Auricular or marginal ear veins are located along the edge of the ears. That’s where an intravenous catheter goes in. The big vessel in the middle of the ear is the auricular or central artery; don’t go in there (unless you are placing a catheter for direct blood pressure monitoring).
Some references will mention ears sloughing off post catheterisation. I believe this occurs when the artery (instead of the vein) has been catheterised.
Rabbit ears are very sensitive and some rabbits will not eat or just be generally cranky if their catheter or bandage are uncomfortable! It is important that the catheter, dressing and bandage are comfortable and light.
Use tegaderm over the catheter, and transpore tape to hold the T port in place, followed by vetwrap to cover.
Don’t use white tape, don’t fold the ear on itself, don’t make the bandage heavy and make sure there are no tight spots to annoy the bunny.
Image courtesy of Megan Walmsley RVN
