Midwest BunFest 2020
Virtual Education Sessions Descriptions
For more information on when content will be available and how to access,
please visit the Virtual Education Sessions page.
please visit the Virtual Education Sessions page.
The Belinda Method: How to Take Better Photos of Rabbits
Presented by Mary Cvetan, Pittsburgh House Rabbit Club
As spokesrabbit for Small Pet Select, Belinda poses for a lot of photos. What is her secret to creating images that stand out and tell a story? How can rabbit rescues use these techniques to find adopters, donors and volunteers? Learn what Belinda has taught the Small Pet Select team at this fun educational session. Topics will include working with models, lighting, composition, setting the stage and "editing on the go." Whether you photograph one rabbit at home or dozens at a rescue, you will be sure to learn something new. Bring your questions!
Presented by Mary Cvetan, Pittsburgh House Rabbit Club
As spokesrabbit for Small Pet Select, Belinda poses for a lot of photos. What is her secret to creating images that stand out and tell a story? How can rabbit rescues use these techniques to find adopters, donors and volunteers? Learn what Belinda has taught the Small Pet Select team at this fun educational session. Topics will include working with models, lighting, composition, setting the stage and "editing on the go." Whether you photograph one rabbit at home or dozens at a rescue, you will be sure to learn something new. Bring your questions!
Best Friends Forever: Bonding Rabbits
Presented by: Karen Winstead and Ryan Terebesi, Lead Rabbit Volunteers, Columbus Humane
Because rabbits are naturally social, they are usually happiest when they have another bun to pal around with. The trick is finding the right bun! Rabbits are also picky about their buds and may not respond kindly to your idea of the perfect mate. This session will cover the "do's and don't's" of rabbit bonding, from arranging and chaperoning the first dates to determining when your rabbits are "an item" and can safely move in together. If you're looking to find a buddy for your bunny, or if you're thinking of starting a "dating service" for your rescue, this session is for you!
Presented by: Karen Winstead and Ryan Terebesi, Lead Rabbit Volunteers, Columbus Humane
Because rabbits are naturally social, they are usually happiest when they have another bun to pal around with. The trick is finding the right bun! Rabbits are also picky about their buds and may not respond kindly to your idea of the perfect mate. This session will cover the "do's and don't's" of rabbit bonding, from arranging and chaperoning the first dates to determining when your rabbits are "an item" and can safely move in together. If you're looking to find a buddy for your bunny, or if you're thinking of starting a "dating service" for your rescue, this session is for you!
What to Watch For: The Five Most Common Rabbit Diseases
Presented by: Dr. Micah Kohles, Head Veterinarian, Oxbow Rabbit Health
What are the most common major medical problems that could affect your rabbit? What symptoms should you watch out for? The list of potential diseases to be aware of in rabbits is sadly huge! Thankfully there are certain issues we see much more frequently. This lecture will focus on the five most commonly seen diseases in our lagomorph friends, including their diagnosis and treatment.
Presented by: Dr. Micah Kohles, Head Veterinarian, Oxbow Rabbit Health
What are the most common major medical problems that could affect your rabbit? What symptoms should you watch out for? The list of potential diseases to be aware of in rabbits is sadly huge! Thankfully there are certain issues we see much more frequently. This lecture will focus on the five most commonly seen diseases in our lagomorph friends, including their diagnosis and treatment.
Dental Issues in House Rabbits - and How They Can Be Treated
Presented by: Susan L. Borders, DVM, Cryan Veterinary Hospital
This session will focus on many aspects of dental health in house rabbits. How to recognize if your rabbit has a dental problem will be discussed as well as prevention and treatment options for many problems including fractured teeth, abscesses and bite abnormalities.
Presented by: Susan L. Borders, DVM, Cryan Veterinary Hospital
This session will focus on many aspects of dental health in house rabbits. How to recognize if your rabbit has a dental problem will be discussed as well as prevention and treatment options for many problems including fractured teeth, abscesses and bite abnormalities.
Bunny Basics – For Potential and Brand New Bunny Parents
Presented by: Tracy Wiczer, OHRR Volunteer and Bunny Mom
Are you a brand new rabbit parent? Thinking about getting a rabbit? This session will be an introduction to all aspects of bunny care including housing, litter box training, diet, bunny proofing, toys, rabbit interaction, grooming, and healthcare basics. Rabbits make wonderful pets but require care much different than that of a cat or dog in order to live long, healthy, and happy lives with you!
Presented by: Tracy Wiczer, OHRR Volunteer and Bunny Mom
Are you a brand new rabbit parent? Thinking about getting a rabbit? This session will be an introduction to all aspects of bunny care including housing, litter box training, diet, bunny proofing, toys, rabbit interaction, grooming, and healthcare basics. Rabbits make wonderful pets but require care much different than that of a cat or dog in order to live long, healthy, and happy lives with you!
Digestive Issues You Absolutely Should Know About – GI Stasis and Bloat
Presented by: Dr. Barbara Oglesbee, DVM, DABVP (Avian), MedVet Hilliard
Digestive problems are very common in rabbits and can have serious consequences if not treated properly. If your rabbit stops eating, it is very important to get your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Find out about two of the most common illnesses – GI Stasis and Bloat, and why these affect rabbits but not other pets. The signs to watch for, treatment options, and things you can do to make it less likely your rabbit will have these problems will be included. This session will be very important in helping you know how to keep your rabbit healthy.
Presented by: Dr. Barbara Oglesbee, DVM, DABVP (Avian), MedVet Hilliard
Digestive problems are very common in rabbits and can have serious consequences if not treated properly. If your rabbit stops eating, it is very important to get your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Find out about two of the most common illnesses – GI Stasis and Bloat, and why these affect rabbits but not other pets. The signs to watch for, treatment options, and things you can do to make it less likely your rabbit will have these problems will be included. This session will be very important in helping you know how to keep your rabbit healthy.
Caring for Disabled Rabbits
Presented by: Kristin Woodbury, San Diego House Rabbit Society (co-author Amy Spintman)
We will share advice and tips on housing, nutrition, nursing care, and quality of life issues for rabbits who have a variety of physical disabilities. We will show photos of adorable bunnies who are much loved and are living well with their disabilities.
Presented by: Kristin Woodbury, San Diego House Rabbit Society (co-author Amy Spintman)
We will share advice and tips on housing, nutrition, nursing care, and quality of life issues for rabbits who have a variety of physical disabilities. We will show photos of adorable bunnies who are much loved and are living well with their disabilities.
Finding a Good Vet for Your Bunny
Presented by: Susan L. Borders, DVM, Cryan Veterinary Hospital
This session will focus on what criteria to look for when choosing the right veterinarian and veterinary hospital for your rabbit. Not all veterinarians are comfortable with seeing rabbits, especially when they get sick. It’s really important to establish a relationship with the professional you choose so that your pet receives the best care possible when they are well but especially when they become ill. We will discuss the right questions to ask and go over tips to make the most of your relationship so that you can get the best care possible for your rabbit.
Presented by: Susan L. Borders, DVM, Cryan Veterinary Hospital
This session will focus on what criteria to look for when choosing the right veterinarian and veterinary hospital for your rabbit. Not all veterinarians are comfortable with seeing rabbits, especially when they get sick. It’s really important to establish a relationship with the professional you choose so that your pet receives the best care possible when they are well but especially when they become ill. We will discuss the right questions to ask and go over tips to make the most of your relationship so that you can get the best care possible for your rabbit.
Preventing and Dealing with Aggressive Rabbits
Presented by: Joy Gioia, President, House Rabbit Society of Missouri
Preventing aggression in a rabbit can be accomplished by utilizing very simple and logical care and handling methods, but that simple logic isn’t necessarily intuitive thanks to all of the incorrect information that the public has heard and seen over the years. Much of what the public thinks about rabbits can actually cause a rabbit to become aggressive in a frightening number of ways. Join us to learn the steps to deter rabbits from becoming aggressive and gain some ideas for how to respond to a rabbit that has become aggressive. This session offers information to both new people and those well versed in bunny care.
Presented by: Joy Gioia, President, House Rabbit Society of Missouri
Preventing aggression in a rabbit can be accomplished by utilizing very simple and logical care and handling methods, but that simple logic isn’t necessarily intuitive thanks to all of the incorrect information that the public has heard and seen over the years. Much of what the public thinks about rabbits can actually cause a rabbit to become aggressive in a frightening number of ways. Join us to learn the steps to deter rabbits from becoming aggressive and gain some ideas for how to respond to a rabbit that has become aggressive. This session offers information to both new people and those well versed in bunny care.
Administering Meds at Home
Presented by: Emily Fagundo. DVM, MedVet Hilliard
Have you ever been faced with the task of caring for your bunny after he or she comes home from the vet? Techniques and tips for giving oral meds, fluids, and shots will be shared.
Presented by: Emily Fagundo. DVM, MedVet Hilliard
Have you ever been faced with the task of caring for your bunny after he or she comes home from the vet? Techniques and tips for giving oral meds, fluids, and shots will be shared.
Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy
Presented by: Terri Vrbancic
Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy are light touch/no touch noninvasive energy work techniques that help relieve stress, pain and promote physical and emotional healing in people and animals. Reiki is primarily focused on the energy body which includes emotions and physical discomfort. Reiki is excellent for relieving stress, anxiety and even speeding up the healing process. Craniosacral Therapy is focused more on the physical body, helping release physical, energetic and emotional restrictions that may be causing discomfort within the body. Craniosacral Therapy is especially helpful in relieving chronic pain and helping to heal trauma of any kind. Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy work very well in conjunction with traditional medicine.
Presented by: Terri Vrbancic
Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy are light touch/no touch noninvasive energy work techniques that help relieve stress, pain and promote physical and emotional healing in people and animals. Reiki is primarily focused on the energy body which includes emotions and physical discomfort. Reiki is excellent for relieving stress, anxiety and even speeding up the healing process. Craniosacral Therapy is focused more on the physical body, helping release physical, energetic and emotional restrictions that may be causing discomfort within the body. Craniosacral Therapy is especially helpful in relieving chronic pain and helping to heal trauma of any kind. Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy work very well in conjunction with traditional medicine.
Megacolon in Rabbits
Presented by: Paula Watkins, House Rabbit Society Educator, Triangle Rabbits
Megacolon is an increasingly seen but not well understood congenital condition in certain rabbits that can lead to multiple episodes of GI stasis and shortened lifespan. It is becoming better understood in the veterinary world but education is still needed. The purpose of this talk is to educate rabbit caretakers about this condition - what it is, how to manage it, and how to best work with your vet if you suspect you have a megacolon rabbit.
Presented by: Paula Watkins, House Rabbit Society Educator, Triangle Rabbits
Megacolon is an increasingly seen but not well understood congenital condition in certain rabbits that can lead to multiple episodes of GI stasis and shortened lifespan. It is becoming better understood in the veterinary world but education is still needed. The purpose of this talk is to educate rabbit caretakers about this condition - what it is, how to manage it, and how to best work with your vet if you suspect you have a megacolon rabbit.
Trauma, Grief, & Compassion Fatigue: Losing and Caring for a Pet Rabbit
Presented by: Lauren Keller, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
About 60% of households in the United States have pets, and over 90% of those pet
owners regard their pet as a valued family member. This training will discuss rabbits as valued family members and explore symptoms of grief of some of the stressors of taking care of a rabbit, such as financial stressors and end of life decisions, and how this can contribute to compassion fatigue. Bunnies are deserving of a comfortable and healthy life just as much as we are, so pet owners need the support and resources to be able to provide effective care. The training will include coping strategies to handle the loss of a pet and/or preparing for the loss of a pet, as well as proper care for helping an elderly or sick rabbit feel comfortable in order to maintain a healthy human-animal bond for the duration of their life
Presented by: Lauren Keller, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
About 60% of households in the United States have pets, and over 90% of those pet
owners regard their pet as a valued family member. This training will discuss rabbits as valued family members and explore symptoms of grief of some of the stressors of taking care of a rabbit, such as financial stressors and end of life decisions, and how this can contribute to compassion fatigue. Bunnies are deserving of a comfortable and healthy life just as much as we are, so pet owners need the support and resources to be able to provide effective care. The training will include coping strategies to handle the loss of a pet and/or preparing for the loss of a pet, as well as proper care for helping an elderly or sick rabbit feel comfortable in order to maintain a healthy human-animal bond for the duration of their life
What's Normal and What's Not: From the Tip of the Nose to the End of the Tail
Presented by: Diana Cron, DVM, Glenway Animal Hospital
In this seminar, Dr. Cron will share many photos and radiographs from years of veterinary practice to illustrate how rabbit caretakers can identify abnormal behaviors and health parameters by knowing and monitoring specific normals.
Presented by: Diana Cron, DVM, Glenway Animal Hospital
In this seminar, Dr. Cron will share many photos and radiographs from years of veterinary practice to illustrate how rabbit caretakers can identify abnormal behaviors and health parameters by knowing and monitoring specific normals.
Rolling Rabbits: An Overview of E. cuniculi
Presented by: Nicholas Jew, DVM, Animal Care Unlimited
E. cuniculi is a diagnosis dreaded by vets and rabbit parents alike. This session will help to clarify what exactly is E. cuniculi and how do we better understand, diagnose, and treat this infectious disease. Included in this session will be: a brief explanation of the pathogen, how it is diagnosed and what to expect at the vet, aspects of treatment, and a few other interesting tidbits.
Presented by: Nicholas Jew, DVM, Animal Care Unlimited
E. cuniculi is a diagnosis dreaded by vets and rabbit parents alike. This session will help to clarify what exactly is E. cuniculi and how do we better understand, diagnose, and treat this infectious disease. Included in this session will be: a brief explanation of the pathogen, how it is diagnosed and what to expect at the vet, aspects of treatment, and a few other interesting tidbits.
RHDV2 Update
Presented by: Gary Riggs, DVM, Barberton Veterinary Clinic
This talk will describe the case that resulted in the first documentation of RHDV2 in the USA. I'll also briefly discuss the history and current issues with RHDV2
Presented by: Gary Riggs, DVM, Barberton Veterinary Clinic
This talk will describe the case that resulted in the first documentation of RHDV2 in the USA. I'll also briefly discuss the history and current issues with RHDV2
From Sniffles to Snuffles: Respiratory Problems in Rabbits
Presented by: Gary Riggs, DVM, Barberton Veterinary Clinic
The presentation will discuss symptoms of, diagnosis of, and treatment of the various respiratory illnesses rabbits are prone to. We’ll discuss the difference in signs for upper vs lower respiratory issues and discuss things rabbit owners can do to help their bunnies who suffer from these common problems.
Presented by: Gary Riggs, DVM, Barberton Veterinary Clinic
The presentation will discuss symptoms of, diagnosis of, and treatment of the various respiratory illnesses rabbits are prone to. We’ll discuss the difference in signs for upper vs lower respiratory issues and discuss things rabbit owners can do to help their bunnies who suffer from these common problems.
Rabbit Grooming and Nail Trims – Tips and Tricks
Presented by: Umeko Valentine, OHRR Adoption Facilitator and Midwest BunFest Bunny Spa Coordinator
See a demo of the best way to groom your rabbit and do a nail trim. We will share strategies to make this the best experience for you and your bunny.
Presented by: Umeko Valentine, OHRR Adoption Facilitator and Midwest BunFest Bunny Spa Coordinator
See a demo of the best way to groom your rabbit and do a nail trim. We will share strategies to make this the best experience for you and your bunny.