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I think Lucky is depressed

You do need to be eligible for PDSA (certain benefits) which maybe the original poster is. I wouldn't chose them just because they're a charity though, over a private vets that are rabbit savvy. Vets are not 'in it for profit' and the individual vets certainly aren't. To find out if they're rabbit savvy, being on the rwaf list would be an example. If not, ask them questions like how many rabbit neuters are performed each month, what is included (pain relief to go home is a must, none of this we give an injection), do they ask about vaccinations and encourage this as an essential, I'd be put off vets that routinely put a buster collar or Medivest/medical pet shirt on rabbits as it's very unnatural for them and can hinder recovery, and ask about aftercare - they should also advise that males remain fertile 4-6 weeks after neutering, I find a lot of non savvy vets miss that part out. This is how you find out about vets, also have your rabbits not been for vaccinations? Then you'd have been able to get a feel for them, ie if they asked about appropriate husbandry and how they handled the rabbits, in order to gauge how rabbit savvy they are? Ideally they'd need to see a vet for full health check before neutering, a lot of vets will do a free pre op check for this if they've not seen the animal before.
 
The PDSA website says you need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for teatment by them, but that does include State Pension if you live in a band A-D rated property - which is useful to know.

I'm not sure why you seem to think that the organisation is more rabbit savvy than any other random vet in the area, unless you have already spoken to the surgery about how many rabbits they neuter per month, when they recommend additional IV fluids, pain relief afterwards, etc. Many vets don't regularly see rabbits, which would limit their hands-on experience - many owners just don't see the need to vaccinate or neuter rabbits as they are 'easy' to replace, so they never take them to a vet.

I would always be wary of making assumptions when it comes to getting treatment for my animals. My own vet surgery doesn't see that many rabbits, but they do keep up to date with the latest treatments, etc - and that's the nurses as well as the vets. They are also skilled surgeons and will quite happily talk me through anything I ask them about in quite some detail (they know me well :lol:). I learned a lot about rabbit dentals, how much more complicated it is to castrate guinea pigs than most other pets, etc. They also know where the rabbit specialists are and when to recommend them - I have more respect for a professional who knows their limitations than one who won't admit they don't know / can't do something. Looking at other posts on RU can also be quite useful to know what to look for / ask about. It's still common for rabbits not to be offered pain relief after spaying, for instance. If a vet refused this, I wouldn't be using them.
 
Ah definitely go elsewhere if you can afford it!

I'd be asking everything others have said but definitely about pain relief to go home, do they give some to take home, also when they prescribe metacam is it once or twice a day (coz for dogs it's just once a day but most exotics say rabbits need it twice), whether they do a post op check, do they give gut meds at the time of the op to keep everything moving, I know my vet does that. Normally you can figure out very quickly how rabbit savvy a place is, and in my experience most places aren't..

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I am on some benefits but its not something that I advertise. I can afford my own vet bills but if the PDSA can do it and provide whats needed like pain relief etc then that would be an option.

It hasn't been easy finding a vet who neuters rabbits, the first vet I took them to gave them a check up and vaccines but when I asked about neutering I was told that Lucky was too young and that the operation is a fiddly job and it be better to wait until he was more developed. I learned now that this isn't the case and that a rabbit can still be neutered when young. A lot of vets didn't want to do it.

If the PDSA are confident and I'm confident with the vet who will be doing the operation and all my questions are answered then I'll pick them. If I'm not happy or something hasn't been answered then I'll look for another vet. The Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital looks to be a second option.

Are the PDSA well known for being non rabbit savvy?
 
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I am on some benefits but its not something that I advertise. I can afford my own vet bills but if the PDSA can do it and provide whats needed like pain relief etc then that would be an option. Its hasn't been easy finding a vet who neuters rabbits, the first vet I took them to gave them a check up and vaccines but when I asked about neutering I was told that Lucky was to young and that the operation is a fiddly job and it be better to wait until he was more developed. I learned now that this isn't the case and that a rabbit can still be neutered when young.

If the PDSA are confident and I'm confident with the vet who will be doing the operation and all my questions are answered then I'll pick them. If I'm not happy or something hasn't been answered then I'll look for another vet. Maybe those who live in London could tell me who there rabbit savvy vet is?

Are the PDSA well known for being non rabbit savvy?

They're just known to provide basic vet care for people struggling to afford vet bills from what I've heard. I certainly wouldn't want a rabbit neutered by them if I had a choice, I'd want an exotic specialist doing it personally! But rabbit savvy would be next best bet.

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They're just known to provide basic vet care for people struggling to afford vet bills from what I've heard. I certainly wouldn't want a rabbit neutered by them if I had a choice, I'd want an exotic specialist doing it personally! But rabbit savvy would be next best bet.

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I agree.
 
I think maybe you've misunderstood the PDSA. They are a charity and every treatment is done at a loss and cost to them that they have to fundraise for.

It's not helping them out by using them.

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You can't tell if the PDSA (or any other vet) is rabbit savvy without talking to them and asking key questions, as advised above. Sometimes you may be talking to the receptionist as well - and they may not know or may give out the wrong information, so it can be difficult. I was once told to not feed a rabbit from the night before an anaesthetic. I suspect the receptionist hadn't checked the species and assumed it was a cat / dog, but it has made me very wary ever since...Rabbits should never be starved before an op (or any other time).

There's also the RWAF list that was linked earlier.
 
I think maybe you've misunderstood the PDSA. They are a charity and every treatment is done at a loss and cost to them that they have to fundraise for.

It's not helping them out by using them.

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Yea this too!

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You can't tell if the PDSA (or any other vet) is rabbit savvy without talking to them and asking key questions, as advised above. Sometimes you may be talking to the receptionist as well - and they may not know or may give out the wrong information, so it can be difficult. I was once told to not feed a rabbit from the night before an anaesthetic. I suspect the receptionist hadn't checked the species and assumed it was a cat / dog, but it has made me very wary ever since...Rabbits should never be starved before an op (or any other time).

There's also the RWAF list that was linked earlier.
I had that before... I was like it's a rabbit... And they were like yea? And I was like yea ima need to speak to a veterinary nurse please [emoji38][emoji38]

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I am on some benefits but its not something that I advertise. I can afford my own vet bills but if the PDSA can do it and provide whats needed like pain relief etc then that would be an option.

It hasn't been easy finding a vet who neuters rabbits, the first vet I took them to gave them a check up and vaccines but when I asked about neutering I was told that Lucky was too young and that the operation is a fiddly job and it be better to wait until he was more developed. I learned now that this isn't the case and that a rabbit can still be neutered when young. A lot of vets didn't want to do it.

If the PDSA are confident and I'm confident with the vet who will be doing the operation and all my questions are answered then I'll pick them. If I'm not happy or something hasn't been answered then I'll look for another vet. The Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital looks to be a second option.

Are the PDSA well known for being non rabbit savvy?

If a person can afford Vet fees then they should not be using any of the Charitable providers such as the PDSA or the RSPCA. Doing so when the individual has the means to self fund totally abuses the system. A system set up for the provision of basic health care of Pets belonging to people who are on any means tested State Benefit.
 
If a person can afford Vet fees then they should not be using any of the Charitable providers such as the PDSA or the RSPCA. Doing so when the individual has the means to self fund totally abuses the system. A system set up for the provision of basic health care of Pets belonging to people who are on any means tested State Benefit.

This.

You would be wasting the charity money that could help to save the life of a pet who's owners cannot afford treatment.
 
I know people who used the charitable vets just because they could, and they used to brag about it and how they worked the system, with some pets in his name and other pets in her name. They could well afford not to (new cars, lots of holidays, v big & expensive to (over)feed dogs that they bred from, marine aquarium, purpose built koi ponds, constantly building massive new sheds on allotments, etc). Really used to bug me.

Not judging Lord Trellis, if that's your preferred option. Just wanting a good outcome for you and your furries. And more pics, please....

We should all be grateful that there is charitable vet assistance out there if we need it. Pets give us so much and we owe it to them to provide appropriate care when they need it.
 
I am on some benefits but its not something that I advertise. I can afford my own vet bills but if the PDSA can do it and provide whats needed like pain relief etc then that would be an option.

It hasn't been easy finding a vet who neuters rabbits, the first vet I took them to gave them a check up and vaccines but when I asked about neutering I was told that Lucky was too young and that the operation is a fiddly job and it be better to wait until he was more developed. I learned now that this isn't the case and that a rabbit can still be neutered when young. A lot of vets didn't want to do it.

If the PDSA are confident and I'm confident with the vet who will be doing the operation and all my questions are answered then I'll pick them. If I'm not happy or something hasn't been answered then I'll look for another vet. The Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital looks to be a second option.

Are the PDSA well known for being non rabbit savvy?

Ah you were right to avoid the vets you used for vaccinations then as a I agree that doesn't sound very reassuring! Every branch of the PDSA will be different, I work in a vets and the ones round here are not rabbit savvy. You'd need to find out by ringing and asking questions if they are not on the rwaf list that's been posted. Best of luck!
 
If a person can afford Vet fees then they should not be using any of the Charitable providers such as the PDSA or the RSPCA. Doing so when the individual has the means to self fund totally abuses the system. A system set up for the provision of basic health care of Pets belonging to people who are on any means tested State Benefit.

This.
 
I suppose if one looks at it that way then I'll give the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital a try. I have no intentions of abusing the PDSA system I just want the best for my bunnies.
 
Up here in Scotland the PDSA changed their rules a few years back.You can only get "Free" treatment for one registered animal to the person on benefits.It used to be three but sadly it was abused,"Granny " etc acquired three pedigree dogs suddenly ,families rolling up in big people carriers etc.They will treat second ,third animals but will charge.
 
Good luck with finding the right vet for Lamb Chop's neuter. Hope you dont get any surprise babies!!!
 
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