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thatkiidsean

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Hey guys, I am wondering, When i first get my bun I want to take it to the vet for her first check up and then do it yearly. Is there any special questions I should ask. What should the vet do? Also what should be the average charge for one? With nail clipping which leads me to my next question. What is the best way to cut a rabbits nails? Or do I bring it to the vets or groomers?


Thanks!
Sean Kennedy
 
What country are you in? In Australia we can only get the Caleesie virus injection (I know it's not spelt wrong I'm sorry) your bunny will need two injections an initial on and a booster a few weeks later then another booster every year after that. My vet costs about $90 for a consult (rabbit savvy vet in Sydney). As for nails I flip Shida on her back and trim them, her nails are black which makes them a bit difficult but they have a natural indentation on the bottom and if you don't trim past that then you won't nick the wick which bleeds and can be painful for your bun
 
Here's a link to a video on how to trim your rabbit's nails that I found to be very helpful. I have also trimmed nails with a my daughter doing the clipping and me holding the rabbit still (she quit on me though!!).

An initial well visit for your new rabbit is a great idea. They can trim the nails for you and show you how they do it. They will basically check over your rabbit's body, ears, teeth, eyes, etc. They'll weigh the bunny and check it's heart rate. Also, it's important to get established at a vet office in case your bunny gets sick. My first vet visit was free for all my rabbits even though only one was from the SPCA. They do some special partnering with the SPCA to encourage people to get a well check for new pets. Normally, they charge around $40-$50 for a visit and around $10 for nail trimming. In the US, rabbits don't need any vaccinations. I have my rabbits outdoors and they are in the grass in the summer so I get flea and tick medication from my vet for them.
 
Like surf_storm said, Aussies only get calicivirus vaccinations, so that's all my buns get. My breeder actually does them for about $30, if I remember correctly. I opted to get Clem's done when she was in for her spay, and it cost $90!
 
The cost of an exam can vary a lot, I have heard ranges from $25 to $100, around here it is about $80. That is just for the exam, the total bill can be more for other services like a nail trim. A nail trim can cost $10-20. It can be good to see the nail trim done, and then do it yourself after.

The vet should be a full physical exam. This will include looking in the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, taking the temperature and weight, listening to the heart and lungs, and feeling the whole body. They can also stretch out the limbs to see range of motion, look at the feet, and just otherwise looking over the whole rabbit. If you have any concerns about the rabbit, they can be looked at too. The sex can also be checked.

As for questions, you do want to make sure you are going to a rabbit savvy vet. The are lists of questions to ask before you book anything, then some to ask when you are there.

You should bring your rabbit in a carrier. Most vets don't like animals just on your lap since there would be other animals in the clinic and some might not like rabbits. A carrier is safest. Put a small towel inside and some hay in the back. A small dish for water can be good too, but bring some water and give it at the vet.
 
Shida just cost me just over $300 but that's a good question for your vet to start with. Also ask them about emergencies and if they are a 24h vet and where to go if they are not.
 
Ask if they see/treat rabbits on a regular basis, how many they spay/neuter. Also ask if they require the rabbit to fast before spay/neuter, if the answer is yes, look elsewhere. Rabbits don't need to fast as they're unable to vomit.
 

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