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Rabbits

Rabbits are becoming a more commonly owned pet in the UK

Many people mistakenly assume that they are an easy and relatively inexpensive pet to own, however, this is not usually the case. Rabbits need a great deal of time and care so it is important to research what is involved before committing to owning one.

We also recommend visiting the website for the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, by clicking on the link below.

Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund

Vaccinations

Rabbits are vaccinated against:

  • Myxomatosis
  • Viral Hemorrhagic Disease


These are administered through a yearly injection.

Myxomatosis is a virus that causes the appearance of lumps and also puffiness around the eye area. Progression can then cause conjunctivitis and blindness. Usually the rabbits become anorexic due to their inability to see or smell their food.

Viral Hemorrhagic Disease is a virus that can cause a wide range of symptoms and death can often occur within 12 to 36 hours.

Neutering

We recommend neutering from 4-6 months of age.

There are several reasons to get your rabbit neutered:

  • 80% of female rabbits can develop uterine cancer before the age of 4 years. They can also have more of a risk of uterine infection
  • Female rabbits can become hormonally aggressive and territorial which in turn can lead to fighting with other rabbits or aggression towards their owners
  • Male unneutered rabbits if housed together can start to fight when they sexually mature.

In only FOUR years one pair of unneutered rabbits can produce 3,745,584 offspring!

Housing

Rabbits are very social animals, so one of the first things to consider is ideally you need to house more than one rabbit.

Rabbits need a lot of space so keeping them in a hutch is not enough. The minimum area that a pair of average sized rabbits should have is 10ft x 6ft x 3ft high (3m x 2m x1m).

They will need a large garden in which to run/play and graze as they would in the wild. It is very important for rabbits to display their natural behaviours.

Housing

Rabbits should have access to unlimited hay or grass. Not only does this provide nutrients it also helps to keep their teeth healthier. 80% of a rabbit’s diet should be hay or grass.

Greens, vegetables and herbs can also be added to their diet and should make up 15% of their diet.

Rabbit pellets should be 5% of their feed. We do not recommend the diets that look like coloured muesli as these can encourage selective feeding.

Ellen Whale

Ellen Whale

Patient Care Assistant/ Receptionist
PCA

Ellen joined us in 2026 after previously working in another vet practice and an animal sanctuary.

She loves horses and has two of her own called Molly and Abbie.  she also has four dogs who she enjoys walking in the Norfolk countryside. 

Adri Rossouw

Adri Rossouw

Locum Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc CertAVP (FelMed) MRCVS

Adri qualified as a Vet Surgeon in South Africa in May 1992 before moving to the UK in 1998.  She was partner in a small animal vet practice in Norfolk before retiring in May 2023.  She missed working with animals so now works as a locum part time.  She brings a wealth of experience to the team.  She achieved a CertAVP Small Animal Medicine (feline medicine) certificate in 2023.  She also enjoys orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. 

Outside work Adri enjoys gardening, cycling and walking as well as being involved in the Gateway Church in Kings Lynn.  Adri has a tuxedo cat called Karolus and the village peacock Bob has claimed her garden.

Helen Manson

Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S CertVOphthal MRCVS

Helen moved to Norfolk after graduating from Edinburgh Vet School in 2003. After working in practices around King’s Lynn, she joined the practice in 2023.


Helen enjoys small animal medicine and has a special interest in Ophthalmology. Helen gained her post graduate RCVS certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2012 and offers internal and external referrals for eye cases at the practice.


Outside of work, Helen is kept busy with her three children, Daisy the Labrador and Maggie the cat. She is married to Liam.

Ben Mcdonnell

Clinical Director & Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc, BSc, Cert AVP (GSAS)MRCVS

Following his graduation from Liverpool University in 2008 Ben returned to his roots in Cumbria, where he spent a short period working in mixed practice, before making the decision to work solely as a small animal veterinarian. He moved to Norfolk in 2022, when he joined our team at Swaffham, becoming a clinical director in 2025. Ben enjoys all aspects of first opinion small practice work, but especially enjoys the surgical side of the job and achieved the Royal College Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (General Small Animal Surgery) in 2021.


Outside work Ben is often found exploring the Norfolk countryside and coastline with his son Joey. His other interests include mountain biking, walking, running and more recently paddle boarding.

Emily Neep

Veterinary Surgeon
BVetMed BSc(hons) MRCVS

Emily joined Swaffham Veterinary Centre in 2023, having worked as a vet in Wales. Originally from Norfolk, she was very excited to move back home! She has a keen interest in exotic animal care and also is trained in acupuncture.


In her spare time, Emily enjoys exploring her creative side with various craft projects, from crochet to jewellery making and can often be heard singing along to her favourite musical (much to the nurse’s dismay!). She has always had pets at home, ranging from various cats and dogs to a pet toad!

Liam Manson

Clinical Director & Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S GPCert (SAS) MRCVS

Liam founded Swaffham veterinary Centre in 2014, having worked in mid-Norfolk since graduating from Edinburgh University in 2003.  He completed a surgical certificate in 2007 and continues to have a keen interest in surgery but does enjoy the variety that a busy first opinion small animal practice gives each day.

Out of work Liam enjoys spending time with his wife and children, who all enjoy travelling in the UK and abroad.  he also enjoys exploring the beautiful Norfolk countryside with his Labrador Daisy.  When given the opportunity Liam is a keen gardener.