Rabbit Vaccinations Near Me
Keep your rabbit happy and healthy with our rabbit vaccinations in Ashby. Here at Woodward Veterinary Practice, we provide vaccinations to protect your rabbit against myxomatosis, Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease (R(V)HD) and a strain of R(V)HD - R(V)HD2 - all of which are often fatal and cause intense suffering to rabbits. Previously, these vaccines would have been administered through two separate injections, however our new rabbit vaccination means that your pet can be protected against myxomatosis and both strains of VHD with just a single injection.
All rabbits, even those kept indoors, should be vaccinated against these diseases because they can still become infected.
Although your rabbit may not go outside, it is still possible for diseases to be brought into the house. This could be via soil on a dirty boot or via other wildlife that could enter the home. Vaccinations are essential for protecting your rabbit from an array of potentially deadly and debilitating diseases, including viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD 1 and 2) and myxomatosis. Therefore, having full vaccination will provide the protection needed for all circumstances, meaning you don’t have to worry about your rabbit's health.
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What is Myxomatosis?
Myxomatosis is a disease caused by the myxoma virus. It only affects rabbits, but both wild and pet rabbits are susceptible. The virus causes severe swelling of the eyelids, lips and genitals.
Wild rabbits suffering from this condition usually fall victim to predators such as foxes or are hit by cars. Pet rabbits can occasionally recover from the condition with very intensive nursing, but in most cases the disease is fatal.
The myxoma virus is transmitted between animals by biting insects, including fleas and mosquitoes. Cats often pick up fleas and will bring these into the garden or inside the house. Therefore, even if your rabbit lives indoors or if you live in a town far from places where wild rabbits live, your pet rabbit could still be at risk.
What is Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD or HVD)?
This is a particularly nasty viral disease that reached the UK in 1992, and, like myxomatosis, only affects rabbits. It is caused by a highly contagious virus that can be transmitted directly between individual rabbits, or spread on contaminated equipment, clothing and footwear.
Insects, rodents and birds may also be able to carry the virus and infect isolated rabbits (such as pet rabbits).
VHD is nearly always fatal. It causes massive bleeding (haemorrhage) from the internal organs, and animals die as a result of the overwhelming blood loss, often very suddenly.
When to get your rabbit vaccinated
As a general rule, your rabbit can be vaccinated from seven weeks old with the combined Myxomatosis RHD Plus vaccine and immunity takes three weeks to develop. This vaccination gives protection against the three main rabbit diseases - Myxomatosis, Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease 1 (RHD1) and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease 2 (RHD2). We then recommend they are vaccinated every 12 months to protect them against these potentially fatal diseases.
Spread the cost of essential healthcare for your rabbit with Woodward's Loyalty Discount Plan
Our Woodward Loyalty Plan offers the best value way to vaccinate your rabbit to ensure they have the preventative health protection they need over the course of their lifetime. Being a member allows you the opportunity to spread the cost over 12 months whilst also receiving discounts on other services at Woodward Veterinary Practice.
Veterinary Care in Ashby
Call us on 01530 412035