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Is using a lead a good idea?

22 9:59:12

Question
QUESTION: Hi again, my mum bought a lead for me and suggested that I try to train my rabbit (who is named Chamomile by the way) to let me 'walk' him using it. I know that you cannot walk rabbits like you can dogs, you must follow their lead. And tips on how to put it on him, first and foremost, and then how to train him to get used to it? Or is it just a 100% bad idea? thanks again for all your help

ANSWER: Dear Melissa,

I can give you a very short answer on this one:  DO NOT use a leash/lead on your bunny.  It is very dangerous for so many reasons.  She could bolt unexpectedly and get away from you, then be terribly vulnerable with that lead dragging.  But I can't tell you how many incidents I know of in which a bunny was permanently crippled or even fatally injured (broken backs) by being restrained by a lead when trying to escape quickly from something that startled the bun.

If you don't have a safe, fenced yard (no pesticides or fertilizers!) where you can play with bun and supervise him closely, then just keep him inside with you.  He'll have plenty of room to run and play, and you won't risk the dangers of a leash.

Hope this helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: OK, I took the leash back to the shop but I have another question, well not really a question. I'm scared to take my rabbit to the vets. I know this sounds stupid but I am so scared that they'll let him fall off the table and hurt himself fatally. And I am also scared to get him neutered because some anaesthetics can kill rabbits. Do you know which anaesthetic is dangerous to him, so I can tell them not to use it on him? Thank you!

ANSWER: Dear Melissa,

I understand your anxiety, and there are measures you can take to prevent problems.  First, find a vet who is already well-versed in rabbit medicine and proper handling techniques.  You may be able to find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Next, bring proper handling accessories with you, such as a 100% cotton, traction-backed bath mat that you can place on the exam table for bunny to sit comfortably during the exam.   Too many vets expect a rabbit to sit quietly on a slippery, stainless-steel table, and that just creates more anxiety and more opportunity for accidents.  Keeping bunny calm is the key.  If he's extremely skittish, then call the vet to ask about getting a little dose of diazepam (Valium) for him before you go. That could help tremendously.

If you're not sure about the vet's expertise, then ask that all procedures be done in the room with you, so you can monitor the situation and ask them to stop if your bunny seems unreasonably agitated. Even vets can make mistakes, and since you know your bunny best, it's a good idea for you to be his advocate.

While no surgery is 100% risk free, reducing risk is not difficult.  Again, find a vet who is very experienced with rabbits and who has a good track record with rabbit surgery.   S/he will undoubtedly know the best anesthetics to use, such as isoflurane or sevoflurane gas and the appropriate pre-anesthetics to alleviate anxiety in the bunny and provide pain relief after the surgery.  Pre-scrotal neuter is less painful than scrotal, so also ask about which technique the vet typically uses, and whether your bunny can have the pre-scrotal technique.

For more information on pre- and post-op care, see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/opcare.html

Hope this helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: OK thank you so much and I will look for a proper rabbit vet for neutering him but I need to get his ear mites sorted out really soon because I am scared of his ears getting covered with scabs. And the last time I went they said come back in two weeks, but they stressed him out so badly. He was even trembling! And when he was in there he kicked really hard and scratched them (good) which could even have broken his back!!! I rang them and said that I would report them to the RSPCA if they didn't apologise for an inexperienced vet to handle him so I need to find a new vets really fast! Anyway I watched them put on his medicine last time and they put it on the back of his neck. It needs to be on his ears doesn't it? And I don't really want to ring them and ask because they don't like me for yelling on the phone at them. Also could I buy the medicine myself and put it on him so I won't have to go back there? Please help thank you!

Answer
Dear Melissa,

Stronghold (selamectin) is the right medication, and it needs to be put on the back of the neck and/or at the base of the tail.  It need not be applied to the ears, since it quickly travels along the skin via the oil and hair follicles.  By the next day, the medication is all over, and the mites are beginning to die.

Please get bunny to a good vet NOW for treatment.  One application should be all that's needed, if it's the right stuff, so I hope that if he already has been treated that the scabs you see are just the result of healing.

But go here to find a good vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and see this for more information:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

It's never a good idea to yell at a vet or other service provider, since you never know when you're going to be in a tight spot and need their help.  :(  I hope you can mend the burned bridge.

Good luck,

Dana