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- Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Rabbits/Expert Profile
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
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
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
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response T = Timeliness P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| gina | 11/06/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you so much I didn't know ..... |
| Lisa | 11/06/09 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 10 | |
| Aimee | 11/06/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | thank you so much! and haha no ..... |
| Naomi | 11/06/09 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | Thank you for your answer. Her breathing ..... |
| Michael | 11/06/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Dr. Krempels, well a few weeks have ..... |
Recent Answers from Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
2009-11-07 Broken Neck?:
Dear Dawn, This is just horrific. I am so sorry about this terrible outcome. And as you say, there is just no way to know what happened without a necropsy. But I have to admit, a lot of this sounds
2009-11-06 Gut Stasis Help!!!:
Dear Claudine, In all this, has anyone thought to check his molars for spurs? This is by far the most common non-dietary cause of inappetence and GI stasis in rabbits, and it's important that you have
2009-11-06 possible runt?:
Dear Aimee, Oops. I hope the father hasn't been near the mother since the birth, or she is pregnant again, and you will have a big problem when the new babies arrive four weeks after the first ones
2009-11-05 Ear Canker Rabbit in Pain:
Dear Kelly, Ivermectin will give only temporary relief if he's picking up the mites from the hay or his surroundings. A much better remedy is Revolution (selamectin), which is available from any vet
2009-11-05 Rabbit Feed:
Dear Wayne, Dark green, leafy lettuces are fine. But avoid iceberg, which is pretty much nutrient free, and because of its high water content, can be quite high in pesticide residues if not grown organically
Answers by Expert:
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