As a loving bunny owner, you want to make sure your bunny receives the care they need to live a long and healthy life. In this blog, our Mechanicsburg vets share how often you should be taking your bunny to the vet and discuss the importance of routine exams and veterinary care for your rabbit.
When should I take my rabbit to the vet?
Bunnies have a life span of 7-10 years and are normally very healthy during that time. However, your bunny may become ill or be accidentally injured, in which case you should know if and when to take your bunny to Mechanicsburg vets. Your bunny will need to see a vet at least once in its life, just like any other pet. The only difference is that your bunny will need to see a vet who specializes in small or exotic animals, and Mechanicsburg vets can help.
Bunnies have constantly growing teeth and they may need to be trimmed on a periodic basis by a vet. Bunnies also react differently to medications such as antibiotics, so it takes a specialist to know what drugs are safe to take and when they are appropriate.
Signs your bunny needs to see a vet now;
- Stops eating and pooping
- Panting with their mouth open
- Drooling. or Sneezing
- Limping
- Becomes very lethargic
- Diarrhea
- Head tilts to the side or is upside down
How often should I take my rabbit to the vet?
There is no set time frame to see the vet like other pets but bunnies who are healthy only need to be brought to the vet for a checkup once a year.
If your rabbit is elderly or has health issues, you should take them to the vet every six months. And, of course, if you notice any signs of illness in your bunny, you should contact us as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a vet visit?
If your bunny is feeling sick or unwell, write down all their symptoms to take with you; this will help your vet determine the root of the issue. Then you will need to call and book your appointment.
Some appointments, such as diagnostic tests and surgery, will require you to collect a urine sample on the morning of the appointment. But everything you need to know or do on the day of your appointment will be discussed with booking your appointment.
You may be required to bring certain items to the appointment. To ensure your bunny's comfort, make sure you have their carrying crate, blanket/toys, and any treats they might want after being treated. You should also bring/write down any medications your bunny is taking.
What procedures and vaccines do bunnies need?
When you take your bunny to the vet they will want to check your rabbit’s teeth to make sure they aren’t growing too long and are not infected. The vet will also make sure your rabbit is a healthy weight, check their breathing and heart rates, and make sure their ears and eyes look healthy.
A checkup will give your vet a baseline of your rabbit’s health so that they are familiar with your bunny so they can deal with any situation if your rabbit ever does need to be brought in because they are not feeling well.
When you first get your bunny, you should know what vaccines it will require over the course of its life to stay healthy. While no vaccines are required to own a bunny, they will need a few to protect against myxomatosis, Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease (R(V)HD), and a strain of R(V)HD known as R(V)HD2.
How much does a vet visit cost for a rabbit?
When it comes to the cost of an annual check-up for your bunny it may vary based on what needs to be done.