• Forum/Server Upgrade If you are reading this you have made it to the upgraded forum. Posts made on the old forum after 26th October 2023 have not been transfered. Everything else should be here. If you find any issues please let us know.

The Vet Appreciation Thread

J

Jack's-Jane

Wise Old Thumper
Often on Forums there can be much criticism of Vets, on RU it is usually concerning a lack of knowledge about Rabbits. Of course in an ideal world all Vets working in a Small Animal Practice would have a significant amount of knowledge about the various species they are likely to encounter. But as things currently stand regarding training in Veterinary Medicine the amount of time allocated to cover 'Exotics' is relatively small. It is then up to an individual Vet to further their knowledge about Exotics. Often the courses available are expensive and the Vet has to fund it themselves.

So, the purpose of this thread is for people to post something positive about the Vet they consult. Many Vets do browse this Forum and at times it must seem as though everyone thinks all Vets are useless and only in it for the money or to boost their own ego.

I use Twickenham Veterinary Surgery in SW London

https://www.twickenhamvets.com/

Whilst they may not be 'Exotics Specialists' they are Rabbit Savvy. They treat thousands of Rabbits, including all Rabbits who come into the care of our local Rescue, ARC

http://animalrescueandcare.org.uk/



The Vets at TVS are all compassionate and dedicated Professionals who's number one concern is for the welfare of their clients, both the animal one's and the humans ! The Vets will always do their very best for every animal they see and they will also always offer a Specialist referral if a specific case exceeds their own knowledge. The Vets are open to the (human) client suggesting treatment options, there is never a 'I am the Vet, I know best' attitude.

I for one will always be exceptionally grateful for the care my Rabbits and my Dog have received from TVS over several years. The owner of the Practice has gone way above and beyond her duty of care to both my Pets and to me. She is one in a million.

Please feel free to add your posts to this thread, you do not have to name the Veterinary Surgery you use if you would prefer not to.
 
Just seen this.

I swear by Vets for Pets in Newmarket! Absolutely amazing all the vets I've seen there.

Also highly recommend Nine Lives in Redbourn for the same reason.

I have tried numerous vets before finally settling on these two. I know their both in completely different areas, but I used to live near one and then moved.

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk
 
So.

I use Orwell Vets Group, in Ipswich, Suffolk. They do have an Exotics Specialist, although she is currently on maternity leave, but I tend to see either Charles or Katherine, although, recently I've seen others and have been more impressed now, than in recent years, with the calibre of staff. I'd feel comfortable seeing all of them, but definitely prefer those who know me and my bunnies.

I've been with them 10 years now and they've treated over 35 of my rabbits, plus RSPCA rabbits too.

They really like and value the animals that visit and have such a lovely, caring way with the animals, so I know mine are always in safe hands.

They also provide an excellent service to my very complicated crew in terms of medications and written prescriptions and suchlike. They have been through some changes recently in terms of hours, and that does concern me, but I haven't changed practices, and am still happy with the service they currently provide.
 
I’m biased being an RVN and working with my wonderful vets but they truly have been a support network to myself and my rabbits

Edit: and of course all the RVN’s too!!
 
Last edited:
I have seen many different vets over the past 20 years. I have counted that I have been registered at at least 9 different surgeries in the county. I'm always really interested to hear what people have made of different vets, particularly having had very small animals - it's a real challenge finding a good guinea pig vet, let alone a good hamster or mouse vet.

So I've experienced a real mix. But what I am finding now is the value in building up enough of a working relationship with a good vet in that they listen to what you have to say, are interested not just in what presents itself on the table at the surgery, but what the animal is like at home, etc etc. And also one that seeks advice from others where needed.
 
Jack's-Jane said:
Often on Forums there can be much criticism of Vets, on RU it is usually concerning a lack of knowledge about Rabbits. Of course in an ideal world all Vets working in a Small Animal Practice would have a significant amount of knowledge about the various species they are likely to encounter. But as things currently stand regarding training in Veterinary Medicine the amount of time allocated to cover 'Exotics' is relatively small. It is then up to an individual Vet to further their knowledge about Exotics. Often the courses available are expensive and the Vet has to fund it themselves.

So, the purpose of this thread is for people to post something positive about the Vet they consult. Many Vets do browse this Forum and at times it must seem as though everyone thinks all Vets are useless and only in it for the money or to boost their own ego.

I use Twickenham Veterinary Surgery in SW London

https://www.twickenhamvets.com/

Whilst they may not be 'Exotics Specialists' they are Rabbit Savvy. They treat thousands of Rabbits, including all Rabbits who come into the care of our local Rescue, ARC

http://animalrescueandcare.org.uk/



The Vets at TVS are all compassionate and dedicated Professionals who's number one concern is for the welfare of their clients, both the animal one's and the humans ! The Vets will always do their very best for every animal they see and they will also always offer a Specialist referral if a specific case exceeds their own knowledge. The Vets are open to the (human) client suggesting treatment options, there is never a 'I am the Vet, I know best' attitude.

I for one will always be exceptionally grateful for the care my Rabbits and my Dog have received from TVS over several years. The owner of the Practice has gone way above and beyond her duty of care to both my Pets and to me. She is one in a million.

Please feel free to add your posts to this thread, you do not have to name the Veterinary Surgery you use if you would prefer not to.
Click to expand...
I saw a lovely lady vet at anton vets in Andover. It is her understanding of me as an owner and supporting me and taking my feelings in to account that I felt was really special. Like we wasn't just another appointment, another patient. A real personal approach to being a vet. That made the world of difference to my experience. Never met one like that before

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk
 
I am with the same vets as Jane who have successfully removed a massive tumour from a hamster and neuter male chinchillas, as well as being rabbit savvy.
 
I do miss my Alaska vet office. The folks there were unbelievably kind and patient with me, who likes to ask a lot of questions and bring my own ideas to a visit. And of course that is where I met the vet who changed it all not just for me and my bunnies, but saved the lives of two of my dogs who came down with GDV as well. They were fantastic and so my current vet has some big shoes to fill.

That being said, I know I've complained about the local office more than a bit, but I do have to nod to the lady vet who took care of Fiver and Mimzy in their last moments. No more peaceful passings could have been obtained imo and I am grateful for her care of my babies. I will be returning to her as needed for my other pets without question. It doesn't mean I won't have my disagreements with her because that is how I am, but I think for the most part she is as good as I will get here and for that I am grateful, very grateful, because I know I could have it so much worse.

She tried to tell me how sorry she was when I went to pick up Fiver's ashes but I was too emotional and just had to take him and go, there were other folks in the waiting room as well and I didn't want anyone to see me upset. But I know, she was still affected by having to do the deed as well, you could see it in her eyes.

This is someone with empathy, and that is a rare thing sometimes, even in the veterinary practices.
 
I've used my local Companion Care for a few years now and I could not be happier. (Edit: Vet names deleted for safety reasons). Without them (and the help of RU!) I can absolutely guarantee Snowflake wouldn't be here now and for that I will always be extremely thankful.
I have to say that my local Vets Now also deserve a lot of praise, having again looked after a few of our rabbits at this point as well as giving advice over the phone. In particular Cody who I don't think would have made it through the night when he went into stasis. One vet looked after him so well and got him through to morning. He was in an awful state at that point, having lost a huge amount of weight for what was at the time an unknown reason (down to about 1.4kg, should have been around 2kg!) and I really didn't think he'd make it through the night but the vet went out throughout the night with a torch picking fresh dandelions for him and got him eating again. Without that huge level of dedication I don't think Cody would be here either.

What we've witnessed personally from vets is that they are incredibly caring, dedicated, wonderful people who on the whole do everything they can for the animal they're looking after and deal with some incredibly difficult people (and as much as I try not to be I do include myself on that list!) and they are incredibly hard working. The same has to be said for the nurses, support staff and receptionists who also have a far more difficult job than you would think. Every one of them is essential to keeping the surgery running and ultimately in making sure your animal is treated. So I think they all deserve a huge amount of praise.
I know that several of my rabbits wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for the dedication of the vets, nurses and other staff members who looked after them.
 
Last edited:
I use exotics specialist Sarah Pellett, who's based at Animates in Thurlby, Lincolnshire. I can't recommend her enough, she's brilliant :)
 
William - Orchid vets in Brentwood - he diagnosed and saved my rabbit who I thought I was going to have to have put down, both her knee caps slipped out of place and every vet I went to couldn't figure it out - I'd only had her a few weeks when it happened, she couldn't move and I was so unprepared and had only had two rabbits as a kid (was so not ready for anything to happen) but this forum helped me find that vet and they're really great with bunnies :) - rabbit had surgery and she's now perfect :)

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
 
I use Abbey Vets for my smallest furries, the rabbit savvy vets are at Hoyland branch so we go there with any rabbits we've had in any recent years. They have a 24 hour emergency branch in Barnsley, they were brilliant with us there when Boots became ill and died on route, and they are very empathetic at both too.

I'm lucky with the other vets I now use for the goats too, (Churchfield) they are very knowledgeable of goats, it's rare to find a goat savvy vet!
 
Barn Yard Bunnies said:
I am with the same vets as Jane who have successfully removed a massive tumour from a hamster and neuter male chinchillas, as well as being rabbit savvy.
Click to expand...

What makes the Practice even more appealing is the manner in which all Staff, both Clinical and Administrative, treat their Clients. I am never made to feel that I am being a Nuisance. Unlike some Veterinary Practices I've used in the past. Some made me wonder who was the one paying, me or them !!

Building a mutually trusting relationship with your Vet is so important as there will be 'difficult' times to contend with, not least when one has to say goodbye to a much loved Rabbit. It's vitally important to know that your Vet will never just suggest PTS because the Pet is 'just a Rabbit' (which has happened to me years ago and on more than one occasion). Also, knowing that if you question any suggested treatments your Vet wont take it as you trying to tell them how to do their job. I have also encountered that problem in the past and it just added to the stress of an already stressful situation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

InspectorMorse
  • Sticky
Important Message From the RWAF Re ‘Conscious Dentals’
Replies
2
Views
306
InspectorMorse
InspectorMorse
S
Metacam Dispensing Rule Change in the UK
Replies
12
Views
715
KarenM
KarenM
M
Baby rabbits
Replies
11
Views
295
InspectorMorse
InspectorMorse
Back
Top