What's up doc? University appoints rabbit specialist

THE Bugs Bunny catchphrase "What's up doc?" could be ringing through the corridors of one of Scotland's leading universities following the appointment of Europe's first lecturer in rabbit medicine and surgery.

Edinburgh University said the growing popularity of rabbits as pets had led to Brigitte Reusch being given the new post.

It is estimated there are more than 1.4 million pet rabbits in the UK.Despite being the third most popular pet after dogs and cats, rabbits are classed as exotic pets by vets and training in the care of them is limited.

Ms Reusch, based at the Royal (Dick) Vet School of Veterinary Studies in the city will also run a dedicated rabbit clinic.

In 2004 she helped set up the first rabbit clinic in the UK – at Bristol Zoo – for "challenging rabbit cases".

She said: "An increasing number of people are buying rabbits as pets.

There is a lot of misinformation around about the best way to keep rabbits in optimum health."