Primary Location
Amenities
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entranceWheelchair accessible restroomWheelchair accessible parking lot
Amenities
Restroom
My three year old rabbit got sick. The two vets in the county known to treat "exotics" were out of town when I tried to take her in on Friday. I called several other vets, including my regular vet, and none of them could treat her.
Saturday morning she was worse. I decided to call Atascadero Pet Center and ER because they have treated some of my dogs over the years on an emergency basis, and I have been satisfied with their care. Worth a shot.
I found out they have a vet on staff, Dr. Richards, who knows how to handle rabbits! I drove right up there (I'm in SLO) and was immediately impressed with the efficiency of the place. One gal checked me in on the computer, another brought me a clipboard to describe the problem, another got a room ready for me right away despite how busy they were. I retrieved my rabbit from the car and went into the room to wait for Dr. Richards. A vet tech named Kayla came in and asked me about the problem. She was very knowledgeable about rabbits. I was so relieved. Fifteen minutes later Dr. Richards came in with Kayla and we pulled my bunny out of her carrier.
It was not good news. Dr. Richards went right to the problem area first thing - a wet patch on the bunny's side - and spread the fur to reveal the problem - fly strike. I was horrified. How could this happen? My rabbit had been healthy and active just two days before. My two rabbits were rescues - somebody dumped them in Poloma Park after Easter 2015, shame on them. They aren't cuddly because they were feral for too long, but I gave them as good a life as I could. They ate a variety of greens and pellets - all organic. They had playtime outside the hutch. They had hiding places. Everything I could give them. (The other rabbit is still healthy and well.)
Dr. Richards explained the problem, explained the treatment, explained the risks. On my own, with no suggestion by Dr. Richards, I decided to euthanize her given the likelihood she would die no matter what we did. I couldn't stay. Paid the bill right there in the exam room (I was crying and so glad not to have to upset everybody in the waiting room). Went out to my car to wait, where they brought her body to me, wrapped in a hand-crocheted blanket. I'm crying now to think of the sweetness Dr. Richards and Kayla showed to my little rabbit. I am grateful to them for their caring, their expertise, for being there when I needed them. I'm going to switch my rabbit vet from the one I have now to Atascadero Pet Center, as long as Dr. Richards is there.
