If the receptionist says ‘all of them’ this is likely to mean that no vet takes a special interest in rabbits and so may not be a
good sign
. Often there is one vet who is very keen on rabbits and this benefits the practice because they can all learn from them.
Why do vets not treat rabbits?
Historically, pet rabbits are a byproduct of the meat and/or show industries , whose breeders do not always (and some never) seek veterinary attention. Rabbits are easily reproducible and fast-growing, so economically it makes more sense to cull a sickly animal than to treat it.
How much do rabbits cost at the vet?
If you plan on neutering or spaying your rabbit you can expect an initial $125-$250 worth of veterinary care. After that big expense (but well worth it to prevent other health problems and behavioral issues) you should have a regular annual exam with your exotics vet (find an exotics vet near you).
Can I take my bunny to the vet?
Take your pet rabbit in to the office for a checkup every year so that your vet has a record of the signs of your bunny’s
good health
and will be able to quickly identify problems if they are beginning, or have already occurred. Health problems are easier and less expensive to treat if they are caught early.
How often do bunnies need to go to the vet?
Rabbit exams should be done at least annually, often twice a year in rabbits over 5 years of age Stool samples should be evaluated at the first three visits if the rabbit is kept only inside. If your rabbit is taken outside, a stool sample should be checked at every visit.
Do rabbits need vet check ups?
How often should you take your rabbit to the vet? Rabbits who are healthy only need to be brought to the vet for a checkup once a year If your rabbit is elderly or has frequent health problems, then you should bring them to the vet every 6 months.
Do bunnies need vaccines?
Although pet rabbits in the United States do not require any vaccinations , veterinarians in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe routinely inoculate for two fatal viruses common to the continent’s wild rabbits: Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD).
How long does a bunny live?
Rabbits, just like other domesticated animals, have an average lifespan which can help an owner keep their bunny in optimum health in every stage of life. Unlike their wild relatives, who live for an average of one to two years, domesticated rabbits can live between eight to 12 years.
Do pet bunnies need to go to the vet?
Another key to maintaining the health of your furry family member is planned veterinary visits We’re talking annual checkups and a spay/
neuter surgery
. Annual checkups let your rabbit-savvy veterinarian follow your pet’s health so he or she knows what’s normal for your bunny.
How often do rabbits need vaccinations?
Book your rabbit’s vaccination We recommend rabbits are vaccinated every 12 months to protect them against contracting potentially fatal diseases such as Myxomatosis.
Do female rabbits have periods?
Rabbits do not menstruate If unspayed females start passing blood, they can bleed to death within a few days. Blood in the urine can also be a sign of bladder stones. If a bunny is not feeling well, or if it is obese and has soft poop, then it will not groom itself well in its genital and tail region.
How much does it cost to put down a rabbit?
If your rabbit is particularly unwell, or is not responding to treatment, your vet may advise you that it is kinder to have the animal put down. The vet will administer a painless injection which will slowly send your rabbit into a permanent sleep. This costs around $15 and is a service offered by all vets.
What vaccinations do rabbits need?
Rabbits need vaccinations to protect against myxomatosis, Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease (R(V)HD) and a strain of R(V)HD – R(V)HD2 – all of which are often fatal and cause intense suffering to rabbits.
Should indoor rabbits be vaccinated?
Should I vaccinate my house rabbits? Yes, we recommend vaccinating both indoor and outdoor rabbits because Myxomatosis, RVHD-1, and RVHD-2 can all spread via insects (such as mosquitos and fleas), wild rabbits, and on surfaces such as clothes and shoes.
What regular treatments do rabbits need?
- Give fresh water and food, including fresh hay.
- Let out of cage for supervised exercise and play.
- Brush and remove shed hair of rabbits with long fur.
- Clean out the litter box.
- Brush and remove shed hair of rabbits with short fur.
- Clean and disinfect cage and food and water systems.
- Veterinary checkup.
- Give fresh bedding.
What medical treatments do rabbits need?
Take your rabbit to see a veterinarian once yearly for an annual health examination. Spaying or neutering your bunny will help it to live a longer, healthier life. Uterine cancer and infection are very likely in intact female rabbits as they age.
How do you treat a sick rabbit at home?
While you seek treatment, try to keep your rabbit hydrated and warm A syringe with water or soft foods (applesauce or baby food) can assist. Depending on the condition, your vet may prescribe prescription medication to help your rabbit’s condition.
How much does it cost to neuter a rabbit in my area?
How much should you expect to pay? Costs vary between $125 for a low-cost neuter to $1,500 for a spay done by an exotic specialist.
When should a male rabbit be neutered?
Neutering male rabbits is called ‘castration’. This is a routine surgical procedure under general anaesthetic to surgically remove the testicles via two incisions in the scrotum. It is usually done at 5
months old
but can be done from 3 months if the testicles have descended sufficiently and the rabbit is big enough.
Do rabbits have rabies?
Small rodents (like squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rats, and mice) and lagomorphs (including rabbits and hares) are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to transmit rabies to humans.
Should you neuter a rabbit?
Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancers Reproductive cancers are relatively common in rabbits, although more frequent in female rabbits. Neutered rabbits are much less likely to display undesirable hormone-induced behaviors such as mounting, urine spraying (or territorial marking), and aggression.
How much does a rabbit eat a day?
An average-sized (6-10 pounds) adult rabbit only needs one-quarter cup of pellets daily If your rabbit is under five pounds, feed just one-eighth of a cup. Rabbits larger than 10 pounds do not need more than a quarter of a cup, since it’s not a crucial part of a bunny’s diet.
Why should you spay a rabbit?
Spaying significantly minimizes the risk of ovarian, uterine, and mammary cancers Reproductive cancers are quite common in rabbits. Also, there is no chance of uterine infections (pyometra) if there is NO uterus.
How do I know if my rabbit has a GI stasis?
Rabbits with GI stasis can quickly become lethargic and may exhibit signs of pain such as teeth grinding and a hunched posture. They may also begin to produce excessive gas and sometimes soft stool or diarrhea.
How do you perform a health check on a rabbit?
Rabbits’ skin and fur can be a good indicator of their overall health. Run your fingers through your rabbit’s fur to check for loss of fur, scabs and dandruff These can all be signs of a mite or flea infection. Also, look out for any lumps and bumps that might be caused by an abscess, indicating dental disease.
How long can rabbits be left alone for?
Rabbits are not particularly independent, so they can’t be left on their own for more than two days However, if it’s just a weekend or a working day, we can make sure they get everything they need, so we can spend time away from home without worrying too much about their health.
Do rabbits need worming?
Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits generally don’t require regular worming treatments as an infestation of worms is less common. That’s not to say they’re immune to catching a dose of worms though.
Do rabbits need flea treatment?
For Outdoor Rabbits Treat all rabbits, cats and dogs in the home with flea treatment Check other furry family members carefully to check they are not also infested, and treat if required. If any indoor pets have fleas, make sure to treat the house as well as the outdoor hutch.
Do rabbits need
salt licks
?
Many rabbit owners provide their animals with salt or trace mineral licks. Such items contain salt and other minerals a rabbit needs in its diet. Also, they may aid in wearing down the teeth and help provide enrichment or prevent boredom in the rabbit. Rabbits do not need a salt lick if they receive a complete feed.
How old is a 2 year old rabbit in human years?
Like that, you can find out your bunny’s age, for example: 1-year-old rabbit is 21 years old in human years. 2-year-old rabbit is 27 years old in human years. 3-year-old rabbit is 33 years old in human years.
Can a single rabbit survive?
Rabbits can live alone , but you’ll need to provide your pet with the attention (company, petting, grooming, exercise, playing, and enrichment) that a bonded rabbit partner would provide. It’s always advisable to keep rabbits in pairs. If you can find a pair of rabbits that are already bonded, so much the better.
How old is my rabbit in human years?
Basics Behind the Calculation The easy thing to do would be to divide the 75 year life expectancy of humans by the 10 years of life expectancy of a rabbit, and say that every one year of rabbit life would be equal to 7.5 years of human life.
Are rabbits high maintenance?
Myth 1: Rabbits are great, low-maintenance pets. Reality: Although they don’t need to be walked like dogs, rabbits are anything but low-maintenance Their quarters need daily leaning, and fresh food and water must be offered daily, including a salad of well-washed, dark-green leafy vegetables.
Do you need to clean rabbits scent glands?
If your rabbit is unable to clean herself, then you need to keep a check not only on urine or faeces sticking onto the underside, but also the scent glands. If there is a lot of wax and the area is particularly smelly, you will need to clean the glands This needs to be done very gently and carefully.
How old does a rabbit have to be to be vaccinated?
When should I vaccinate my rabbit? As a general rule, your rabbit can be vaccinated from seven weeks old with the combined Myxomatosis RHD Plus vaccine and immunity takes three weeks to develop.
Sources
https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-welfare-association-fund/our-work/rabbit-friendly-vets/