Rabbits are very sensitive creatures with very, very specific needs. As a rabbit owner, you probably already know this. That's why it is absolutely essential that your rabbit's vet is experienced and knowledgeable about rabbits.
A good veterinarian can be crucial part of your animal's life. There are countless vets who treat dogs and cats, but the number of rabbit-savvy vets is surprisingly slim. Some vets treat rabbits as well as a ton of other animals, these should in general be avoided as they do not understand the specific needs of rabbits. Look up reviews online, and see whether fellow rabbit owners approve of the vet in question.
Rabbits are so delicate, and even a simple spay or neuter is a dangerous procedure. They can die so easily of stress on their bodies. This is why you must always have surgeries performed by a rabbit-specific veterinarian. Of course, even with a rabbit vet on hand, any procedure or treatment has its risks, but you are lessening this risk a ton if you go to the best vet you can.
With medical emergencies, always see an emergency vet clinic with a rabbit vet on hand. Sick or injured rabbits can go downhill very quickly, so time is always of the essence.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you want a responsible and ethical vet. Many 'pet vets' tend to have a very skewed mentality about animal welfare. I tend to be very averse to vets whose mentality is to keep the animal alive, no matter how much it's suffering. To me, it seems cruel to string a suffering animal (that can't be fixed) along just to make the people involved feel good about themselves. I always recommend people see if they can find more of a livestock sort of vet (who has experience treating rabbits), or ideally one who is or was a breeder at one point or another. They are going to be more respectful of your opinions and experience, will understand the mentality of the animal's quality of life, and will also understand taking measures to ensure the safety of a herd. It will take you a lot of research to find such a vet, but it'll be totally worthwhile in the long run!
A good veterinarian can be crucial part of your animal's life. There are countless vets who treat dogs and cats, but the number of rabbit-savvy vets is surprisingly slim. Some vets treat rabbits as well as a ton of other animals, these should in general be avoided as they do not understand the specific needs of rabbits. Look up reviews online, and see whether fellow rabbit owners approve of the vet in question.
Rabbits are so delicate, and even a simple spay or neuter is a dangerous procedure. They can die so easily of stress on their bodies. This is why you must always have surgeries performed by a rabbit-specific veterinarian. Of course, even with a rabbit vet on hand, any procedure or treatment has its risks, but you are lessening this risk a ton if you go to the best vet you can.
With medical emergencies, always see an emergency vet clinic with a rabbit vet on hand. Sick or injured rabbits can go downhill very quickly, so time is always of the essence.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you want a responsible and ethical vet. Many 'pet vets' tend to have a very skewed mentality about animal welfare. I tend to be very averse to vets whose mentality is to keep the animal alive, no matter how much it's suffering. To me, it seems cruel to string a suffering animal (that can't be fixed) along just to make the people involved feel good about themselves. I always recommend people see if they can find more of a livestock sort of vet (who has experience treating rabbits), or ideally one who is or was a breeder at one point or another. They are going to be more respectful of your opinions and experience, will understand the mentality of the animal's quality of life, and will also understand taking measures to ensure the safety of a herd. It will take you a lot of research to find such a vet, but it'll be totally worthwhile in the long run!