Melbourne

Rabbit Clinic
NEWSLETTER OF MELBOURNE RABBIT CLINIC AUTUMN NEWS 2010 NUMBER ONE

THE MELBOURNE
RABBIT CLINIC IS MOVING!
We are opening Australia’s first rabbit and guinea pig only hospital
As of the 22nd of March 2010 the Melbourne
Rabbit Clinic will be relocated to 745 Burwood Hwy,
Ferntree Gully, (See map on reverse)

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR

RABBITS AND GUINEA PIGS?
We will have a facility totally dedicated to rabbits and
guinea pigs, with a veterinary team totally committed
to the care and needs of these unique species. We will
be providing a high quality personal service specifically
tailored to the needs of rabbits and guinea pigs, in an
environment providing a stress free visit. Our new
hospital has equipment especially chosen to cater for
the needs of our smaller friends.

“We are very excited about our new hospital and we

look forward to seeing you there!”

STAFF NEWS
This month we say farewell to Anita and Sam.
Both are expecting their first child in June.
Narelle and Kay wish them all the best.

With pleasure we introduce Sharn Gatt, our new

surgery nurse. Sharn has a love of guinea pigs and
shares her house with four of the little creatures. Sharn
is also offering a grooming service for our long haired
guinea pigs and rabbits. Please contact the clinic for
appointments.
Mark Torpy is an old face reappearing. Mark was our
‘first rabbit nurse’ when the clinic started. Mark lives
with a very bossy New Zealand White ‘Bon Bon’ (aka
Tripod!) whom he rescued when she came into the
clinic with a very damaged front leg that required
removal. She is now ruling the house and a full grown
Rottweiler. We all know bunnies rule!

www.melbournerabbitclinic.com
Melbourne
Rabbit Clinic
Holiday Fun For your Furry Friends By Mark Torpy (Veterinary Nurse)
For many of us, deciding what to do with our rabbits and guinea pigs when we need to go away can be a very difficult decision. Even
to the point that it can prevent us from going on holidays at all. What ever option we choose we must remember that any change in a
rabbits day to day activity can cause them great stress. Stress is a major concern in rabbits especially as it can exacerbate underlying
illnesses or cause gut stasis which in itself can be life threatening.

Holidaying with our pets.

This is not for every bunny or pig and not for
every occasion. Most rabbits are home bodies
and a trip to the beach house can be a stressful
time. Although we do find that young bunnies
cope best. On the other hand guinea pigs do
not seem to mind a change of scene, especially
if their hutch comes along.

House sitter
Ideally the best situation. This will enable,
not only your pets to remain in their own
environment (less stress), but also provide you
with someone to look after your house while
you are away. It is important in this situation
to ensure you introduce your pets to the sitters
at least a few times before you go away. If your
sitter is not ‘small critter savy’ ask us for a our
straight forward ‘House Sitting 101’ handout.
Leave it on the fridge and you can holiday
with the knowledge that any illness will be
recognized early.
‘Stopping in to feed’
Having someone ‘stop in to feed’ does allow
our pets to stay in their own environment and
this may seem to be a plus. It is important that
your rabbit or pig is checked twice daily. The
downside is it is often difficult to pick up the
subtle signs of illness.
When your minder is only spending a few minutes
morning and night with your critters picking up
early signs can be difficult. Your pets also may
miss out on the ‘me time’ they get from you, this
can unfortunately contribute to stress.
Bunny Sitting Clubs
‘Bunny Sitting Clubs’ are a great way of
connecting with like minded rabbit and guinea
BINKIE AND CHOPPER on a family holiday at the beach
Warning: Harnesses are not generally advised unless introduced at a young age.
pig owners. This is an affordable way to provide people who are as mad about them as us!
holiday boarding by generating boarding points There are however some concerns when many
by minding other club member’s pets rabbits from different locations are housed in
the one building. Some important facts to
consider are vaccinations (at least 2 weeks
Boarding prior), mosquito (myxomatosis) protection,
Whether this be at a “rabbity” friends house or at
environmental heat (airconditioning)
a boarding facility there are a number of things
to consider.
It is also important to make sure your bunnies are
Always check out the place you are going to
not run with other rabbits. Rabbits are territorial
leave your special friends a long time in advance
and can be very stressed when interacting with
to make sure you are happy with the level of
strange rabbits. It can also increase the risk of
care they will have. If it is a place with lots of
fights and spread of disease.
children or lots of other animals/rabbits it may
Choose your boarding facility carefully as the
cause some undue stress.
more rabbits in one space the greater the
If you are taking your critters to a boarding
bacterial and other toxins in the air. Air extraction
facility, make sure they know about the special
systems are the best way of preventing this.
care rabbits and pigs require. Also keep in mind
rabbits are prey animals and dogs and cats can
be intimidating.
There are many fantastic rabbit and guinea
Always remember where ever your pet stays to
pig only boarding facilities springing up around
let your minders know where to get help if they
Melbourne. It is exciting that we have a place to
do become unwell.
keep our pets while on holidays, looked after by

CONTACT US
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745 Burwood Highway, Fern Tree Gully 3156
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Email: enquiries@melbournerabbitclinic.com High Street Rd

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Scoresby Road

If you would like to receive future publications of this newsletter by email

Stud Road

please write to us at: enquiries@melbournerabbitclinic.com Ro

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To Eastlink or Monash Fwy To Belgrave & ϡ
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www.melbournerabbitclinic.com