How to Find a Veterinarian for Your Rabbit
The world's best veterinarian – that kindly DVM who has been seeing your dogs and cats for years and in whom you have complete faith – may not be the best choice to treat your rabbit. These animals present a variety of unique illnesses that simply are not seen in dogs and cats. While the average veterinarian may be competent to give a routine exam or diagnose one or two of the most common rabbit ailments, the day will come when that's not enough and you'll need a veterinarian well-trained in the intricacies of the internal workings of bunnies.
Begin with the Yellow Pages
Letting your fingers do the walking may be one of the easiest ways to find someone who is willing to work on exotic pets, but phone book listings don't, in any way, qualify a veterinarian. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) prohibits the use of the term "specialist" by anyone who has not fulfilled certain strictly defined criteria. But beyond that prohibition, anyone can make any claims they want to make. Remember that, in the phone book, it is not a person's credentials that dictate the listing; it's the marketing budget.
Search the Web
Searching the web may reveal qualified veterinarians in your area. Several search engines also have vet locators to help you find a veterinarian. If you cannot find a veterinarian in your area, search for local rabbit organizations. Often, these will have lists of veterinarians in your area experienced in the care of rabbits.
Word of Mouth: The Best Way
Word of mouth tends to be the best way to find a veterinarian for your rabbit. Ask around: at pet stores, local rabbit clubs and breeders. Even ask your own current veterinarian. If you get more than one source referring you to the same name, then you can feel pretty comfortable about that veterinarian. The House Rabbit Society at www.rabbit.org has a list of veterinarians throughout the United States with experience treating and caring for rabbits. Another source is www.morfz.com/PB\_vets.html.
If you live in a large city, there almost certainly will be a handful of rabbit veterinarians from which you can choose. But if you're in a rural location, the only available veterinarians may see far more cows and horses than they see bunnies. In that case, look for a veterinarian that's willing to learn. If your veterinarian is willing to make some phone calls and get some consultations, that usually indicates an interested, concerned and caring veterinarian.
Once you've identified a potential care provider, visit the hospital and make sure you're comfortable with what you see. Ask questions.
Be sure to ask the veterinarian how many rabbits per week the hospital sees, and if there is more than one doctor on staff that can see bunnies. You can't expect one veterinarian to be available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. If they have an associate you can also see, you can feel pretty good about that hospital.
Other Questions to Ask
- How many years has this veterinarian been treating rabbits?
- What are some of the most common rabbit ailments he sees?
- Has he treated hair blocks or bladder stones?
- What are the most common surgeries performed?
- What range of services can this veterinarian provide?
- What does an office visit cost?
- When are office hours?
- How are emergency calls handled?
- What about methods of payment?
Be on the alert for telltale signs that this is not the veterinarian you want treating your pet. Handling a rabbit by his ears is a sign that you may want to find someone else. Someone who cradles the bunny in an attempt to protect his back from injury is showing at least some rabbit knowledge. Consider your veterinarian's comfort level in handling and examining your pet. It should be a very thorough exam from nose to tail, and the veterinarian should not seem intimidated or nervous.