Need to make a really difficult decision, opinions appreciated/ decision made at last

We need to decide what to do about vet care for our bunnies, we are really torn at the moment and would appreciate any input

Since Jen left our vets surgery we have been left really disappointed with the quality of care our buns have been getting. There have been a couple of really excellent locums there but the permanent vets just don't seem to have any interest in our rabbits or seem to be willing to discuess treatment options etc. However they are literally at the end of our road, I can be there in under 2 minutes in an emergency, which can be of vital importance. They are also really helpful in fitting us in straight away in an emergency. They know us well and are happy for us to have large quantities of meds at home and for us to give fluids etc

We have now found another vet that we like the look of in the next town. They have rabbit specialists as well as other specialist such as eye specialists, which would be great. they have an amazing hospital with fantastic facilities. Seperate waiting rooms and recovery rooms for dogs and cats/small animals. However this doesn't come cheap, neutering a female costs £95 compared to £52 at our vets. As we already spend around £600 + a month at our vets we cannot afford for our vet bills to double. I have had a chat to the practice manager about our requirements and she has been very helpful, she is meeting with the partners about possible discounts as we are a charitable organisation but even so the costs will increase. She also said that she is not sure about us having our own meds as this is down to trust which can only be built up over time. The other main problem is getting there. Its fine when Steve is about but he works 2pm til 10pm, during that time I have no way of getting to this vet in an emergency. I cannot get a taxi as due to my ME I can no longer travel in cars, I cannot cope with the speed and movement. I end up sick and dizzy and unable to stand. They also have a brilliant out of hours set up.

We were so fed up with our vets that we had definately decided to go with the new vets but after yesterday when I just grabbed Marion and ran we don't know what to do. I don't want to be in a situation where I cannot get emergency help for my bunnies. But at the same time our bunnies need to have access to the best possible treatment, it is the least they deserve.

Sorry for the essay, but this is a really important decision. My vets have been good to me for many years and I don't want to end our relationship with them unless it is 100% the best thing to do :?:?

Could you register with both?

I didn't vote because I think you should do both! Stick with your current vets for vaccs and other routine things, also if you can't get to the other vets in emergency. Use the other vets where you are uncertain of what is wrong with a bun or feel you need a bit more understandign vet? Is this an option?

louise and Gus said:

I didn't vote because I think you should do both! Stick with your current vets for vaccs and other routine things, also if you can't get to the other vets in emergency. Use the other vets where you are uncertain of what is wrong with a bun or feel you need a bit more understandign vet? Is this an option?

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Thats what i thought too! I also didnt vote!! Arent we helpful lol

Hi Liz, did you mention your difficulty you have in getting to the potential new vets in an emergency when you spoke to them? Just wondering if they could come up with something to help?

Very difficult situation:?

I feel it would be taking the micky a bit to register with both. It would be like saying to my vet your rubbish but will do in an emergency :? I don't think either vets would be happy with that set up.

There is another vet we could use for neutering that the new vet wouldn't have to know about as we could just say they came in to us neutered :?

I would want to stick with our main vet for vaccs as it is a good opportunity for all the buns to get a check up and have meds reviewed etc. We are currently paying £12.50 per vac plus 15% off. The other vet is £19.50 plus whatever discount they are willing to give us :?

Michelleox said:

Hi Liz, did you mention your difficulty you have in getting to the potential new vets in an emergency when you spoke to them? Just wondering if they could come up with something to help?

Very difficult situation:?

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I did, as it also means we couldn't pick up any bunny after day surgery, they would all have to stay in over night. The practice manager is going to get back to me tomorrow once she has spoken to some of the vets however I can't see that they could do much about transport in an emergency

I've had a similar dilemma for the last year, though obviously not on the same scale. I've opted to use both. Neither has made anything of it yet - I'm open about what I do and the local vets can tell me they are not happy if they feel they need to. Your circumstances obviously make the choice very difficult.

I'd go with the others who've said "both" if there is any way that can happen, I would hope your local vets would respect that sometimes you need more expertise, if they don't provide it then to use another practice who does.

Have you spoken to your usual vets about your concerns? Not saying 'we think you are a bit rubbish with rabbits now' but more asking if they think that they will be getting another small animal specialist because you worry that sometimes non specialist are reluctant to try different ideas.

I'm having a similar problem with my dentist, so I know where you're coming from.

It's a really tough one :? I think you need to wait and see what the new vets offer in terms of discount, possible transport help etc and then decide.

I would probably say use both if possible, but if not and the new one is going to be double the price, then probably stick with the old vets because of the logistics problems and the potential problems having meds at home.

Sorry Liz, I've not voted, so not much help.
Perhaps like others have said keep the local ones for speying, vacs etc,and even emergencies if they are able to treat the bunnies, but for more specialist treatment use the other practise.

Keeping my current vets is definately going to be easier, but I am getting fed up with them just prescribing baytril for everything and refusing point blank to discuss other medications. Although they are cheaper I feel like we are throwing money away everytime we visit:? Also they make us feel stupid and that we shouldn't be doing what we are doing

I usually come home in tears because I feel like I am letting the bunnies down and Steve normally comes out fuming because they just wont listen and dismiss everything we suggest

Hugo's There said:

Keeping my current vets is definately going to be easier, but I am getting fed up with them just prescribing baytril for everything and refusing point blank to discuss other medications. Although they are cheaper I feel like we are throwing money away everytime we visit:? Also they make us feel stupid and that we shouldn't be doing what we are doing

I usually come home in tears because I feel like I am letting the bunnies down and Steve normally comes out fuming because they just wont listen and dismiss everything we suggest

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In that case, maybe new vets is by far the best option, even though transport will be hard.

Is it possible to register the bunnies who would most benefit from specialisms of new vets with them, and keep others with local vet? e.g. eye problem bunnies? Or is that just too complicated?

We have had similar prob too but i registered with both as like you said one is available in the event of an emergency and not to be horrible but we prob are more worried about it being rude to be with both than they are. Afterall they will get paid for what they do and if they are really bothered they will ask you why and you can politely say you need a bit more specialised rabbit care.
I am with two vets and in an emergency ring both to see who can help me quickest and i think seeing as how many bunnies you have they will understand that you need to cover all eventualities. Best to be safe than sorry and really they should understand x
One of my vets charges £112 to spay a female rabbit, needless to say i use the other who only charge £60 lol
Sorry if that didnt help and just said what everyone else has said x xx

surely in an emergency the nearest vets would help even if you were not registered there?

Personally I would register at both vets, use the cheapest for the idiotproof things like vacc's and the other one for everything else - neither needs to know. If the out of town one asks about vacc's or whatever and you have to say you get them done elsewhere I would have no problem telling them that the reason is the big price difference.

Not sure about the transport problem Liz, is it that you don't drive? If so I would seek out a local animal loving friend or two who could help out.

I quite understand how you feel with the current vets, we go to a large surgery and there are only certain vets I would ask to see - in an emergency I would have to see whoever was on but I wouldn't hesitate to ask for one of my faves to be consulted by phone if I wasn't happy.

I know the new vets is dearer but in the long run their better care may prove to be more economic.

Dustyrabbit said:

Not sure about the transport problem Liz, is it that you don't drive? If so I would seek out a local animal loving friend or two who could help out.
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I can't drive at the moment, I would probably kill someone with my co-ordination and reflexes :lol: But even if I was well we only have one car and Steve would have that at work. I don't know anyone who could help with transport in an emergency, I am "billy no mates" :lol:

Hugo's There said:

I can't drive at the moment, I would probably kill someone with my co-ordination and reflexes :lol: But even if I was well we only have one car and Steve would have that at work. I don't know anyone who could help with transport in an emergency, I am "billy no mates" :lol:

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Argh! I'm sure you're not really "billy no mates"! But seriously I am sure if there is a will there is a way - I know I would do anything I could to help anyone get a pet to a vet if it were necessary. How about a little ad in your local paper, the sweetshop window, the pet shop. Get a little local group going "Friends of Rainbow Rabbits" You can say they're "friends of Liz" if it makes you feel better! who will help out with driving.

Sadly I'm about 40 minutes away from Leighton Buzzard or I'd be happy to be your first friend!

Well the poll has really helped me make my mind up :lol::lol::lol::lol:

I've voted now! Hope it helps!

When you're in the thick of things it really is hard to make a decision. I had a similar problem when my horse was elderly and poorly, should I move him to another yard where life would be easier for me or keep him where he was where he was happy? I stuck it out in unsuitable conditions and in retrospect wish I hadn't.

I also feel his life was shortened by a young inexperienced vet (and I spent lots of unnecessary money). Why I didn't insist on the senior partner (who had cared for him for years) seeing him I'll never know. In the back of my mind I had a seed of an idea of what the real problem was but I was too tired and too busy to let it grow - and then it was too late.

Now I am older and wiser (ha ha - for wiser read pushy and outspoken!) my advise would be to take a little time out, relax and try to look at things from an outsiders point of view. Weigh up the facts and ask yourself what advise you would give someone else if they asked you the same question.

You have the answer within, you just need a little time and space to hear it.