VHD & Myxo Vaccs - Rescue Newbie Looking For Advice

Anyone following us will know we're reasonably new to rabbit rescue, only having started in December 2010. We don't have a physical rescue centre, but rather rely on a network of foster carers instead.

I was wondering what other rescues do in terms of administering VHD & Myxo? At the moment we rely wholly on our foster's vet practices to administer these, and whilst we have negotiated discounts, it's still quite costly.

It occurs to me that I could easily develop the skills required to administer these myself. I've found the vaccines online at considerably cheaper prices, but note that I would need a vet prescription to authorise the purchase.

I'm from a farming background, so have helped my dad administer vaccines & treatments in cattle and he does this all himself (with the products purchased via his registered vet). So I'm thinking it can't be that difficult really.

I know that Myxo has to be administered carefully as 10% needs to be in the skin, and I know that VHD traditionally has been dangerous due to accidental self-injections (but this is now a thing of the past with Anivac).

I guess I just don't know how to approach the subject with our vet(s), and whether I'm best buying the vaccines through them or asking for prescriptions to purchase (presumably cheaper) online.

Do I need "proof" that I've been trained in anyway? Are there any issues in terms of where the vaccine is administered (essentially I'd be like a mobile "vet" as wouldn't be doing this at a centre)? Do I need any other equipment I've not thought of?

Any thoughts? What do others do?

We're really tight for cash, and demand seems to be high already, so I'm really keen to trim as much cost as possible.

I have no experience of how rescues work, but would suggest contacting your vets and just asking them.

I looked in to this in the past and basically at the time could find no acceptable legal way of doing it myself, vets are very reluctant to write a prescription for this...mainly because each animal is supposed to be seen, assessed and classed as 'in full health' before administration, and by giving you a prescription they would not be fulfilling their legal obligations on this front.

I don't want to give the vet any cause for concern with us, when we're such a new rescue (I changed vets when we started to get the benefit of better pricing and following some excellent recommendations).

If it's the norm for folks to do it, I've no issue asking for it, but if it's an unusual request I'd rather step cautiously.

Sooz - I've yet to find a vet that does anything more thorough than I do when it comes to a health check, but I take your point on this.

fairlybeloved wrote:Sooz - I've yet to find a vet that does anything more thorough than I do when it comes to a health check, but I take your point on this.

This is true, but the fact remains that the vet is a legally qualified person to authorise dispense, and you do not hold any formal qualifications. I know it's frustrating, and it gets even more complex when you start dealing with things covered by the DDA, but it's a necessary precaution against 'quack' practitioners.

Generally large scale vaccinations tend to get the best discount, i.e. if you save up enough rabbits to use a whole vial in one hit vets will normally discount you as they usually expect to throw away a few doses and cover the cost of these in their per vaccine price. Some vets will also call you if they have vaccine left at the end of the day (from vials paid for by clients) which is due to be thrown and will charge a nominal fee for this. I'd suggest you'd have better luck pursuing this route initially.

I can really see your point and understand your position. I think that approaching your vet to discuss all the options (like the one Sooz suggested) is a good idea. Ultimately, as a rescue, they know that they will get a lot of funds from you, so it is in their best interest to keep you on board.

I was reared on a farm too, and am very used to injecting sheep and cattle, but the obligation from the RCVS that pets must be health checked prior to vaccination is a hurdle you're unlikely to overcome, and I suspect leaves you open to prosecution.

I don't think there's any harm in asking about alternative ways though, they will understand your position.