Are you ready for the Easter Bunny???
Chances are you’re already enjoying the chocolate variety we see in the shops soon after Xmas. But do you have the skills required to treat the furry variety that are presenting to your practice with increasing frequency?
Why not register for the VetPrac Rabbit Surgery and Dentistry Workshop to ensure you’re able to capitalise on the burgeoning rabbit population in your practice. Dr David Vella, who was the first Australian vet to become a Diplomate of American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Exotic Companion Mammal Practice, will be leading the workshop on April 27-29th 2018.
We recently asked David to share a few insights into successfully managing the rabbits that are hopping into your veterinary practice.
What factors do you think have contributed to the growing numbers of rabbits kept as domestic pets in Australia over recent years?
I believe that the increasing popularity of rabbits as pets extends from a few factors. One of these is their attributes that make them suitable pets (social gregariousness, quiet nature, companionable, clean and fun to interact with). Another is the ability for them to adapt readily to an indoor environment. With an increasing proportion of the population living in apartment style homes, rabbits are well suited to this form of living.
In your own words, what is it about rabbit surgery and dentistry (link) that you find interesting and that you believe general practitioners would benefit from learning from and performing better?
I enjoy the unique challenges of rabbit procedures, from their anaesthesia requirements to their anatomical and physiological peculiarities. Confidence is treating rabbits is improved with a sound knowledge of these disciplines.
Do you have a favourite surgery or procedure that you like to perform on rabbits?
I enjoy all facets of surgery and particularly dental surgery. Rabbits often present with relatively advanced levels of dental disease. They never cease to amaze me in their ability to cope with these ailments.
What procedure, technology, or medication have you used and realised that there was a better alternative?
So many advances in medicine have allowed better alternatives to be utilised. In rabbit medicine, digital & dental radiography, endoscopy and advanced imaging (especially CT imaging) to name a few, have made diagnostics and treatments more precise and less invasive.
Are you working on any projects at the moment?
We are collating information on cases to allow for analysis into retrospective studies, likely involving a few different conditions and diseases.
What do you like to do for fun? How do you spend your days off?
I love music, gardening and cooking and spending time with my family. I also spend a lot of fun time with my wife creating and running our ‘escape room’ (The Cipher Room) in Newtown Sydney.
Join Dr Vella for the Rabbit Surgery and Dentistry Workshop April 27th-29th 2018 in Wagga Wagga. To register click HERE, and for more information check out the brochure.
Contact information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0294364884
Website: www.exoticsvet.com.au
Written by Dr Alison Caiafa