narelle interview

BOING: How long have you been a vet?

Dr Narelle: I graduated in 1996 from Melbourne University. I actually started my career as a dairy vet, which is very
poetic as rabbits have more in common with cows and horses than with dogs and cats!

BOING: What made you want to study veterinary science?

Dr Narelle: Growing up in rural Victoria meant that animal care was a big part of life and it seemed a natural career
path to take.

BOING: You've been very passionate about rabbit care. Why is that of interest to you?

Dr Narelle: Rabbits are fascinating creatures, they are very different from other animals and their care and treatment is
very unique. From a veterinarian point of view there is not a lot of information readily available, I began researching
various problems and began to get in touch with other 'rabbit interested vets' all over the world. Even though rabbit
medicine is in its infancy there is a strong supportive network in the veterinarian community and we regularly hold
discussions with vets from Europe, England and America. And who could resist their cute furry faces!

BOING: You lived & worked overseas. Where did you work & what did you find was different in veterinary
care overseas compared to Australia?

Dr Narelle: I have worked extensively in the UK, New Zealand and Australia. There are many differences in these
countries but when it comes to rabbits the English take them very seriously. There is a strong and active community of
rabbit lovers in Britain who do not see their rabbits as backyard pets. This has meant that Vets in the UK have had to
take more of an interest in rabbit care as people are wanting and willing to solve their rabbit's medical problems. This
movement is just starting in Australia.

BOING: Your new Melbourne Rabbit Clinic opens next week. What are you looking forward to developing??

Dr Narelle: By being able to devote more of my time to the care and treatment of rabbits I hope to be able to provide a
service that mirrors that available to cats and dogs. Rabbits in Australia have traditionally been thought that not much
can be done when they get sick.. but that is changing as our knowledge in this area increases and we are able to
provide this information to rabbit owners hopefully our rabbits will have happier, healthier and long lives.

BOING: As you are expecting your first child this year, will all aspects of rabbit care be available at the
clinic?

Dr Narelle: My partner and I are expecting our first child in February next year. Although I will be expecting to take
some time off in February I will endeavour to remain in phone contact and provide advice until I am able to resume work.
I will still be providing a full level of medical and surgical care in the meantime. It is well known that exposure to some
anaesthetic gases increases risks in pregnancy but I have been able to obtain a gas mask to prevent any problems. I
look like Darth Vader, no pictures please!!

BOING: Thank you for your time Narelle but one last question.... when will you be getting your own house
bunnies???

Dr Narelle: It is going to be a busy year for me, as we are also building a house! Unfortunately as we are living in
temporary accommodation I have to resist taking all those cute little bunnies home till our house is finished.... it is very
difficult!

Baby & bunny!!!! - Update

We recently adopted Starsky, had a new baby & moved into our new house!!

Starsky was found in a backyard in Ashburton. He had been a street bunny for
the last few weeks until he was taken into the local vet clinic. Notices where
placed but no one came forward to claim him. Starsky was taken home to a
friends place (a nurse at the clinic) and within 12 hours was lording it over her cat
and border collie who lived inside. Unfortunately he was not able to stay in this
home so my partner and I decided to adopt him. I was 7 months pregnant at the
time but Starsky (named as he lived in a hutch, yes very poor humour!) being a
4.5 kg giant settled into our house with our two indoor cats.

Over the last 6 months we have moved to our new house and had a baby (Kaylee).
Starsky lives inside with us and has free range of the house (bunny-proofed of
course) and loves to cuddle up with the cat and play with the baby's toys!!

We have floor boards in our new house and he makes as laugh by sliding around
corners after the cats! Our new baby is too young to appreciate such a character
and as all children need to be taught gentle handling she will definately be
supervised when she gets older.

At the moment Starsky is also supervised when ever he is out and never left alone
with the baby, I could not resist this moment as I got up from playing on the floor
with our baby to find a rabbit curled up on the other side!!

And yes we will get a friend for Starsky, when the stresses of a new baby
decrease.