after the first health exam and bloodwork

[scubagirl68]

I took my 5-month-old rabbit in the other day for her first health inspection (so that I can get her spayed) and she had blood taken. Everything was perfectly healthy, although I think the visit caused her stress, as she hasn't been eating and drinking as much, and she sits in a corner (seems a bit phased). I've noticed that her ear has a dark red bruise, I know that blood is drawn from the ears, and I assume that this is normal (as is with humans who have blood taken), I would just like some reassurance. Is this normal?

 

[Maureen Las]

I don't really remember my bun ever having a huge bruise after getting blood drawn so maybe they had trouble getting a vein. I would make sure that your vet is experienced with rabbits and ask him/her if they have performed a large number of spay/neuters and are familar with rabbits sensitivity to many anesthestics. In other words make sure that your vet doesn't do one rabbit every couple years but is rabbit savvy.

 

[naturestee]

I think my vet drew from the shoulder, because Fey and Sprite both had a drop of blood there. I couldn't tell if they were bruised or not through their fur. I know that some people have sensitive veins that will roll and bruise with even the best phlebotomist, so I wouldn't be surprised if rabbits are the same way. I know my vet had so much trouble that they couldn't get a sample from Mocha at all. It would be something to remember for later, so you can warn the vet about it the next time he needs to draw blood.

Keep a really close eye on her and give her some extra TLC to help her get through the stress. How long ago was her appointment that she's still acting like that? It's really important to make sure she's drinking enough. If she has a bottle, give her a bowl too. You can feed a little pumpkin if she likes that, or if you feed her greens you can wet those down.

It is not normal for her to be stressed for a long time after a vet visit, but some rabbits are very sensitive to stress.

 

[VNess2010]

If she doesn't eat anything for 12 hours, I'd call the vet....offer her all of her favorite treats...anything just to get something in her stomache....

 

[scubagirl68]

she's eating, just not as much. She was stressed the day after, but I think she's better now. She is eating more (she ate all her pellets), I was more concerned about the bruise.

And the vet is very good, I've been taking other small animals to her for a while. The spay is costing $400 (Canadian) because of all the extra measures they are taking.

 

[Maureen Las]

$400.00 is alot.

 

[Greta]

angieluv wrote:

$400.00 is alot.

:yeahthat: yeow! pricey!

 

[scubagirl68]

Do you think it's too much? I don't mind paying it, because I want to make sure it is done right, but I also thought it would be a lot less. I don't have the estimate with me, but I remember there was a pain-killer injection for afterwards, kidney..something or other, liquids? monitoring..and yeah. Do you think I should look elsewhere? I'm not really familiar with other vets in Ontario (Mississauga/Toronto) that are rabbit savvy.

 

[Maureen Las]

I've spent $400.00 on a rabbit for test and x-rays...if you feel that they do a good job and are experienced with bunnies, and you can pay it then stay with them.