Rabbit health checks

Re: Rabbit health checks

Justin Heaton — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:13:23 GMT

Hi Rachel,

I am from Burgess - sorry to hear that you no longer use Burgess Excel.

I wanted to respond to your comment about the recent campaign about the content of our food. We have seen the results upon which the paper is based and all of our foods tested were negative for traces of animal and avian DNA.

Additionally we have sent off samples to DEFRA to test and they were confirmed as negative for animal and avian DNA. We manufacture our food in a factory that is audited to human food standard and has received BRC Grade A certification. As with everyone, we would be very happy to give you a tour of the factory if you wish to audit for yourself. Please contact me if you would like to take up the offer.

I am sure Supreme would be happy to confirm this to you, but we understand that they do not manufacture their own food, but subcontract to an animal feeds supplier.

If you would like any more information please feel free to contact me personally on justin.heaton@burgesspetcare.co.uk. Alternatively I can be reached on 01405 862 241.

Also, incase you don't know, we do a full kit of support material which we give to practices for free - care guides, samples, posters, rabbit digestive system posters, rabbit breed posters, wobblers, money off vouchers etc - if you would like a free kit please either give me a call or alternatively our consumer care line on 0800 413 969.

Look forward to hearing from you

Justin

Re: Rabbit health checks

Saskia Quinn — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:32:37 GMT

[quote user="Rachel Jayne"]

Supreme do really good literature & posters too about the rabbit digestive tract & another one about teeth showing what happens with overgrown teeth.
Pfizer also used to do (might still) one showing xrays of a bun's skull one with bad teeth & a blocked tear duct & the other without, which clients always like.

I always used Burgess for years, but have any of you not seen the recent paper about the content of their food?!! It had "overwhelming" traces of animal DNA in it as it is extruded in the same machines that Excel make supa dog & ferret in.... Really put me off....

[/quote]

Mmmm....... this is what my rabbit, Tabitha eats. I havent heard that. Do you have any more info on that Rachel?

Re: Rabbit health checks

Rachel Jayne — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:35:30 GMT

Not Pfizer sorry, what was Leo (it says "brought to you by the manufacturers of Fucithalmic")

Re: Rabbit health checks

Rachel Jayne — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:34:22 GMT

Re: Rabbit health checks

claire Speight — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:08:08 GMT

Intervet make panacur rabbit

Claire

Re: Rabbit health checks

les punton — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:50:15 GMT

get in touch with the panacur people (the makers escape me), a little while ago we got rabbit health check sheet to run through with the client, they were a great help.

Re: Rabbit health checks

Carrie Apps RVN A1 CertExVN GradDipVN CSQP — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:04:04 GMT

Our practice just change to the Alsto Vetpet rabbit and guinea pig food. I don't like it and my rabbits don't like it (packaging and the food looks really cheapo compared to the Excel) and we are not allowed to order Burgess now, even for staff pets(!) so I've resorted to buying it from the local pet shop.

The bits that we used to use from Burgess were excellent for rabbit clinics, the samples always went down really well as well as the health check certificates and nice stickers! We also give out practice written care sheets with a few Rabbit Welfare Fund leaflets and insurance information thrown in for good measure! We discuss the same things in rabbit clinics, especially dietary advice, as a lot of people get this wrong.

Re: Rabbit health checks

Sarah Nicholas — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:23:16 GMT

Thanks all that really helps I'll send you an email Justin, Thanks

Re: Rabbit health checks

Justin Heaton — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:50:45 GMT

Hi There,

My name is Justin, I work for Burgess Pet Care and am the brand manager of Burgess Excel. You might have met me at BSAVA this year or BVNA last year?

We still give away lots of free samples, care guides, bunny starter kits, bunny health check certificates and lots more. If you are interested and would like some items sending out to your practive we would be happy to do this. You can email me on justin.heaton@burgesspetcare.co.uk if you like.

Plus we are always happy to chat!

Re: Rabbit health checks

claire Speight — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:44:20 GMT

[quote user="SaskiaVN"]

Burgress Supa Excel rabbit food company used to provide free samples of their food, maybe they still do, not sure but definitely worth a phonecall to the company. It prevents selective feeding as it is all the same throughout. Personally I wouldnt give my rabbit anything else.

[/quote]

Yes, they do still provide them as I use them in mine.

Claire

Re: Rabbit health checks

Saskia Quinn — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:58:46 GMT

Nutrition should be a vital part of rabbit clinics. With so many dental issues associated with rabbits, owners need to be educated more.

I think rabbit clinics are a fantastic way of getting this information across to new owners.

Re: Rabbit health checks

Maisy — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:56:51 GMT

I did a similar set up to Claire's. Bunnies were popular in my last practice and clients liked being able to bring their rabbit in for a nurse check. Longer consults help as there is a lot to cover, and the important bits are obviously diet/teeth, vaccs, neutering, behaviour etc. You may want to get some RWA leaflets for the practice as these are really helpful to give to clients during these consults.

PS it does help if the vets and other staff are aware and behind these clinics too just like others!

Re: Rabbit health checks

claire Speight — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:42:46 GMT

I set up rabbit clinics in my practice about 6 months ago and they have proved very popular. I give each bunny 30 mins so can do a thorough health check and talk about diet, neutering, vacc, flystrike, housing, companionship etc and also give out leaflets on all subjects. Many come back and have their vaccs aswell as being neutered so does make the practice money even though I run the clinics for free - really enjoy doing them though.

HTH?

Claire