Care requiring a vet
Importance of a rabbit-friendly vet
Importance of a rabbit-friendly vet
As soon as you adopt rabbits, it’s essential to register with a vet. Do not wait until a bunny develops health issues! Rabbits need to visit a vet to be neutered (if they haven’t been adopted from a reputable rescue centre), for annual vaccinations, and for check-ups – preferably twice a year, more frequently if they have an ongoing condition. A poorly rabbit needs to be seen immediately. Any delay can be fatal, so registration with a vet is crucial.
Although most veterinary practices offer routine vaccination of rabbits, not all vets have rabbit knowledge or expertise, and, in our experience, some have a distinct lack of compassion for small mammals.
Rabbits are classed as ‘exotics’, and their physiology is very different from that of cats or dogs. To ensure you have the best care for your rabbit, always choose a vet with qualifications in exotic species.
As prey creatures, taking rabbits out of their home territory is an immensely stressful experience, and visiting a surgery full of dogs and cats (or predators, from the rabbits’ perspective) can be terrifying and have a negative impact on their health, at the very time when it may be critical for their recovery. Bonded rabbits should stay together for any vet trips; however, sometimes the healthy rabbit can become unwell simply from the stress of being in the company of cats and dogs in alien territory. A rabbit-friendly practice will have a safe waiting area away from other animals, a separate kennelling area, and will allow companions to stay together. Remember to check details of their out-of-hours service.
The RWAF offers advice on how to choose a vet for your rabbit and a directory of recommended rabbit-friendly vets .
‘Breeding like rabbits’ is a common phrase, and reflects rabbits’ propensity to reproduce. Does can have kits from as young as four months old, their gestation period is relatively short (28-31 days), litter size is usually 3-8, and the mother can mate again within hours of giving birth. In the wild, a doe may produce more than 20 offspring in a year.
Rescue centres are inundated with unwanted rabbits, and the mis-sexing of baby rabbits by pet retailers is a major factor in this crisis. The problem of pet rabbits having unexpected litters is compounded by the fact that their owners don’t realise how soon after giving birth the doe can become pregnant again.
Facilitating rabbits to have a companion without the risk of unwanted litters is one reason why neutering of all pet rabbits is so important, but there are other benefits:
· Reduced risk of uterine cancer – up to 80% of un-neutered females develop it by the age of 5.
· Helps with litter training.
· Reduces the risk of sexual behaviours and frustration – wild rabbits compete to breed, and unneutered pet rabbits will also become territorial and aggressive (and spray urine). Due to their restrictive living space, there’s an increased risk of injury. Neutering might not completely stop these behaviours (especially during the spring), as other hormones are produced by the adrenal glands.
Bucks can be castrated at four months old; does can be spayed from the age of five months. Most reputable rescue centres neuter their rabbits before rehoming – another reason to adopt rather than buying from a pet retailer or breeder.
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| Neroli displaying her shaved tummy following her spay, March 2002 |
ALL rabbits, including indoor rabbits, require annual vaccinations against three deadly and highly contagious diseases:
We are very fortunate in the UK to be able to have our rabbits vaccinated against these diseases, and to have one combined annual vaccination. It’s vital to ensure rabbits, from 5 weeks of age, are vaccinated, and given yearly boosters.
Many vet practices now routinely microchip rabbits. This could be worthwhile if your rabbits live outdoors – unfortunately, even with the best enclosure, there’s always a risk of escape, and microchipping helps them to be identified and returned.
Pet insurance can help to manage the cost of vet bills, and may make a real difference when it comes to deciding whether to go ahead with diagnostic tests and treatment. Veterinary care can soon add up to hundreds, even thousands, of pounds, especially if a rabbit stays in the hospital or requires specialist care. There’s now a wide choice of insurance companies offering cover for rabbits but check the details carefully as they can vary. As with other types of insurance, a lower premium often reflects a higher excess and more limited cover. Certain common health problems (eg. dental disease) and pre-existing conditions are often excluded, premiums will vary depending on the breed and age of the rabbit, and there may be a claim limit and excess per condition. Routine preventative vet care is not covered by insurance policies.
Weight should be checked at every
vet appointment.
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