Which species should not be routinely fasted prior to surgery due to their lack of a vomiting reflex?

The correct choice is based on the understanding that certain species lack the physiological capability to vomit, which influences pre-operative fasting protocols. In particular, rodents and rabbits do not possess a vomiting reflex; therefore, it is generally not necessary or advisable to fast them prior to surgery. This is critical because fasting can lead to increased stress and may complicate the animal's condition during recovery.

In contrast, there are species such as dogs and cats that do have the ability to vomit, which is why they are often fasted prior to surgical procedures to reduce the risk of aspiration. For ferrets and guinea pigs, while it’s important to manage their fasting times carefully due to specific anatomical and physiological traits, fasting is sometimes practiced depending on the context of the procedure. Birds and reptiles also have unique responses to fasting, but the lack of a vomiting reflex is particularly significant in rodents and rabbits, which is why they are a focus in this case.