How to Find a Bunny Rabbit Vet

Finding a vet for your beloved bunny is not as easy as finding one for your cat or dog. Rabbits are exotic pets and not all vets are trained in rabbit medicine. Finding a qualified rabbit veterinarian may seem like a lot of work, but your pet's life depends on it! This article will explain how to find a qualified rabbit vet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phonebook
• List of questions below

1. 
    
   Fuzz Head in Ecuador

   FIND A VET BEFORE THERE IS AN EMERGENCY!
   Rabbit emergencies are life-threatening. You do not want to waste precious time searching for a qualified vet when your rabbit is sick!

2. CHECK WITH THE HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY
   First, look at the House Rabbit Society's web page (www.rabbit.org) since there may be a recommended rabbit vet in your area.

3. 
    
   Baby Fuzz

   FIND A VET IN YOUR AREA
   If there is not a recommended rabbit vet within 40 or 50 miles of your house, you will need to find one or two (it is a good idea to have a "backup rabbit vet" incase your primary vet is out sick).
   
   Go to the vet section of the yellow pages or go to www.vet.net and get 5 to 10 phone numbers of vet's who DO NOT advertise "exotic" animals.
   
   Call these vets and ask who they refer clients to for serious rabbit emergencies. Choose the vet who is most recommended and call them. Ask to speak with the vet directly. Tell the receptionist you are very concerned about finding an experienced rabbit vet and arrange a time to speak with the vet.

4. 
    
   Fuzz in picnic basket. No, rabbit is not on the menu!

   QUESTIONS FOR YOUR VET
   
   1) Question: How many rabbits does the vet see each week?
   Answer: An experienced rabbit vet should see at least 15 per week.
   
   2) Question: What is your surgery survival rate for rabbits spayed or
   neutered?
   Answer: Should be around 98-99.5% Anything lower and you need
   to find another vet!!
   
   3) Question: Should rabbits fast before surgery?
   Answer: No! Rabbits should never fast, this is dangerous for them.
   
   4) Question: Which antibiotics are safe for rabbits? Is it given orally
   or injected?
   Answer: Many antibiotics can kill your bunny! Write down the name
   and look up the drug when you get home to make sure it is safe for
   rabbits. Also, read my article on rabbits and antibiotics.
   
   5) Question: What is the best way to prevent hairballs?
   Answer: Provide hay 24 hours/day and brush your rabbit often,
   especially when shedding.
   
   6) Question: Will your rabbit be kept away from loud noises (e.g.
   meowing cats and barking dogs)?
   Answer: Rabbits should be kept in quiet rooms to reduce stress.
   
   7) Question: If the rabbit needs surgery do you keep him or her
   overnight? If so, is there 24 hour care?
   Answer: Your rabbit should not be left alone after surgery.
   Find a vet who has someone staying overnight with your pet.
   Or ask if you can take your bunny home and bring him back in
   the morning. Make sure you can call your vet in the middle of
   the night if necessary.
   
   8) Question: What flea products are safe for rabbits?
   Answer: Advantage and Program are safe. Frontline is not.
   
   If your vet can answer all of these questions correctly, you have a good rabbit vet.

5. 
    
   Fuzz with children in Peru

   Finally, ask about fees. Ask about payment programs if you cannot afford the fees outright. Make an appointment for a check-up, rabbits should have at least one annually. Also, this will ensure that your rabbit's information is on file with the vet before an emergency.
   
   I know this seems like a lot of work, but it is very important for your rabbit's safety. You love your bunny, do everything you can to keep him or her for a long happy life!

Tips & Warnings

• Just because a vet sees 15+ rabbits per week does not guarantee her or she is a good rabbit vet. You need ask more questions!

[acole]

on 7/21/2008 Good article.