taking rabbit to a vet

[AnnaS]

How do you take your rabbits to the vet? Do you put them in a box or little cage? Are they scared?
How can I make the experience less traumatic?

 

[Lissa]

I put my bunnies in a pet taxi (like the onesthey use for cats). Putting a blanket over the cage so theycan't see what's going on might be a good idea if they'renervous.

 

[Carolyn]

Hi AnnaS,

I use a travel cage for my little ones, Anna. To make theride less traumatic, I put in one of their favorite stuffed toys forthe scent of home, keep the radio off or on a classical station to helpsoothe them, and talk to them alot.

The don't like going, but they're happy as a lark when they get home.

What's wrong with your baby?

-Carolyn

 

[AnnaS]

Is it bad to just put him in a box with the holes to breath?
This way he can't see anything anyway.

 

[AnnaS]

There is nothing wrong with him, but I want toknow if I need to neuter him. He is 1.5 years old and I am even sure ifhe is neutered. Also maybe they will cut his nails.

 

[Carolyn]

Make sure it's got good airventilation. You also have to be careful he doesn't chewthrough it if it's a cardboard box.

-Carolyn

 

[AnnaS]

Carolyn: I don't think he'll chew through it, he'll be too scared to chew anyway.

 

[AnnaS]

thanks for the advice.
Are travel cages expensive?

 

[m.e.]

They're not terribly expensive, $20 US in petstores around here...I wouldn't use a box, as he could overheat veryquickly. Not to mention how fast he will be breathing, you'd want areally good airflow.

A check up might not be a bad idea, and if he is not neutered, I wouldhighly recommend it. Un-fixed males spray and do all sorts of lovelythings

 

[AnnaS]

He does not spray anything, but he does not come out of the cage yet. Maybe he is neutered.

Thanks, I'll look for a cage.

 

[Carolyn]

I agree wholeheartedly with m.e.'s thoughts about the box. I'd be very concerned about the airflow.

You might even check around with breeders or a shelterin yourarea. You might get some suggestions on where toget a cage. They aren't terribly expensive as m.e. said.

-Carolyn

 

[Elf Mommy]

I used to use a pettaxi, and have been considering getting another one. Elf is so mellow,she usually travels in a plastic laundry basket. Her old cage is small,as well, so we use it as a travel cage when we visit my parents'house.

 

[AnnaS]

Also how can I find a good vet for a rabbit? Do I just call them and ask if they specialize in rabbits?

 

[m.e.]

Here are a couple links to rabbit groups in yourarea (Ontario). These are usually the best source for finding abunny-knowledgable vet:

http://www.ontariorabbits.org/

http://www.rabbitrescue.ca/

http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/ON79.html

If they do not have any recommendations on the site, call them up and ask for a referral.

 

[AnnaS]

thanks for the links. I found a vet clinic thatspecializes in bunnies. They charge 68 canadian dollaros for a checkup, is it a lot?

 

[m.e.]

It doesn't seem like a whole lot, but I guess itdepends on what a bunny check-up includes. Personally, we were going toour current vet because they were so good with the dog, but know thatit is just the bunnies, we're switching vets. I don't know what acheck-up would cover, my bunnies never got a thorough one

 

[AnnaS]

They told me they cut his nails,check temperature, just regular check up. Also I'll find out if he is neutered or not.

 

[m.e.]

That's good, especially the nails. They can be hard to do one your own, so help is always nice.

 

[AnnaS]

Another question: I am going to borrow a cagefrom my friend, who has a cat. I'll wash the cages, but will ittraumatize the bunny even more that he can smell the cat?

 

[m.e.]

It shouldn't, he probably will not even associate the smell with a cat.