Why is food not withheld from rodents and rabbits before surgery?

Why is food not withheld from rodents and rabbits before surgery?

• A. They need to eat at regular times to prevent malnutrition.
• B. They only eat a few times a day.
• C. They do not vomit.
• D. They have a high metabolism.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that these animals don’t have a vomiting reflex. Because they cannot vomit, there is little risk of regurgitation or aspiration during anesthesia, so withholding food before surgery isn’t beneficial. In fact, fasting can be harmful for rodents and rabbits, which have small energy reserves and a fast metabolism; it can lead to hypoglycemia, dehydration, and GI disturbances—especially in rabbits, where gut motility can be sensitive. So feeding is not routinely withheld prior to procedures in these species.

The key idea is that these animals don’t have a vomiting reflex. Because they cannot vomit, there is little risk of regurgitation or aspiration during anesthesia, so withholding food before surgery isn’t beneficial. In fact, fasting can be harmful for rodents and rabbits, which have small energy reserves and a fast metabolism; it can lead to hypoglycemia, dehydration, and GI disturbances—especially in rabbits, where gut motility can be sensitive. So feeding is not routinely withheld prior to procedures in these species.