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Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

We cater to our friends with scales, shells, feathers and more!

Rabbits and guinea pigs make wonderful companions and thrive in our homes. They can adapt well to apartments and often love to be part of the family activities. They have specialised nutritional needs and are not recommended as low maintenance pets.

We believe in providing a high standard of care for our rabbit and guinea pig patients.

We offer all services for rabbits and guinea pigs including:

  • Emergency care
  • Hospitalisation with dedicated ward and custom enclosures
  • Annual health examinations
  • Desexing males and females (guinea pigs and rabbits)
  • Vaccination of rabbits
  • Micro-chipping
  • Laboratory testing
  • Diagnostic imaging – X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI and fluoroscopy
  • Dentistry
  • Surgery for minor and major procedures
  • Behavioural investigations and management
  • Direct access to other specialities including oncology, ophthalmology, cardiology and imaging

Illness In Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

Rabbits and guinea pigs are prey species. They can often hide signs of disease until the problem has become very advanced and many injuries that initially seem minor, can also be very serious.

We recommend always erring on the side of caution when something seems unusual with your small herbivore and having them examined by an small mammal veterinarian.

Signs of illness or injury in small herbivores:

  • Less active, hunched or fluffed posture
  • Refusing food, drooling, reduced appetite or inability to chew
  • Reduced faecal production or changes in the consistency, size or shape of faecal pellets
  • Changes in normal behaviours or routine
  • Having difficulty moving, limping or not using a leg
  • Breathing difficulties, discharge from the mouth or nostrils
  • Sneezing, coughing
  • Changes to one or both eyes (swelling, redness, discharge)
  • Drinking excessively
  • Urinating excessively or changes to the urine consistency or colour
  • Seizures, tremors
  • Bleeding, wounds, lumps or swellings
  • Fur loss, itching

Bringing Your Rabbit or Guinea Pig To The Vet

Bringing your small herbivore to the vet can be a stressful time, especially when they are unwell or injured.

All patients need to arrive at the appointment in an enclosure. Usually their normal enclosure is too large or difficult to bring in, so examples of other carriers include:

  • Cat and dog travel carriers are perfect for transport
  • Clothes baskets are sometimes used to transport guinea pigs. It is recommended to cover baskets with a towel to ensure they feel secure
  • A photo of the cage and surroundings can often be very helpful for the veterinarian.