Do I have a problem?

[Fluffykins]

Hi everyone

So we had our very first vet checkup for fluffykins. Happy to report everything’s great with his health. I did a lot of research into the vet before we went and this was the rabbit savviest one I could find – and i made sure to see the specialist vet within the clinic too. Small mammals specialist not just rabbit specialist.

Anyway. The vet had all the knowledge. So that was great. But I didn’t like the way he kept holding fluffykins. Fluffykins is only 11 weeks and tiny and the vet was a big burly ish man; so he kept picking him up with one hand without supporting the bottom… I just kept wishing he would use both hands and scoop his bottom up like I do. My poor baby just kept wanting to leap into my arms the whole time there. However, that wasn’t the problem. Due to the vet being knowledgeable I was happy to make him my regular vet.

That is until now. He told me about the vaccines we’d need and I already knew about the myxo and RVHD1 combination. I’d also read about the new strain of RVHD2 and how there’s a new vaccine out for that (but that it wasn’t widely used or still relatively new). The vet gave me the prices for both and gave a much steeper price for the RVHD2 because he said it’s not licenced in the UK yet and hence higher import price or something.

Reading about it online right now, I’ve come to learn the two main companies eravac and filavac have indeed got the RVHD2 vaccine licensed in the UK in April 2017.

I just don’t know if the vet actually didn’t know (he checked something on his computer when giving me the prices and he specifically said he’d have to get it imported from France and pay an import fee of X amount…) or he outright lied.

What should I do? I want to get my baby vaccinated asap but I refuse to use someone I don’t trust. Is this a situation where I should give benefit of the doubt? It’s not even the price that is a concern, I’d pay double, it’s the fact he either didn’t know or lied. If he didn’t know… I don’t know how that makes me feel.

[shelbyelby]

I think you have your answer! You don’t feel comfortable… I think that tells you something. You definitely should find a vet that is more knowledgable and makes you feel at ease!

[shelbyelby]

(My answer posted twice, not sure how to delete it.)

[Wick & Fable]

It’s one thing to have a vet that’s knowledgeable, but you also want one you’re comfortable expressing your opinions too. Don’t be afraid to look elsewhere, but also don’t be afraid to let the vet know you’d like adjustments on how to hold and care for your rabbit.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[shelbyelby]

Posted By Wick on 9/23/2017 8:37 PM

It’s one thing to have a vet that’s knowledgeable, but you also want one you’re comfortable expressing your opinions too. Don’t be afraid to look elsewhere, but also don’t be afraid to let the vet know you’d like adjustments on how to hold and care for your rabbit.

Very true, the handling can be talked over but I worry about the vaccine issue. 

[Dface]

If he is a good rabbit vet I would not hold the vaccine issue against him. He at least knew about the new vaccine. You could simply talk to him about the import of of it and say that it’s readily available.
I know even earlier this year there were extensive problems for vets trying to get their hands on it as the companies werent making enough.

What’s your alternative vet wise? Is there another rabbit very around, and even then, why was this one picked over it in the first place?

[Anna]

If it helps to compare, I seem to remember paying around 50 quid each for my two, maybe slightly more – it was definitely more than I’ve paid for RVHD1. I have an amazing rabbit-savvy vet at the Royal College of Veterinary studies in Camden who really knows what she’s doing and would never rip me off! I’ve heard of people paying as low as 40, but that’s outside London.

I agree with others that it really does come down to trust. Maybe you could challenge him on this price and see what he says? Perhaps for smaller practices who see fewer rabbits its harder for them to get a supply?

Although I’ve had the same issue with handling at a previous vet and never went back. Any vet who doesn’t understand that rabbits need a nice, calm experience would raise alarm bells for me…

[Fluffykins]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Dface, according to my extensive googling he’s the most rabbit savviest vet that’s close by. I don’t drive so with 2 young kids, rely on my husband to drive us everywhere hence can’t really branch out further for a vet, it’s just not feasable to go furthur out especially in an emergency. On paper, this vet is the best.

He just didn’t have that instinctual touch with him… He was affectionate, kept calling him lovely and said he sees some really viscious rabbits but fluffykins is so “lovely” whilst staring into his eyes…but holding him dangling in the air with one hand haha.

Maybe I will go back for the combo vaccine and give him another try. If I still feel uncomfortable after that I’ll go elsewhere for the 2nd VHD vaccine.

[Sirius&Luna]

I go to the same vet as you Anna! I paid roughly £50 for the Myxi and VHD joint vaccine, then another £50 for the RVHD2 one.
It seemed pretty expensive to me, I’ve definitely heard of it being cheaper, but they’re great vets and I trust them.

Also, Fluffykins, don’t be scared to show the vet how to hold your bunny. You can just say something nice like ‘oh, he prefers it if you hold his bum like this’ or offer to help hold him. They won’t mind!

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