Ear-tags
and leg rings
Esther
van Praag, Ph.D.
Warning: this file contains
pictures that may be distressing for people
|
Breeders
have the habit of marking their animals with tags or rings. A ring is used
and pushed along the hind limb of a rabbit, when it is still young. In some
countries, it is also permitted to use tags that are “punched” though the ear
of the rabbit. Although these exterior elements indicate that a rabbit
responds to the criteria of the breed, it is recommended to remove the
ear-tag or the leg-ring if the rabbit is kept as a pet. Indeed, rings and
tags can lead to future problems and accidents. Pet rabbits tend to grow
heavier than those of breeders; rings ring around the leg can thus become to narrow and start hinders proper blood circulation and
damages deeper lying skin structures. In rare cases with, the rabbit needs to
be humanely put to sleep due to severe tissue damage and infection.
Ear
tags must also be removed from the ear, as they can tear out the ear when the
rabbit scratches itself or after it gets caught between the bars of a cage.
Treatment
The tags and rings are made of hard aluminum and can only be
removed with a strong pair of pincers, to avoid hurting the skin. It is
recommended to sedate the rabbit lightly and anesthetize the ear locally with
a cream containing lidocaine before removal, to avoid attempts to escape and
avoid pain. The best tool is a flat nipper that cuts sideways, as used in
electro-engineering or in electronics. To avoid further damage to the ear a
thin piece of cardboard (1 mm) is inserted between the ear and the nippers
(see illustration). If the skin is hurt or wounded, it should be disinfected with
povidone-iodine, after which an antiseptic cream should be applied. If a
bacterial infection is present, it might be necessary to administer systemic
antibiotics.
Acknowledgement
Thanks are due to Michel Gruaz Switzerland), for the permission
to use his picture material. |
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