Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Conclusions
RVNs in the UK feel less confident performing anaesthesia in rabbits than they do in cats or dogs . The lack of education about rabbit anaesthesia during initial training was undoubtedly a major barrier to confidence , as over 70 % of RVNs felt they did not have sufficient education about rabbit anaesthesia , and their confidence in rabbit anaesthesia was significantly lower compared with those who felt they did have sufficient education on the topic .
There was an association between training route and confidence levels , with RVNs training through VT being more confident than those who qualified via HE .
By implementing the changes identified – such as improved initial training and CPD focusing on induction and maintenance techniques , airway management and emergency protocols – RVNs ' confidence can be improved , stigma around rabbits reduced in practice , and rabbit mortality and morbidity under anaesthesia could potentially be reduced .
Further studies should assess the curriculum differences between VT and HE that lead to higher confidence levels in VT-trained RVNs compared with those qualifying via HE , to enable changes to be made by universities to improve SVNs ' confidence .
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