Rabbits are one of the most poorly served species in companion animal veterinary practice, with most general vets having limited rabbit-specific training — affecting welfare outcomes significantly.
The veterinary knowledge gap for rabbits translates directly into welfare failures. A rabbit with dental disease seen by a vet unfamiliar with rabbit dental anatomy may receive inadequate treatment or inappropriate advice. A rabbit requiring anaesthesia may receive inappropriate anaesthetic protocols associated with higher mortality. Owners who struggle to find knowledgeable veterinary advice may delay seeking care until conditions are advanced. The solution involves both improved veterinary education and better owner guidance about finding rabbit-specialist practices — a challenge the RWAF is addressing through their veterinary referral list.