Basics of Rabbit Medicine: Setting the Stage for Success in Practice

Rabbits are one of the most common exotic mammals seen in practice, yet many clinical frustrations stem from husbandry. This session lays the groundwork for better outcomes by covering the essentials: understanding the rise in rabbit ownership, how client perception shapes care, and common pitfalls in diet, obesity, water intake, and housing. We’ll walk through practical husbandry counseling that actually sticks, strategies for improving clinic design to be more rabbit-friendly, and how to approach a low-stress physical exam from carrier to recovery. The goal is simple: set rabbits up for success before they ever get sick, and make the veterinary visit feel safe and efficient for both patient and team.