Rabbit Vet in Richmond, BC
Rabbits can hide illness until symptoms become serious. Francis Petcare Hospital provides rabbit-aware veterinary care with attention to appetite, digestion, dental concerns, behaviour changes, and species-specific handling.
Rabbit Specialist
Dr. Martinez · Richmond, BC
"I was nervous bringing my rabbit to a new vet but the team at Francis Petcare was so knowledgeable. They knew exactly how to handle her."
Kembely Ardon
Rabbit owner · Google
Species-Aware Care
Why Rabbits Need Specialized Care
Rabbit health is different. Species-specific knowledge, low-stress handling, and attention to subtle changes make all the difference.
Rabbits mask pain and illness
As prey animals, rabbits instinctively hide symptoms until they are severe. Subtle changes in appetite, droppings, or behaviour are often the first sign something is wrong — making early attention critical.
Digestive and dental issues are common
GI stasis, dental overgrowth, and gut dysbiosis are frequent in rabbits. These conditions require species-specific diagnosis and management that goes beyond general small animal medicine.
Handling stress matters
Incorrect handling during an exam can stress your rabbit dangerously. We use calm, species-appropriate techniques to keep your bunny safe and reduce anxiety.
Diet and lifestyle affect health
Many rabbit problems trace back to diet, hay quality, space, or enrichment. We ask detailed questions about housing, feeding, and daily life — not just symptoms.
When to Call
Signs that warrant same-day attention
Rabbits decline fast. If you notice any of these signs, call us to describe what you are seeing. Early action often prevents emergency situations.
- Not eating hay or pellets for more than a few hours
- Drooling or wet chin
- Smaller, fewer, or no droppings
- Low energy, hunched posture, or teeth grinding
- Breathing changes or laboured breathing
- Weight loss or visible decline
- Head tilt or balance problems
- Lumps, wounds, or visible pain
- Sudden behaviour changes
Common Rabbit Concerns
Appetite changes and GI stasis
Any decrease in eating is urgent. GI stasis is life-threatening and requires immediate intervention — often within hours. We diagnose quickly and start treatment to restart gut motility.
Dental overgrowth and malocclusion
Rabbit teeth never stop growing. Overgrowth can cause pain, reduced eating, and serious infection. We assess teeth and discuss preventive diet and care.
Drooling and oral infections
Drooling often signals dental disease, abscess, or oral infection. Early diagnosis prevents pain, loss of appetite, and serious complications.
Soft stools or diarrhoea
Digestive upset in rabbits can escalate quickly. We perform fecal analysis and discuss dietary adjustments, hay quality, and gut health.
Spay and neuter care
Preventive spay/neuter surgery reduces cancer risk and behavioural issues. We use low-stress protocols appropriate for rabbits.
Rabbit Dental Care
Regular wellness exams include dental checks
We assess tooth length, alignment, and signs of disease at every visit to catch problems early.
Dental radiographs when needed
X-rays reveal hidden root problems, abscesses, and overgrowth below the gum line that you cannot see.
Professional cleaning and treatment
Dental disease often requires professional cleaning, extractions, or antibiotic treatment.
Prevention is key
Unlimited timothy hay, appropriate pellets, and routine exams are the best defence against dental disease.
Schedule a rabbit dental wellness exam: Early detection of dental disease prevents pain, loss of appetite, and serious complications. We assess teeth, perform radiographs when needed, and discuss preventive care.
What to Expect at a Rabbit Vet Visit
Intake and diet history
We ask about hay type, pellet brand, vegetables, water intake, and recent behaviour changes — diet and lifestyle inform the diagnosis.
Gentle, species-appropriate exam
Physical examination includes careful teeth and mouth checks, abdominal palpation, and listening to gut sounds — all done calmly to minimize stress.
Diagnostics if indicated
Blood work, fecal analysis, radiographs, and ultrasound can be performed on-site when needed to guide treatment.
Clear care plan and follow-up
We explain findings, recommend next steps, and provide written care instructions for home monitoring.
Dr. Joseph Martinez — Rabbit Care Specialist
Dr. Martinez brings dedicated expertise to exotic pet and rabbit care. With years of experience in low-stress handling and species-specific medicine, he understands the unique needs of rabbits — from recognizing early signs of GI stasis to managing complex dental disease.
- Exotic pet and rabbit medicine expertise
- Low-stress handling and calm demeanour
- Dental diagnostics and treatment
- Clear communication and owner education
What Rabbit Owners Say
"Such a relief to have a reliable exotic pet vet in Richmond. Dr. Martinez understood exactly what was going on with our rabbit and explained everything clearly."
Ahilin Flores
Rabbit owner · Google Review
"I was nervous bringing my rabbit to a new vet but the team at Francis Petcare was so knowledgeable. They knew exactly how to handle her and I felt completely at ease."
Kembely Ardon
Rabbit owner · Google Review
Related Rabbit and Exotic Pet Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for Rabbit Care in Richmond?
Schedule a rabbit vet appointment with Dr. Martinez or call us with urgent rabbit symptoms. We are here to help your bunny thrive.