Our boys had their annual check-ups at Catnip and Carrots Veterinary Hospital today. They only go on car rides for this annual occasion so they aren’t used to car at all. Plus the trip from our home to Catnip is a rather long one—but worth it. Open 7 days a week, 24 hr. emergency service, kind staff, super experienced… there’s just no other choice of vets in my mind.
My bunny-daddy and I scooted Peanut and Tater Tot in their respective carriers and made sure the car was started and AC was appropriately pumping before we buckled the boys in for our journey. Peanut was digging at his towel a bit. Rabbit travel tip: Plastic cat carrier. Large/extra-large bath towel inside to anchor the rabbit. Sections of newspaper to anchor the towel. Keeps your bun secure and comfy.
We arrived and let the darling receptionists know we were there. I had a few minutes to visit with Finley, adoptable and adorable, who holds court in the waiting room as he awaits a forever home. He even did a binky in his cage! He’s such a great spokesbunny.
Dr. Miller called us into the exam room. I asked her if she wanted the easy one or the difficult one first. She selected easy. I don’t know about you, but I rather get the tough stuff out of the way first! But it’s her office, her decision! I handed over Peanut, our 4.5 year old double-maned Lionhead. Dr. Miller brought in a very skilled tech Danielle (I think that’s what her name tag said…) to help wrangle the boys. Peanut weighed in at 4.06 lbs., up just a few ounces from last year’s visit. Dr. Miller clipped his nails and shaved his butt! With all that long hair, Nutty has trouble sometimes getting himself totally clean. She also did his incisor and moral check; he has perfect teeth! He was sweet and didn’t grump once at the tech or the doctor.
Now, the difficult boy, Tater Tot, our 4.5 year old dwarf Hotot. He’s the sweeter of the two when it comes to snuggling, but he does NOT like to be groomed or examined by anyone, anywhere. Tater weighed in at 3.15 lbs., also up a few ounces from last year’s visit. Tater had his nails clipped, which is usually a struggle for us at home. He was shaking a bit on the table at this point, but that wriggling amped up for sure when the buzzer came out! Tater Tot needed a butt shaving too. I really think these dwarf breeds have trouble getting themselves as clean as the bigger buns keep themselves. But that said, we will be doing some diet modification (switching around some veggies, getting hay with less clover) to combat the dirty bottoms. No, I don’t like admitting that the smelly kid in class is my kid, but we learn better as rabbit parents by sharing the truth. So I’ll let my desire to share and help educate trump my shame over the messy tails. At this point, Tater was squirming a lot but Danielle was wonderful with him. Shaving time over; time for the dental check. Dr. Miller noticed that one of Tater Tot’s teeth is a little bit long—nothing to worry about now, just something to monitor in future.
Bunny families: make your check-up appointments. As prey animals, rabbits will hide illness until it’s sometimes too late to get help. Regular check-ups by rabbit-savvy vets are so important. The boys are settled back in at home and are awaiting their evening salad.
Until next year, Dr. Miller and staff!
Tater Tot, exploring his carrier