A 24 gauge catheter can be placed in most small rabbits, and 22 gauge catheters can easily be placed when rabbits weigh over 3kg. The ear site needs to be stabilised by taping a roll of gauze along the inner ear surface and wrapping and taping the pinna around the roll. Taping both ears together adds extra stabilisation. Butterfly catheters may be necessary if the rabbit is hypotensive and the cephalic or medial saphenous veins are reliable sites. When intravenous catheterisation has failed or the veins are too small, fragile or hypotensive to place an IV catheter, then an intraosseous catheter is extremely beneficial.
Aseptic technique is essential to avoid potential but rare osteomyelitis.
Crystalloids are used most often because they are physiological and inexpensive. Colloids are considered when crystalloids are not effective at restoring blood pressure or if the rabbit is hypoproteinemic. Infusion pumps help maintain an accurate flow rate. Use a burette type of apparatus to avoid potential overhydration. Small rabbits with small volume fluid requirements may require a low flow infusion pump.