So with Easter a week away, I wanted to express to the public that while bunnies are cute, they are living creatures that require care. They are often an impulse buy this time of year when Mom and Dad go shopping with the kids.
I get to see them when they have an issue and then the parents are shocked to find out they too, require medical care. And just because you purchase a rabbit for $20, doesn't mean the medical care is "cheap." In fact, exotics take more time and more expertise and often special equipment to deal with. We also often have to order medications compounded specifically for them and their small size.
The thing about rabbits (and most small "pocket pets" as we call them), is that they are good at hiding illness but once they show it, tend to go down fast. Many of the issues with them are husbandry related. This means housing, temperature, and diet related issues. Please read up on these animals BEFORE buying them and make sure you are willing to pay your vet a examination fee if should they become ill.
Also important is making sure you know a vet that is willing to see them and HAS experience or an interest in them. They are NOT like dogs or cats. There are medications we give to cats that can be FATAL to rabbits. Not all vets want to or should see these guys.
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