I wouldn't claim to be particularly knowledgeable about rabbits, or even very interested, I am definitely a dog/cat nurse. I think that comes from being employed in an orthopaedic referral centre; we just don't see many rabbits in our practice.
However, something happened recently that made a deep impression on me: while caring for my friend's rabbits while she was on holiday, I was disturbed by a comment from my little boy. He questioned why these particular rabbits were looked after so well. Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) was 2–10 June 2018, and I felt compelled to write something in support of this important week. Although the week has passed, and it's too later to promote it to clients, it's not too late to discuss rabbit welfare.
In response to my little boy's question I explained that that's how all rabbits should be cared for — that they require the right food (predominantly hay); that they need space in which to run; and that, like him, they need a companion to ‘play’ with. I did wonder where had he picked up his perception of rabbit welfare from, and the idea that the level of care should be any different to that provided by my friend. I know he has not got that idea from me. But, unfortunately I think this may still be the problem with rabbits, there is still the idea that it they are ‘just rabbits’, and it is this perception that we must all work together to dispel. This is certainly not my view, but a view that I am sure many RVNs see on a daily basis in practice — and that's the lucky rabbits that make it to the veterinary surgery.
With rabbits being a more and more popular choice as a family pet, actually rating in the top three most popular pets to own, why do many members of the public seem to know so little about their welfare? Where did my son get his ideas from? TV? School? Pet shops? Friends? What can we do to influence this perception?
There has been improvement in the public's knowledge about rabbit welfare, which is great, but there are still huge problems in abandonment and good knowledge of diet, environment, behaviour, companionship, and health requirements. This year's RAW theme (https://www.rabbitawareness.co.uk) was ‘Move Away from Muesli’, encouraging owners to move towards a high-fiber, hay-based diet — promotion of this theme can, and should, continue throughout the year.
We as nurses can only do so much, but are we equipped with the right knowledge. Do our veterinary practices have the correct equipment and opportunities for our owners to learn and help improve their knowledge about rabbit welfare?
So, RAW has been and gone. During this week veterinary practices have offered free health checks to try and improve rabbit welfare; maybe you and your practice could get involved next year, or why wait until then! I have learned a vast amount in a short time while preparing for this editorial, and am motivated to try and make a difference, and I hope I have inspired you to do the same.