SASH Avian & Exotics

20/01/2026

Maintaining an IV drip can be challenging in patients whose favourite pastime is chewing. ✂️

06/01/2026

Book in your rabbit vaccines soon!

Attention rabbit owners! The NSW Government will release a rabbit calicivirus strain (RHDV1-K5) in the first week of March 2026 to help control wild rabbit populations. This will take place across the Greater Sydney area, including the Central Coast.

To keep your pet rabbits safe, we strongly recommend vaccinating them before March 1st.

Rabbit calicivirus spreads easily through biting insects (like mosquitoes and flies) and contact with contaminated surfaces or grass. Even indoor rabbits are at risk if owners walk through infected areas or bring in grass exposed to wild rabbits.

This virus attacks the liver and is often fatal. Common symptoms include:
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Reduced faecal output

Other signs may include pale gums, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, or bleeding from other areas.

SASH has the vaccine available, which can be given as a single vaccination from 10 weeks of age; an annual booster should be given every 12 months for life.

Protect your rabbit and book a vaccination today!

SASH Avian & Exotics

20/08/2025

When patients stay with us for a while, we like to give them a little extra TLC with cuddles and TV time, just like at home.

Featuring Nurse Rachel and Laverne 🐥

09/08/2025

Dr James, one of our ophthalmology residents, giving this well-behaved turtle a thorough eye exam. Such a model patient 🐢✨

23/07/2025

When your patient turns up rocking the same fabulous fringe as you, it’s only right to snap a pic! This fluffy little Angora bunny and our wonderful nurse Sonia are truly bang on trend. 😉

11/07/2025

Some bunnies give the best hugs 🐰We can’t decide who enjoyed the cuddle more, Dr Mel or Pluto?

21/05/2025

The calm before the crunch 🥕

28/03/2025

Guess what? We’ve moved! Our ward is getting some upgrades, so we’ve moved to a different part of the hospital to keep our sensitive patients safe from the renovation chaos.

SASH North Ryde is growing - starting today!

While we're completing major hospital upgrades at SASH North Ryde, our Avian and Exotics department will temporarily move to the old SASH building across the carpark as of tomorrow (29th of March). For details, visit the link in the comments

17/02/2025

I’ll admit that we are a little obsessed with little Algie 🤍🩶💚💛

13/02/2025

Happy Valentine's Day!
We share a special bond and love for our pets - whether they have fur, feathers or scales. Give your little one a extra treat, scritch or cuddle from us this Valentine's Day.

10/02/2025

Find some-birdy to lean on 🦜👯‍♂️

09/02/2025

🚨🚨🐰🐇Attention Bunny Owners!🐰🐇🚨🚨
Is your rabbit up to date with their vaccinations?

🐰 ATTENTION RABBIT OWNERS! 🐰

The NSW government has issued an alert to rabbit owners about releasing a rabbit calicivirus strain (RHDV1-K5) to control wild rabbits on the first week of March 2025. It will occur in Greater Sydney Local Government areas, including the Central Coast. We urge rabbit owners to vaccinate their rabbits before 1st of March.

Rabbit calicivirus is transmitted through biting insects (e.g mosquitoes/biting flies) and various form of contact. Risks include owners walking through infected areas and collecting grass exposed to wild rabbits. As such, both indoor and outdoor rabbits should be vaccinated.

The virus targets the liver and is most often fatal. The most common symptoms include lethargy, inappetence, and decreased defecation. Other symptoms that can also be seen include; pale gums, breathing difficulty, nose bleeds or bleeding from other orifices.

SASH has a good supply of vaccine, which can be given as a single vaccination from 10 weeks of age, an annual booster should be given every 12 months, for life.

To book an appointment with our Avian & Exotics department at SASH North Ryde or Western Sydney, visit the link in the comments.