What is a bunny savvy vet?

We use this phrase a lot, but new owners may not have a clue what a bunny savvy vet is? as we know, these vets can be difference between life and death for our buns, or correct diagnosis etc.

My understanding is that vets leave vet school with only a couple of weeks of 'exotics' training, which covers lots of animals, but not in great depth. They then opt to attend conferences and further education to gain an 'exotics and small animals' accreditation.

Is this the point when they become bunny savvy? I'm guessing that lots of hands on experience then makes them better qualified to deal with the intricacies of rabbit medicine?

Another thing is this, if a practice has an 'exotics and small animals' accreditation, it doesn't nec. mean that the vet you see will have those qualifications - it's happened to me a couple of times. I now know which vets at my practice have the correct qualifications, and have stipulated that mine are only seen by them, and feel this info should be given to people when they register.

I'd appreciate any more info on what makes a bunny savvy vet, thanks

Hi Jay

At Bristol uni they have a specialist rabbit vet that is available once a week. I assume he/she has specifically studied rabbits in more detail and has more hands on experience?

I dont know how you would quantify it.

Given some of the shocking experiences Daisy and I have had I would say that even to be able to do the following would qualify them as reasonably "Savvy". It doesnt mean they have to be an expert, but really just be able to do what I would consider "Bunny Basics" would set a vet apart I think.

To know about recent developments / new medicines and dosage reccomendations
To know how to identify the common bunny illnesses, and how to treat them.
To be able to administer vaccinations in the correct way.
To be able to advise on correct diet, accomodation etc. (people ask the vets advice)
To be confident in handling the bun, able to check teeth etc.

I think like you say Jay - experience is the Key, and a willingness to keep up with new developments etc.

I really think it's the experience that is key. My rabbit vet is very savvy, and I think the main reason for that is that she worked in the UK for years, and both before and after that the majority of her patients are rabbits. Nowadays, she only sees non-rabbit animals when the other vets at the clinic cannot handle the load.

With years of experience, I think you can pick up on the nuances of an illness and learn to read bunny body language much more effectively, as well as see some of the more rare diseases.

Just want to bring this article to the attention of new members, it was composed especially for us by the RCVS.

Choosing the Right Vet for You

Sooz wrote:Just want to bring this article to the attention of new members, it was composed especially for us by the RCVS.

Choosing the Right Vet for You

Excellent Sooz.

Did you know that in vets terms rabbits are known as "exotic"?