Veterinary Professional Organizations with Online Discussion Groups
The following is a list of veterinary professional organizations that have a particular interest in exotic animal medicine. They promote collection of information, research and networking among veterinarians for a variety of species. All of these organizations have members who have a particular interest in or expertise with rabbits.
Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians
The Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (AEMV) is a membership organization representing the specialty of exotic mammal medicine. AEMV was established in 2000 by veterinarians interested in advancing the veterinary care of ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents and other small exotic mammals. Paid members have access to an online AEMV Internet Forum, as well as to AEMV Journal articles published quarterly in The Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine.
Zoological Education Network & Exotic DVM Magazine
This website is the home to Exotic DVM magazine and other materials including veterinary texts and client education materials useful for the practice of exotic pet medicine. Zoological Education Network sponsors a free online discussion group called the ExoticDVM On-Line Forum, designed to promote and facilitate discussion of exotic animal medicine among veterinarians who wish to provide quality care of non-traditional companion animals. Subscribers to this chat group must be either licensed veterinarians or veterinary students enrolled in an accredited institution.
Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
Founded in 1991, this is a subscription service that provides a secure, veterinarians-only community. VIN is a place for clinical information, continuing education, collegial support, and ancillary services that help veterinarians succeed and feel good about themselves and their practices. VIN members are never alone. Easy and fast access to the most complete, up-to-date database of veterinary information — and the largest team of specialists dedicated to helping colleagues online — means patients and clients benefit from the veterinarian’s participation in the largest veterinary medical practice in the world. There is a dedicated chat area for rabbits and a large database of rabbit medicine information.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
The AVMA has a chat group available to all members. Rabbits are discussed in the Exotics/Avian/Wildlife discussion group and experienced moderators are available to answer questions.
Other Online Discussion Groups
A free listserve for discussion of health/medical issues and health-related behavior of domestic companion rabbits. Membership is limited to licensed HRS representatives, veterinarians, and professionals in fields highly relevant to rabbit medicine (e.g., microbiology, pharmacology).
The ExoticDVM On-Line Forum is a free moderated, vet-to-vet chat group for practitioners who treat small mammals, birds, reptiles and more. The purpose of the ExoticDVM On-Line Forum is to promote and facilitate discussion of exotic animal medicine among veterinarians who promote quality care of non-traditional companion animals. Subscribers must be either licensed veterinarians or veterinary students enrolled in an accredited institution.
Rabbit Caregiver Online Discussion Groups
It is often in the best interest of the veterinary professional to listen in on some of the rabbit caregiver forums where current rabbit topics are discussed. These forums can be a valuable source of information on such things as handling, managing the ill bunny, emerging disease problems and general rabbit care. In addition, these forms welcome input from veterinarians and ultimately can become a source not only of education, but of new clientele coming into your practice.
EtherBun
With more than 5000 subscribers from all over the world, this is the internet’s largest rabbit listserve. Monitored, but not moderated to keep posts on topic, EtherBun is designed strictly for discussions of the health, care and behavior of domestic, companion rabbits. Discussion of breeding rabbits for any purpose–including pets or show–is NOT ALLOWED on EtherBun.
HouseBun
HouseBun is a moderated list designed for discussion of the health, care and behavior of House rabbits (only). This is a highly focused, relatively low volume list, neither “chatty” nor noisy.