Feeling nervous - Basil at the Vets tomorrow

Tomorrow poor Basil cat has to have some dental work done at the vets. It's hard to know exactly what is going on in his mouth as though his teeth may be in need of some TLC they nonetheless still pack a punch.! I'm taking him in about 10.00 ish and whilst I'm there Jacob bunny will have his myxomatosis vaccination as all the bunnies have them at 6 monthly intervals as recommended.

I find it so hard to leave any of my animals at the vets. they're my family, they all mean the world to me and it's hard being at home when one of them isn't here as it's just not the same. Basil will also be frightened and confused and would expect me to be there to protect him, so I feel bad about that. The risk of anathestic is low but real so that frightens me; it's just a tough time all in all.

Although rabbits don't fast before surgery (and indeed it is dangerous to fast rabbits), Basil had his food removed at 6.00pm and is allowed only water prior to his vet appointment. Just as with people this is to reduce the risk of vomiting under anathestic which is potentially very dangerous. Goodness knows how Basil and Tom of course will cope without their food being around. I shall have to sneak some food to Tom of course but they're used to dry food being available all the time and wet food on demand (i.e. every 5 minutes day and night!).

I am trying to think ahead to this time tomorrow and that everything WILL be fine, but I can't help worrying. Poor Basil came to me absolutely terrified of everything. In the 18 months or so he's been with us he has come along leaps and bounds. Basil is so brave, but having only one eye means that at some point he has seen more than his fair share of vets and so tomorrow will be really hard for him.

My vet is lovely though, a really nice man and the girls who work there are all super too so I know Basil will be cared for. I'm still helpless though and I know they'll be tears tomorrow as there always is when my animals are at the vets. Jacob bunny who is Basils best friend and I will just have to get through the day and tomorrow night he'll hopefully still love me and be pillow nabbing as usual!

One evening he came and sat on the back of the settee above me and I knew things would be OK. To this day Basil is terrified of other people and when the doorbell rings he runs upstairs. In the early days, he was hiding under the bed in the spare room (otherwise known as Erics room and where Jacob hangs on mainly) and Jacob sat right next to Basil and groomed him. It was an amazing sight, Jacob loved Basil long Persian coat. The bond remains and they spend most of their time together indoor sunbathing! Basil sleeps most nights literally on my pillow (not good for allergies, but that's what antihistimines are for), but frequently Basil won't appear until 5.00am or will disappear off early and sneak into see Jacob! Jacob is the kindest creature ever. I always say he is made of love and kindness and he adores company. Basil is a fantastic friend to Jacob as Jacob is to Basil and it makes my heart sing to see my animals friends with one another especially different species.

Vaccination time again!

Been back and forth to the vets recently, vaccinations are due for all but Tom cat. Humphrey rabbit and Basil cat had theirs and an MOT a few days ago. As I thought Basil also needs some dental work which will very stressful for him and me waiting at home. It will also be very expensive! The bunnies are all insured healthwise but Tom and Basil cat aren't as they were too old alas. I always have rescue animals and older cats are often looked over at rescue centres. Too many people still get kittens from breeders or in the paper when rescue centres are full to the rafters.

Jacob and Sophie need their myxomatosis updates so must make an appointment. The rabbits get a myxomatosis vaccination every 6 months and VHD annually. http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rwf/articles/understanding_myxo_feb06.htm

Myxomatosis is a horrible disease that is ever increasing amongst the 'pet' rabbit population. Though my rabbits are house rabbits they are still at risk as the cats could bring myxomatosis in to the house via fleas, mossies carry it too. The rabbits do go in the garden during the Summer too so if a rabbit with the disease had been in the garden my rabbits could catch it.

VHD (Viral Haemorrhagic Disease) is another horrific disease. http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rwf/articles/VHD_UK.htm

As with myxomatosis, VHD is deadly and causes an agonising death. It is very contagious. Rabbits can catch it from contact with an infected rabbit or hare, it could be on hay from farms and can even be brought into the house on feet, animals or humans.

VHD can be prevented with an annual vaccination. Each time your animal is vaccinated the vet will carry out a health check so it's a very useful exercise.

I cannot overemphasise the need for vaccination of all 'pets'. It's not expensive and certainly not as costly as the alternative.

The Rabbit Welfare Association has loads of information concerning the care of rabbits be them house or outside animals. Poor rabbits are overlooked so often, they don't get the care they need. As the RWA says 'rabbits deserve better'.