A frustrating vet appointment.

[amandafaith90]

 I had such high hopes for this vet, but I didn’t like her at all!  So frustrating. She was super nice and friendly, but I felt like I knew more about bunnies then she did. But maybe I’m overreacting….I don’t know. Here’s the lowdown.

– She didn’t know how to hold Bambi….she tried to pick him up and he launched himself out of her arms and almost onto the floor. Luckily I caught    him, but I held him during almost the whole exam. The vet assistant couldn’t help because she was, “really allergic to rabbits.”

– When I asked about a recommended diet for Bambi when he’s old enough for regular genes, she just kind of looked at me and said something like, “Unlimited pellets are good, and they like lots of carrots. Lettuce is good when it’s in season. Oh, and some hay can replace veggies.” 

– I was telling her a story about a receptionist who told me to fast Bambi before surgery, and both the vet and the assistant were nodding like they agreed with it before I said that it was a horrible idea because rabbit’s can’t vomit and to take food away is needless and dangerous. When I said the last part, both the vet and the assistant looked at really confused, and didn’t say anything.

– After checking Bambi’s teeth, she told me about a rabbit she treated that had misaligned teeth, but she made it sound like she had never heard of that before. That made me do a double take, because I was under the impression that tooth spurs were fairly common, especially in dwarf bunnies like Bambi.

 

I just don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I’m just spoiled by how wonderful my last vet was and this vet actually did a good job and I’m just being overcritical, or if she really isn’t very rabbit savvy. What does everyone else think? The vets really close to me and inexpensive, but if I don’t trust her with my bunny babe it isn’t worth it. 

 

– Amanda

[RabbitPam]

I’m sorry you had this problem, and had to pay for it too.

You’re instincts are good and you definitely need to find a good vet. This one will not give you the care you need. Most rabbit vets use the word “exotics” so it may be something to watch for among the local listings. That means they don’t just do dogs and cats. But if you want help to find a rabbit savvy vet in your area, try this link to the House Rabbit Society’s website. I linked the page where you start a search. Just scan the page, and input your zip code where it links you to the search function, and it will list vets that have been recommended. Now’s a good time to make the switch before your little furbaby is sick.

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/vet.html

[Sarita]

Definitely seek out another vet.

[Beka27]

Not the right vet for you… or for any rabbit, it seems. Some vets will “see” rabbits b/c there is a growing demand for it, but I wonder how much they really know about them and if it wasn’t just a chapter in the exotic book in vet school. Continue to look for a new vet. I’d encourage you to speak with the vets directly over the phone before you go in to see them. You can ask the receptionist to have the vet call you back when he has a few minutes and ask him what kind of experience he has, what types of problems he’s treated (successfully), what kind of anesthetic he uses (the isofluorane is good), what his diet recommendations are for house rabbits, and the big one: does he fast rabbits before surgery… why or why not?

Another option is to call around to local shelters or rescues and ask who they refer to for rabbits. I have even called regular cat/dog vets and asked them, “If someone came in and had a rabbit that needed to be seen, who would you send them to?” If enough offices give you the same vet, that would be a good place to call and ask questions.

[Sarita]

Here are some good articles on anesthesia for rabbits – as you can see, there are many different protocols for this.

http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/anesthesia.shtml

http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx

I’m pretty certain my vet does use the isofluorane for Pepe when she trims his molars.

[amandafaith90]

The problem is that no House Society recommended vets are within my area- I’m in Pullman, and the nearest recommended vet is over 5 hours away, which I can’t manage. I need a vet that is at the most 2 hours away. The vet I went to was actually recommended by a member on BinkyBunny- – I assumed that the vet would be good if another member went there. Evidently I was wrong. I am going to start calling around. My choices are either to bring Bambi to the WSU vet clinic, which is one of the best in the country but, according to my wonderful vet back in Bothell, doesn’t have a great exotics program, or to call random places in Spokane and talk to receptionists. I’m just so frustrated. I essentially paid over $40 to have someone trim Bambi’s nails yesterday. The vet didn’t weigh him, check his ears, feel his little body for abnormalities, or even take his temperature, which I would expect from a “General Exam.” I really should’ve refused to pay, or asked for a more thorough exam, but I’m an 18 year old girl and usually it’s hard to garner respect from an older, experienced vet, even if I am a paying costumer entrusting the life of my beloved little fur baby in her DEFINITELY incapable hands. I am really glad I wasn’t just being overly critical, though. Thanks everyone.

Does anyone live in the Spokane area and have a vet they’d recommend?

[BinkyBunny]

I am sorry for your experience. How frustrating.   It can be hard to find a vet that is rabbit savvy.  Some may do very well with rabbit general issues that may also affect cats and dogs, but then beyond the norm of what cats and dogs may experience,(which it sounds like they didn’t do much of anyway) -  sometimes rabbits are still a mystery as really, in comparison to cats and dogs, rabbits being with the family in the house has been a rather short period of time.  And so now in the last 15 – 20 years, people who have house rabbits are having rabbits live longer which brings new issues/problems to vets, where before rabbits would not have lived long enough to bring many of these problems.  And though there are more rabbit savvy vets popping up all the time, it is not always easy to find one.

So what that means is you do have to  do some research EVEN with referrals from the House Rabbit Society as vets may actually change at the vet clinic you may be getting in contact with.    And if you get another referral from a member here for Spokane, I strongly urge you to ask some important questions even for the referred vet beforehand. (I know it’s frustrating!).   Here is a list of great screening questions that may help.  http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/vet.html#questions  (also has some great info below and above the section within that link.

I think  this really brings up and important subject for all members to remember and can benefit from.   Here is a copy of part of what is stated in our rules & guidelines: (shortened)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Vet Information & Vet Referrals:   It is okay to refer a particular vet when someone asks for it or if it is subject related. Even if someone posts their vet or facility recommendation to you, it is still your responsibility to screen the vet and the facilities.  BinkyBunny.com and the person that gives you the vet reference is not responsible for what happens in the referred veterinarian’s care. That is between you and the veterinarian.  So always be sure to check out any referred vet for yourself.

Negative Reviews of Pet Stores, Vet Hospitals, Individual Vets and any other individuals:  So, you saw horrible conditions at a pet store, your vet was terrible, and you had to deal with the rudest receptionist.  Those things are monumentally frustrating! We understand, but  … keep actual names of individuals and businesses out of your posts.  ……

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

So, for anyone responding to this post, please do not respond with any identifying information.  Thank you.

 

Amandafaith – good luck with your search!  I know it’s not easy.

 

 

 

 

[lwayne]

Hi Amanda, so I am guessing that was   [Name Edited Out]

I actually  took Arduina to the WSU vet (because of the emergency services for her broken front leg), Dr. Finch. All I can say is that 2.5 weeks after breaking her arm (clean break) Arduina is binkying again, digging, and washing her face (I call it the cutesy-wootsy) and the happiest bunny. She will now be my current vet. When they remove the pin on the 31st she will get spayed too, I can let you know how that goes. Just remember the receptions don’t know anything, always clarify things they say with the doctor. (Dr. Finch says I can keep food in there with her when I bring her in).

One thing I ask Dr. Finch is “Is it better to spay Arduina all in one go (while they do x-rays and remove the pin) or should I wait a couple of months (she will be just over 4 months when she goes in on the 31st)”. Dr. Finch’s response was “she is big enough to spay now, so I would recommend doing it when we take out pin” (paraphrased). I am not sure what the proper age is for females, I know they say 4-6 months (younger better for boys), but I think it might be less stressful on Arduina if everything happens together, rather than stressing her out every month.. so after this next surgery, she should be good to go.

[Monkeybun]

It’s too bad you don’t live closer to Portland OR, we have an exotic pet vet who is just spectacular. He handled my Monkey-bun like a pro, and she never likes being held and just sta there like a good bun for him! Little traitor

[amandafaith90]

Hahaha….that’s how Bambi is for his Bothell vet. He even licked her. Monkey-bun is a super cute name, by the way.

[Monkeybun]

I call her that because people look at me funny when i say “my Monkey” thinkign I have a pet chimp or something lol. So she’s my Monkey-bun :p

[jerseygirl]

This list is from rabbiton.com rabbitron.com/resources.html   Spokane and Pullman

Pullman vet is Dr Finch. Here’s article she wrote for general rabbit care for clients . http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientEd/bunny.aspx  She is a professor at WSU but I also gather she practices at the Hospital? 

[amandafaith90]

The WSU School of Veterinary Medicine is a department of WSU, but is also a fully functioning vet office. Students sit in on the vet appointments and actively participate in the exam. So, your vet visit is someone else’s class.

[lwayne]

Thanks for sharing that article Jerseygirl. I am now super glad Dr. Finch is Arduina’s doctor!

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