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Rabbits/Expert Profile

Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

U.S.
On Vacation
returns 12/01/2009
Expertise

I've lived with companion rabbits for more than 35 years, and consider them members of my family. I can answer any questions about the biology and health of rabbits, from the commonplace to the unusual. But please note:

RULE #1:
THE INTERNET IS NOT THE PLACE TO SEEK HELP IN AN EMERGENCY.

  • If your rabbits is LETHARGIC
  • If your rabbit is NOT EATING
  • If your rabbit is PHYSICALLY INJURED (including broken bones)
  • If your baby rabbit has DIARRHEA
...it is an EMERGENCY.

Find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian at www.rabbit.org/vets for immediate help, and don't risk your bunny's life by spending time asking questions online!

RULE #2:
Help me help you! Please make your subject line informative if you have an urgent question.
  • If you already have been to the vet and still need help
  • if you can't find an available vet with the resources above
then LET ME KNOW IN THE SUBJECT LINE so I can give your question highest priority over non-urgent questions. If you don't do this, then I can't guarantee timely assistance!

For all the best, most accurate rabbit health, care and behavior information, visit The House Rabbit Society.

Publications

Exotic DVM
Warren Peace (Journal of the House Rabbit Society of Miami)
Various newsletters of the House Rabbit Society, nationwide

Education/Credentials

Ph.D - Biology
B.S. - Biology
B.A. - English

Awards and Honors

Lightspan Academic Excellence Award for web site on rabbit health and biology
(http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare)

What do you like about this subject?

Rabbits are wonderful, intelligent creatures. I want to help them and their caregivers.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Greater public awareness of rabbits as companion animals. They do not belong in an outdoor hutch. They belong inside, with the other members of the family. I am opposed to the breeding of rabbits for any reason.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Rabbits are intelligent, interactive companions, as loyal and loving to a family as a dog or cat. The caregiver must learn the language of an herbivore/prey animal whose psyche and evolutionary history are different from that of a dog or cat. To win the trust of a rabbit is to win that of a wild spirit who will teach you many amazing things.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

A rabbit should be treated as a member of the family. Rabbits are NOT "low maintenance" pets! A huge number of rabbits are abandoned each year by people who purchased them without realizing the commitment necessary to live with a creature so complex, sensitive, and intelligent. I hope that by educating people about rabbit nature and proper care, I might help stem this tragic tide.

Average Ratings

  • Knowledgeability 9.91
  • Clarity of Response 9.89
  • Timeliness 9.83
  • Politeness 9.96
  • Number of Questions (in Past 24 Hours) 0
  • Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour Period) 15
  • Total Questions (since joining AllExperts) 9469
  • Volunteer Since 2001-06-25
  • Prestige Points 111490

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Robin11/24/0910101010very good answer..Thank you for your .....
Jen11/23/0910101010 
Jen11/23/0910101010Very knowledgable and very helpful! Thank you .....
Jen11/23/0910101010Thank you Dana, you are the greatest!
Julie11/23/0910101010Wonderful expert advise that will help me .....

Recent Answers from Dana Krempels, Ph.D.

2009-11-20 Bloat in baby rabbit:

Dear Becky, Have you been stimulating the babies to urinate? As weird as it sounds, the babies this young might still need help urinating, and if they cannot do so on their own, the urine will collect

2009-11-20 Worried about zoniton emulsion:

Dear Ana, Ivermectin is generally given twice, with the two shots 10-14 days apart. We prefer selamectin (brand name Revolution), which is applied topically and lasts for about 30 days. This can be

2009-11-20 Clicking noise:

Dear Robin, I wouldn't even consider surgery if you're not sure of the source of the problem. Has a good vet examined him for any sign of lung congestion or nasal congestion? If the lungs and nose

2009-11-20 Rumbling or watery noise coming from my Rabbit's stomach:

Dear Loki, If your bunny is acting fine and eating and drinking well, then this is a better gauge of his health than mild gurgling (which *might* be a bit of gas, but it won't be a problem unless he's

2009-11-20 aggressive behavior:

Dear Cindy, You have an alpha bunny who likes things his own way, and sometimes that means he'll be aggressive to show everyone who's boss. But there are ways you can stop this objectionable behavior

 

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