ABSTRACT
Rabbits are obligate nasal breathers with extremely sensitive nasal mucosa and may therefore strongly resent tube placement. In these cases sedation or general anaesthesia may be necessary. In non-fractious or moribund cases, use a local anaesthetic gel to lubricate a 5-8 FG radiopaque feeding tube or apply local anaesthetic drops to the nostrils. Measure with the nasogastric tube from the nares to the caudal end of the sternum. Elevate the head and insert the tube into the ventral nasal meatus, aiming ventrally and medially. Flexion of the head when the tube is at the level of the larynx will help ensure that it passes down the proximal oesophagus rather than the trachea. Rabbits do not always cough if the tube is placed in the trachea; therefore, the placement of the tube should be checked radiographically. Attach tape with butterfly wings to the tube and glue it to the fur on the head or, alternatively, suture the tube in place. An Elizabethan collar may be required in some animals. Care should be taken to flush the tube after each feed with water and, because the tube can easily become blocked, only dilute syringe feeding formulas should be used. The nasogastric tube may be left in place for several days, until the animal starts to eat on its own. Once recovered the rabbit will eat despite the tube being in situ.
