodbelt 2008) has shown how general anaesthesia in rabbits carries a higher risk of mortality compared to cats and dogs. The morbidity rate was determined as 1 in 72. This alarming finding may be explained by peculiar anatomic, physiologic and behavioral characteristics of rabbits, but also by the relative lack of familiarity and experience of veterinary surgeons when dealing with this species. This webinar highlights the most common complications during the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative period in pet rabbits. The approach to rabbit anaesthesia should aim to improve safety when treating these patients. Simple things such as appropriate housing, minimal stress when handling, preoxygenation before anaesthesia induction, intravenous access, choice of the correct equipment, of appropriate drugs and provision of adequate analgesia can make a huge difference in the patient care provided.

As rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and rats become increasingly popular pets with close bonds to their owners, these animals are more likely to present to veterinary clinics for routine and urgent care. Collectively known as Exotic Companion Mammals (ECM), the unique anatomy...