Elkin, NC Veterinary FAQs
There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 336-835-1082 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.
When does my pet require blood work?
Your pet will need to undergo blood testing in the event that they become sick or sustain an injury. Blood work testing helps the veterinary staff with deciding what procedures to provide. Blood work is also necessary prior to pre-anesthetic testing to ensure anesthesia is safe for your pet. Medication monitoring and preventative care screening also require blood work to be done.
How soon can I expect the test results?
We conduct many of our tests within the clinic to ensure immediate results so we can provide treatment for your pet as soon as possible. Our team will provide you with the test results and discuss any abnormalities to ensure you are updated on your pet’s health. Transparency is key for our practice. Our rapid testing aims to limit the number of trips you need to take to the vet.
Is it normal for rabbits to eat their own waste?
Yes, rabbits normally eat their own waste as a source of protein, vitamins, and other related nutrients. Typically, rabbits have two types of droppings. They have one type that is firm and another that is soft. The soft droppings are the ones that rabbits typically ingest.
How often should I have my rabbit outside of their cage?
Your rabbit should have a dedicated play area outside of its cage. Making sure your rabbit has plenty of time spent outside of their cage is vital to their overall well-being. Start with a small room or area before gradually getting them accustomed to larger play areas. Ensure their play area is rabbit-proof as they tend to chew on anything they find, such as cords or furniture.
Never leave your rabbit unsupervised when outside of their cage, and always provide them with toys to attract their attention away from chewing on furniture.
Do I need to have my rabbit groomed?
Rabbits do well with self-grooming and typically ingest their own hair when shedding. Hair is often passed through their droppings. However, hairballs can form in their digestive tract and can block digestion. We recommend brushing your rabbit twice a week to minimize blockage with extra brushing for long-haired rabbits.
What kind of tests are done on my pet?
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Tests for infections, inflammation, or anemia
- Complete Blood Chemistry Panel – Gauges your pet’s liver, kidney, pancreas health while measuring their blood sugar and hydration
- Urinalysis – Tests for inflammation or infection within the urinary tract
- Thyroid Function Test – Measures if their thyroid gland is functioning properly
Your veterinarian will recommend which tests are most suitable based on the condition of your pet after their examination.
Is my rabbit fine with pellet-only diet?
Although pellets are a good source of nutrition for your rabbit, they often lack overall fiber content. We recommend adding hay to their diet alongside pellets. Rabbits also need to chew to maintain proper care of their physical and psychological health.
- Provide your rabbit with consistent levels of timothy hay, brome, or other types of grass hay. Ensure it’s fresh and mold-free to maintain their intestinal tract health.
- Feed your rabbit with dark green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce, spinach, parsley, collard greens, and cilantro to meet their fiber requirements. We recommend 2 cups per every 6 pounds of body weight.
- Fruits such as apples, pears, strawberries, peaches, and raspberries should be fed in small quantities. Fruits with high water content can cause diarrhea.
- Always provide your rabbit with clean water.
What should my rabbit's housing situation look like?
Rabbits are capable of being housed in or outdoors. If your rabbit is kept outdoors, make sure they have a shelter that is heated or cooled if the weather tends to become extreme. Rabbits live best in temperatures between 50-80 degrees F. The larger the cage you can provide your rabbit with is also recommended. Their cage should accommodate enough room for a food bowl, water bottle, and sufficient enough room for them to move around while lining the non-slip floor with bedding or straw.
When cleaning their cage, we recommend using household chlorine bleach to help sanitize their housing. Rinse after using the sanitizer.
Is it worth spaying or neutering my rabbit?
Yes! We highly recommend spaying or neutering your rabbit as this can limit their potential to have health complications relating to reproduction. Getting your rabbit fixed will also decrease their territorial tendencies and makes them easier to litter train.
How do I know if my rabbit requires veterinary care?
If you spot the following signs or symptoms in your rabbit, we recommend you bring in your rabbit to seek immediate medical treatment.
- Difficulty breathing
- Dark red urine
- Drooling
- Low energy or fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Liquid discharge from eyes or ears
- Constipation or diarrhea lasting longer than 12 hours