FruitandNutCake Posted April 5, 2008 Share Posted April 5, 2008 Hi I've kept rabbits for over 20 years but had a break for 7 years. I now have two house rabbits. Previously I only ever vaccinated my rabbits against mixi once a year. I am now using a new vet based at a well known "pet shop". I had Bugsy vaccinated against Mixi and VHD, but also ended up coming away with a flea/parasite stuff (to prevent blowfly) and also a wormer to prevent some internal parasite that may cause rabbits to fall over! I don't mind giving my bunnies the best treatment, but now I find the vets are recommending that the mixi is down every 6 months. So in total only about £80 a year for everything per rabbit. I was just wondering how many other rabbit keepers have the mixi done twice a year. And do you worm and "rearguard" your bunnies? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickybaby Posted April 5, 2008 Share Posted April 5, 2008 My vet has also recommended I vaccinate Holly every 6 months but so far I haven't bothered. I think I'll continue to get it done yearly, as I have always done. Sometimes I think it's just another ploy by the manufacturers to get more money out of you.....and the vets! As for worming etc I have never done that and, like you, I have kept rabbits for many years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted April 5, 2008 Author Share Posted April 5, 2008 well, trying to get worming stuff into a young rabbits mouth via a syringe like dispenser is not easy! A tip for anyone who does attempt to give it to a bunny: I ended up cutting a small piece of apple, and making a small "hole" in which I added the stuff. Bugsy scoffed the lot no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
victoriabunny Posted April 5, 2008 Share Posted April 5, 2008 I have my buns done against myxi every six months, but they are outdoor buns and there are a lot of wild rabbits in the area so they have a high chance of coming into contact with the virus. If yours are indoor buns I think every 12 months is sufficient. I use a treatment to prevent flystrike, but have to confess I've never wormed them - I thought worming was only necessary in rabbits if you see actual evidence of worms? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pelicano Posted April 5, 2008 Share Posted April 5, 2008 - Panacur is for the prevention and treatment of E Cuniculi. No-one really knows whether regular courses really prevent it or not, but it's a horrible and very common disease, and when they get it, it can cause permanent damage even after treatment. - the myx vaccination guidelines apparently say it only lasts 6 months. Up to last year some areas of the country only recommended every 12 months, but with the wet summer, by late summer all vets seemed to be recommending every 6 months. - the VHD vaccination is every 12 months. Sorry this is so short and to the point - am in a bit of a hurry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FruitandNutCake Posted April 5, 2008 Author Share Posted April 5, 2008 I'm taking to Steffi to the vets on Tuesday for her VHD as they are now spending more time in the garden - though they still come indoors to sleep on the dining room chairs when they have had enough outside! When I'm at the vets I'll find out how often Panacur needs to be done. As I check their bottoms daily to make sure they are clean, and their litter tray is kept clean (they have been house bunnies over winter) , they are at low risk of blow fly. but as I have the rearguard stuff in the cupboard, I'll use it as the weather gets warmer - just in case. I was just curious really, as I know some people locally who don't do anything for their rabbits (and also keep them confined) and sometimes I wonder if I am too over cautious. I'll be even worse when the chickens arrive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pelicano Posted April 6, 2008 Share Posted April 6, 2008 Yes, it's a controversial topic too, as some people think over-medicating rabbits isn't helping their immune systems etc. It's such a difficult one... My own view is that I will vaccinate all healthy bunnies (but not if they are very poorly - since the vaccination needs a good immune response to work, as well as the vaccination possibly making the bunny more ill). I also have first hand experience of how horrible E Cuniculi is, so I think an annual course of Panacur is a good idea (but I wonder if any more common use of it might cause resistance..? I wouldn't use it quarterly, like the manufacturers are suggesting, I think). But I would only use Rearguard on a messy-bottomed bunny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...