The Importance of a Rabbit Savvy Vet

Rabbits require an annual exam, which will help detect problems early. Yearly blood work is always recommended to catch problems in their early stages, and to have a baseline to look back on when there are problems. Senior buns can benefit from a bi-annual exam.

Why

Not all vets treat rabbits. Unfortunately, there is often minimal teaching in vet school regarding exotics. Many vets will go on to have additional training or do a residence somewhere that allows them to learn more about them. Many vets are trained in cat and dog medicine and often do not know enough about rabbits to medically treat them properly. Many rabbit savvy vets will continue to educate themselves on new medicine, techniques and information through courses and seminars.

When

It is always a good idea to find a vet you feel comfortable with before you have an emergency. Rabbits should always have an annual exam which can help detect problems early. 

How

Check out our Vetting Questions below for ideas on questions to ask a potential vet.  You can also try calling some local vets. Let reception know that you are looking for the very best veterinarian to care for your rabbit and that you would like to speak directly to the doctor at their convenience. Leave both your work and home phone number and specific times that the veterinarian can get a hold of you or ask when would be a good time for you to call back.

Emergencies

Be prepared for emergency situations at night and on weekends, when your regular vet clinic may be closed. This preparation starts with your regular veterinarian. What are the days and hours of operation? Some veterinarians keep extended hours on certain weekdays. Does your veterinarian refer to a certain emergency clinic? If your veterinarian works with many non-traditional animal species, they will probably know which emergency facility in your area also treats these animals.

If you will have to go to another location with an out-of-hours rabbit emergency, have the name, address, phone number and directions posted prominently in your house.

Suggested Questions to Help Find the Right Vet

How many rabbits are seen each week?
Rabbits should make up a reasonable size of their practice (ie at least 10%).

How many years of experience does the vet have with rabbits?

Answer should be 10 years or more. If less than 10 years, an experienced vet should have completed successful surgery on 100 rabbits at a minimum. Experience makes a big difference with delicate animals like rabbits.

How many rabbits are spayed/neutered each week?

1 or more a week tells you that rabbits are part of the vet’s normal clientele.

Do they fast rabbits before surgery?
Answer should be NO!  They can eat right up until the surgery, but taking away greens morning of is normal.

Do they know what drugs are dangerous for rabbits?
IE Amoxicillin, Convenia, Clavamox.

What type of gas anesthetic do they use?
Isoflurane or Sevoflurane is the only safe bunny gas.

Have they lost any rabbits during routine surgeries?
This number should be extremely low compared to the amount of rabbit surgeries they do. Ask for more information.

How would they treat a hairball?
Surgery should be the very last alternative.

Are there other veterinarians in the practice that can treat your rabbit in case the primary vet is not available? And if not, then to whom do they refer these cases?
If there is not another vet on staff that can assist in an emergency, you should find another rabbit savvy vet close by to have as an option if your primary vet is not available.

Does the vet refer difficult cases to anyone else?
If yes, what clinic(s), and note for yourself if they are they accessible to you.

How does the vet check molars?
With a bivalve speculum, otoscope, or videoscope are the only acceptable answers. Visual inspection of the front teeth is not enough.

Are rabbits intubated when undergoing surgery?
The answer should be yes for any surgery not involving the mouth. It’s not uncommon for rabbits to be on a nose mask during a dental trimming due to the small working space in the mouth.

Are rabbits monitored by both people and machines?
The answer should be yes. Problems with breathing are the most common cause for anesthetic complications in rabbits – rabbits should be connected to standard vital parameter monitors including EKG, CO2, sPO2 and blood pressure monitors, plus have a dedicated vet technician monitoring them while under anesthesia.

Are pre-anesthetic screening tests recommended prior to anesthesia and surgery?
The answer should be yes. Anesthetic drugs are processed by the kidneys and liver so blood screening is good medicine for any animal undergoing anesthesia. Xrays may also be recommended depending on the nature of the surgery and the age and health of the bunny.

Do bunnies go home with pain medicine after surgery?
The answer should be yes. Rabbit savvy vets will send home oral medication to ensure the comfort of the pet after surgery.

Can you briefly meet with the vet prior to your first pet visit and/or have a brief tour of the hospital?
Finding a vet that is a good fit for you and your rabbit is essential. Meeting with the vet and seeing the hospital may offer you insight as to whether the clinic will be the right choice.

Rabbit Savvy Vets & Clinics in Ontario