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Advice on rabbit referrals

Candiflare

Mama Doe
Ralph had diarrhea again this morning - basically liquid caecs. I took him to the vet AGAIn who diagnosed "rabbit IBS" AGAIN and here I am AGAIN with biolapis and forcing him to take fibreplex every couple of hours (which he hates.) He's very active and fine in himself and thanks to the advice before from the vet and you guys here I had cut down his treats and he has only been on hay and pellets for the past few months (no treats etc.) He actually baulks when he is given vegetables and greens now and refuses to eat them.

Seeing as my vet is going to keep referring to his diarrhea as rabbit IBS I'm hoping to get him referred and tested at Great Western. How do I go about this? Do I have to say to my vet "I'm not happy with your diagnosis I want you to refer me to such and such?"
 
Do they get offended when you ask for this? I know my vet likes to think that she knows everything and will get upset if I want "further investigation."
 
Do they get offended when you ask for this? I know my vet likes to think that she knows everything and will get upset if I want "further investigation."


It is your right to politely request a referral for a second opinion. If the Vet gets offended by a polite request then they clearly put their ego above the welfare of the animal concerned.

My Vet will ALWAYS say if she does not know the answers about certain cases and never gets 'iffy' about referrals etc. IMO knowing when to say 'I dont know what is wrong but I will find you someone who does' makes a GOOD Vet.
It's the ones who think they know it all that I have issues with.
 
Kate, for a bunny like Ralph, my advice would be to cut out all treats totally. You have said you have cut down and that may not be enough. My bunnies dont have any treats and I dont think they suffer from the boredom of only hay and pellets, with an occasional green. Both had runny poos.

If you cut everything out for a few months, his gut may get back to normal.

What pellets is he on?

Could be eating less hay?

I would try this before going to a second vet.

If you still want the second opinion, I would phone Great Western and ask them what they need to see him. They may contact your vet and get his past records for you. You could then drop your vet a note to say that you are seeking a second opinion at an exotic specialist to get to the root of his diarhoea and they will be contacting them for his history. Less troublesome than you having a conversation and you feeling awkward, or having to justify what you want to do for him.
 
My Vets have referred both Kermit & Herbie to the Vet hospital, both times they were fine with it.
 
Thanks guys.

I have cut out all his treats, he doesn't have any anymore, nor vegetables. He refuses veg but always wants treats. His hay eating habits haven't really changed (as far as I can tell.) He's on SS pellets.

I will ring Great Western like you say and see what they need to know/have to get an appointment there.
 
Ask for an appointment with Elisabetta, she's our bunny vet and in charge of exotic mammals (especially while I'm in remote areas of Europe like now!)
A second opinion is what you are looking for, rather than a referral. A referral is when your vet recommends a specialist view. It sounds like a minute difference but can affect communication and associated costs so make it clear when you call.
Hope all goes well
Marie
 
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