Vaccinations

[fordy88]

Hi all,

I have 2, 10 week old mini lop bunnies. I am unsure if I should get them vaccinated or not. They are indoor rabbits.
I have heard horror stories about people getting their indoor bunnies vaccinated then them dying a couple of years later from cancer around where they were vaccinated. I understand vets are still a business but I am just unsure. Any help and advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Liz47]

Hello and welcome I've not heard of any reputable sources re cancer around the site of a vaccination. Indoor rabbits are still very susceptible as RHD is airborne and can be spread on your shoes, clothing etc from going outside, and myxo is spread by biting insects which still get inside the home. The best site for information is the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund:

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/

They recommended the triple vaccine which protects them fully

 

[Shimmer]

I would definitely get them vaccinated. RHD and myxo are deadly diseases, and RHD is a silent killer of the unvaccinated. I would also discuss when to get them neutered when you see your vet for the vaccinations. There is about an 80% chance of cancer in entire females by the time they are 4 years old.

I've not come across any cancer deaths associated with rabbit vaccinations. Even in cats and dogs, injection site carcinoma is very, very rare and manageable if caught early - I've come across it once, and the cat died from old age rather than anything related to the cancer. However, there is a very real and significant risk of death from RHD (often within hours / overnight) or myxomatosis (requiring PTS) in unvaccinated rabbits.

 

[InspectorMorse]

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/health/vaccinations

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/rabbit-vaccines

https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/general-practice/services/pet-vaccinations/rabbit

https://www.noah.co.uk/topics/companion-animals/rabbit-vaccination/

 

[Orenoko]

I'll be honest, I've had vets tell me not to worry as mine are indoors BUT there are lots of wild rabbits near where I live and I worry about accidentally transmitting it so I still get them vaccinated anyway. You can't be too careful.

 

[InspectorMorse]

I'll be honest, I've had vets tell me not to worry as mine are indoors.

:shock:

Any Vet telling me that would not get within a mile of my Rabbits. Just as well you know better than those Vets, but what about the poor people who don’t Just today I have seen a FB post from a person who lost her two House Rabbits to RHD

 

[Liz47]

Sadly a lot of vets I've worked with would've said the same re indoor rabbits and vaccinations, they just aren't educated enough on rabbits

 

[InspectorMorse]

Sadly a lot of vets I've worked with would've said the same re indoor rabbits and vaccinations, they just aren't educated enough on rabbits

It’s shocking. It’s not as though Organisations such as the RWAF don’t promote it enough, including info sent directly to Veterinary practices. It was said to me 20+ years ago, but to be honest I don’t think there is any excuse for it not to be know by all Vets claiming to provide Care for Rabbits these days. If a Service ( ie Veterinary Care for Rabbits) is advertised as being provided and charged (a lot) for, then the Client should expect the Service Providers to be up to date on the very basics.

OK not all small animal Vets are going to be Rabbit Savvy, but not knowing about the need to vaccinate indoor Rabbits …..really….:roll:

 

[Orenoko]

:shock:

Any Vet telling me that would not get within a mile of my Rabbits. Just as well you know better than those Vets, but what about the poor people who don’t Just today I have seen a FB post from a person who lost her two House Rabbits to RHD

Oh completely, tbh this was many years ago and I didn't know better myself. I don't use those vets any more!