Barriers to veterinary nurse confidence in rabbit anaesthesia

Studies have identified higher mortality and morbidity rates among rabbits under anaesthesia compared with cats and dogs. Rabbits are increasing in popularity as pets, so it is important that veterinary nurses feel confident when anaesthetising these animals in practice. This cross-sectional study surveyed 284 qualified RVNs working in the UK in 2019, to identify the proportion of RVNs who lacked confidence in rabbit anaesthesia, highlight the reasons why, and elicit suggestions for changes to improve their confidence. The data obtained included the number of years qualified, training route, and confidence level in anaesthesia of cats, dogs and rabbits, along with other demographic data and relevant information about rabbit anaesthesia. The results highlighted that confidence in rabbit anaesthesia was generally lower than for anaesthesia of cats or dogs. RVNs who trained through vocational training had greater confidence than those who trained through higher education, and 63.17% of respondents suggested that more education about rabbit anaesthesia during initial training would increase confidence. Confidence in rabbit anaesthesia was reduced by a lack of experience in practice and negative opinions or stigma about rabbits. Moreover, RVNs who lacked confidence in airway management and emergency protocols in rabbits had significantly lower overall confidence in rabbit anaesthesia. These findings suggest that educators could improve initial training about rabbit anaesthesia, especially in higher education. Students may need more hands on experience with rabbits during their training, and more relevant continuing professional development courses could be made available.