Rabbit awareness at Arden House!

We are supporting rabbit awareness week by offering a whole month of free rabbit checks with a vet between Monday 3rd June - Saturday 29th June!

🐇Please call and book an appointment! 🐇

This year's Rabbit Awareness Week theme is 'Protect and Prevent' raising awareness around Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 2 (RVHD2).

Rabbits are normally vaccinated annually against two diseases, myxomatosis and rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease ( RVHD1).

RVHD2 is a new variant of the RVHD1 virus which causes internal bleeding and like RVHD1 is often fatal. 

Therefore, the best way to protect your rabbits is to vaccinate them! 

We recommend that rabbits are vaccinated against myxomatosis- RVHD1 followed by an additional vaccine for RVHD2,  given two weeks later. 

🌟 To help try and get more bunnies vaccinated against RVHD2, we have a 20% discount on this vaccine throughout June ( cost £24.00). 🌟

Examining your rabbit;

Your bunny's wellness visit will start with one of our vets asking you questions about diet, behaviour, past medical problems. This is also the time you will be asked if there are any new problems that have arisen, concerns, or questions you may have. All of this information will be entered into your pet's digital medical record.

After all of your questions have been answered, the physical exam will start. The vet will look at the following things:

• Teeth - Do the front teeth meet correctly? Are they overgrown?  Are the teeth being effectively worn down by chewing? Using an otoscope with a long speculum, the molars (back teeth) will be checked for sharp points called spurs.The vet will also check the lips for any sores, abrasions, drooling, or swelling.

• Eyes - Are the eyes bright and without discharge? They will be checked for signs of swelling, infection, or tear duct obstruction.

• Nose - Is the nose clear of discharge? Are there any signs of breathing problems ( wheezing, coughing , sneezing)? 

• Ears - Are the ears clean and healthy? If there is ear debris, it will be checked for mites, yeast, or bacteria. The ear will be swabbed and the material examined under a microscope.

• Skin and coat - Is the coat clean and glossy? Are there any patches of hair loss dandruff or inflamed skin? Is the rabbit itchy? Are there any lumps or bumps? Are the nails too long? 

• Heart and lungs - is the rabbit's heart rate and rhythm normal? What is the breathing rate? Using a stethoscope, your rabbit's heart and lungs will be listened to. 
• Bottom check - Is the rear end clean, dry and free from faeces? 

• Abdomen - The vet will feel the abdomen to evaluate size and shape of internal organs. Are there any signs of pain or discomfort? 

• Weight - What is the rabbits body condition score ? Are they a healthy weight for their size and breed? 

Rabbit awareness week (RAW) presents a great opportunity to learn more about rabbits and how to correctly care for them. The following link provides some great information on all aspects of rabbit care and rabbit health. Do also contact our veterinary team here at Arden House who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

RABBIT AWARENESS WEEK



Please note;
Your bunny should be seen urgently by a vet if they haven't eaten in the last 12 hours.