Exotic Vet: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Rabbit-Savvy Doctor

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Finding a qualified exotic vet for your rabbit is a task you should do prior to bringing them home. It is a crucial step in ensuring their long-term health and happiness. Rabbits are unique creatures with specific medical needs that differ from those of cats and dogs, making it essential to seek out a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals. Whether you’re a first-time rabbit owner or simply looking for a better fit, knowing what to look for in an exotic vet can make all the difference in your rabbit’s well-being.

Why Your Rabbit Needs an Exotic Vet

Rabbits are considered exotic pets because they have unique anatomy, physiology, and medical needs that differ significantly from those of other pets. They are highly sensitive to stress and pain, making proper handling and care critical. Rabbits require different types of vaccines, surgical techniques, rabbit-safe drugs and dosages and diagnostic tools than other common pets.

The Importance of Regular Health Checks for Rabbits: Regular check-ups with an exotic vet can catch early signs of health issues, such as dental disease, parasites, or diet-related problems. They can provide advice on proper diet, housing, and enrichment to keep your rabbit healthy.

Common Rabbit Health Issues an Exotic Vet Can Address: dental problems like overgrown teeth, gastrointestinal stasis (digestive issues), respiratory infections, skin conditions, urinary tract infections, parasites, injuries from falls or accidents, reproductive issues (spaying/neutering), and concerns related to diet and nutrition are some of the issues an exotic can address.

Finding Rabbit-Specialized Vet Care

You’ll want to look for a vet with specific training in exotic animals or certifications related to rabbit care. Do not choose a vet based on proximity. This could end up costing you more money if your rabbit is not treated properly. Always listen to your gut…first impressions will guide you as to whether or not you feel the vet is trustworthy or not. He or she should represent themself as a professional and proficient when communicating with you.

Qualifications

There isn’t a separate degree specifically for small exotic animal care. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, a veterinarian will need to get a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, which typically takes four years to complete. After becoming a DVM, exotics typically continue their professional education with specialized internships and completing a residency program in order to become an expert in exotic animal medicine.

Schools like the University of Florida, University of Tennessee Knoxville and North Carolina deal with more exotics. The University of California Davis veterinary hospital provides wellness care, specialized diagnostic testing, medical treatments, surgical options, and emergency care for exotic pets.

Not all veterinarians are rabbit savvy, so it’s important to choose a vet that understands how to best care for rabbits. An experienced exotic vet will understand the intricacies of rabbit anatomy, diet, behavior, and common health issues, providing tailored care for your furry friend. The right vet will know exactly how to prevent health issues for your rabbit and will also be able to detect any potential problems early. Choosing an exotic vet will prevent you from wasting your money on incorrect care or advice from veterinarians who don’t know rabbits.

Where To Look

Ask for Recommendations

  • Reach out to rabbit-savvy friends and local pet communities for suggestions
  • Join social media pages and rabbit specific forum groups to ask for referrals
  • Contact animal shelters or rabbit rescue organizations in your area, as they often work closely with exotic vets
  • Call local vets and ask who they recommend for exotic vet care
  • If you have another pet that sees a vet, you can ask for their advice if they do not see exotics
  • Large veterinary teaching hospitals found at some colleges such as UCDavis often have departments dedicated to exotics. Although these places typically only perform emergency specialized care, they may be a resource for finding a practicing exotic vet

Search Professional Associations

Read Online Reviews

  • Check Google, Yelp, or specialized vet review platforms for feedback on exotic animal clinics. Pay attention to mentions of rabbit care expertise.

Questions to Ask When Choosing an Exotic Vet

Once you have a list of potential exotic vets, I recommend that you schedule an appointment for a visit to interview the staff and tour the facility.

  • Do you treat exotic animals? If so, what kind of experience do you have with pet rabbits? How long have you worked with rabbits?
  • Does the support staff know how to handle rabbits properly? Do you have exotic vet techs? Who will handle your rabbit before, during and after any procedures?
  • How often do you see rabbit patients? (regular exposure to these pets indicates greater expertise)
  • Do you primarily treat “stock” rabbits (raised for breeding, meat or 4-H) or pet rabbits? (Many vets treating these types of rabbits are not experienced with pet rabbits, elder care or spaying & neutering. Knowing this will help you determine how your vet approaches rabbit care-they may tend to suggest euthanasia instead of treating complicated issues)
  • What kind of preventive care do you recommend? (RHDV vaccinations should be mentioned no matter if your rabbit is kept inside or out)
  • Do you treat with the parents in the room?
  • How many spay/neuters do you perform weekly?
  • Do you have experience with dental issues and gastrointestinal stasis? What is your advice to help prevent stasis? (they should answer hay 24/7 and constant grooming)
  • What kind of diet do you recommend for a rabbit?
  • What do you recommend feeding prior to surgical procedures? (You should never be told to stop feeding a rabbit before surgery)
  • What kind of anesthesia do you use? (Isoflurane and Sevoflurane are considered to be safe inhaled anesthetics)
  • Is there a special quiet ward?
  • What kind of antibiotics would you prescribe for a sick rabbit? (Amoxicillin, lincomycin, clindamycin and oral penicillin are all HARMFUL to rabbits)
  • Do you offer after-hours emergency care? (proximity is also critical, especially in emergencies so you may need to find an after hours or weekend clinic that has an exotic vet)
  • Have you ever had a pet rabbit?
  • Where did you get your doctorate? Where did you learn specialized care? How do you keep up to date on new rabbit treatments? (do they read journals or attend continuing ed classes & seminars)
  • Are you board certified? Do you belong to any organizations? (Board certification for exotic pets is available through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) and the Exotic Companion Mammal Practice is a veterinary specialty certification for veterinarians) 
  • What equipment do you have? (Are they able to handle cat scans, blood work, tooth trimming, properly sized surgical equipment etc…)
  • Do you take pet health insurance or have payment plans?

Prepare for Your Rabbit’s First Vet Visit

After you have selected your vet, you should schedule a wellness visit to evaluate how comfortable you and your rabbit feel with them. Schedule the appointment during a time when your rabbit is typically less active to reduce stress. Avoid fasting your rabbit before the visit—rabbits should never go without food as their digestive system requires constant activity. Your rabbit’s first vet visit can be a positive experience, setting the stage for a healthy relationship with their healthcare provider

  • If your rabbit has had prior care, bring records of their medical history
  • Document what your rabbit eats, their usual behavior, and any concerns you may have noticed (e.g., changes in appetite, droppings, or activity)
  • Write down any questions about your rabbit’s care, such as diet, housing, or preventive measures
  • Use a secure, well-ventilated carrier designed for small animals
  • Place a soft, non-slip material (like a towel or blanket) on the bottom for comfort and to prevent sliding
  • Ensure the carrier is big enough for the rabbit to sit and turn around but not so large that they feel exposed
  • Allow your rabbit to explore the carrier at home for a few days before the trip
  • Place treats or favorite toys inside to create positive associations
  • Keep the car temperature comfortable, as rabbits are sensitive to heat and cold
  • Play soft music or keep the car quiet during the journey
  • Place the carrier on a flat surface or secure it with a seatbelt to prevent it from moving
  • Bring a small amount of hay to keep your rabbit comfortable and reduce stress during the trip
  • Ensure your rabbit is hydrated before the trip. You can pack a small water bottle or bowl if the vet visit will be lengthy
  • Bring a few of your rabbit’s favorite treats to reward them after the visit
  • Rabbits pick up on your emotions, so stay relaxed and confident
  •  Allow the vet or trained staff to handle your rabbit to avoid accidental injury
  • Use this time to discuss your rabbit’s care, diet, and any concerns you have
  • Once home, observe your rabbit for any signs of stress or unusual behavior
  • Offer a treat or extra attention to reassure your rabbit and make the experience positive

This is a good opportunity for you to measure how they practice. Did the vet answer all of your concerns? Was the support staff friendly? How well was your rabbit received and how did your rabbit respond to the vet?

Final Thoughts…

With my first rabbit, I was very lucky to have known a vet who was able to take care of the majority of his needs. She even made a couple of house calls to administer subcutaneous fluids when he suffered with stasis. And when he was too ill she referred us to another local exotic vet giving us the best of both worlds.

Choosing a qualified exotic vet ensures that your rabbit receives the best care tailored to their specific needs, helping them live a long and healthy life. Ultimately your satisfaction with your vet will depend on your rabbit’s experience, favorable resolutions of medical issues, your ability to resolve the financial component and the overall manner of the entire veterinary team.

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