In rabbits, what can be assessed to monitor circulatory health?

Monitoring circulatory health in rabbits can effectively be assessed by evaluating capillary refill time (CRT). CRT is an important indicator of peripheral perfusion and circulatory status. It provides insight into how well blood is circulating through the small vessels and is determined by pressing on the gums or other mucous membranes until they blanch, then timing how long it takes for the color to return once pressure is released. A prolonged CRT can indicate poor circulation, dehydration, or shock, making it a critical parameter for assessing cardiovascular function in rabbits.

While heart rate is also a useful measurement, it primarily reflects cardiac activity rather than overall circulatory health, which can be influenced by other factors such as stress or excitement in rabbits. Body temperature is important for assessing metabolic function, and respiratory rate is essential for evaluating respiratory health, but neither directly measures circulatory efficiency in the same way that CRT does. Therefore, CRT is the most reliable option for specifically monitoring circulatory health in rabbits.