Regarding how often to clean anal glands: A good rabbit savvy vet will know how to clean your bunny’s anal glands. Though in our monthly maintenance guide, we say it’s a good idea to at least check them once a month, once you get used to how much your rabbit produces you may find you rarely have to do it, or in other cases you, you have to do it more often. Finding a waxy substance within the glands doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s when that goop turns rock hard and then all the stuff builds up and it’s one big rock which can cause irritation and discomfort, (depending on how severe). And with some rabbits, a build up can make them a bit more pungent. But again, this doesn’t happen to all bunnies – in time you will figure out what is best for yours. I just cleaned out Vivians and they were filled with hard rock like wax – it had been a while though since I cleaned hers, but cleaning them out does not physically hurt her, I just use warm water and soften q-tip and gently scoop out. She doesn’t need this every month, I know with her, it is now more like a few times a year. (And that’s the other thing — sometimes that can change!)
As far as costs: Good for you for thinking about this before hand. Nail trims and anal gland cleaning may not be too pricey, but you normally won’t get a check up for just $20! $45 – $65 is what I am used to around here. But you also need to keep in mind what future vet care could cost if something goes wrong. Most members here have had to take their bunny in at least once for some issue and if there is something wrong that needs vet care, it can be in the hundreds of dollars. Blood tests, urine meds or even xrays sometimes are needed for different situations. So it’s also a good idea to start saving up because the likelyhood of your bunny needing to go the vet at some point is high. If you are able to save even .50 cents a day for a year, you will have $180 saved toward vet care. Though that may not cover it all in some cases, you will at least be ahead of the game.
Once you find a good rabbit-savvy vet, ask that vet who they would recommend for an emergency vet (one that can see rabbits), so that you are never in a situation where you need to get your bunny emergency care after hours/weekends and have to spend precious time looking for a vet.
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