Rabbit Healthcare

Common health issues

Gut sensitivity

Rabbits have extremely delicate digestive systems. Any changes to their eating and toileting habits can signify that something is wrong. Ensure your rabbits are eating enough high quality hay every day to keep their digestive systems working properly.

After eating, rabbits produce soft, shiny droppings called caecotrophs or caecals which have a high nutritional value. These look like round droppings stuck together. Rabbits eat caecals straight from their bottom then produce the hard, pellet-like droppings we’re more familiar with. This is an essential stage in rabbits’ digestion. If you notice your rabbit is leaving caecotrophs in their enclosure, or there has been a change in colour, size or consistency, it could indicate that there is an underlying problem. Consult your vet immediately if you notice any issues.

Unclean bottom

Each day, you should be checking that your rabbit’s bottom is clean. Rabbits may stop cleaning themselves if they are overweight, sick or they are in pain. A dirty bottom could also be caused by unsanitary living conditions. Pets with dirty rear ends or generally dirty fur are at higher risk of flystrike.

Flystrike

Flystrike is a painful condition caused by flies laying eggs on another animal. The eggs then hatch into maggots, which eat the flesh of the affected animal. This can be fatal to rabbits.

To help prevent flystrike, keep your rabbits’ living area clean and remove any dirty litter and bedding. Flies are attracted to open wounds so check your rabbits over regularly for signs of injury.
It is essential to check your rabbit’s bottom at least once a day, but ideally more often in the summer. If there is any urine or faeces, clean and dry the area immediately. Rabbit who are unable to keep themselves clean could be suffering from a health condition such as obesity or arthritis. Therefore, you should seek advice from your vet.

Flystrike is an emergency. Seek veterinary attention straight away.

Dental problems

Rabbits have open-rooted teeth, which continuously grow throughout their lives. Gnawing on hay and grass helps to naturally wear their teeth down.

If the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly (malocclusion), they won’t wear down properly. This causes serious problems. The front teeth, or incisors, can become overgrown, and their molars can develop sharp points called spurs. This is very painful for rabbits and affects their ability to eat.
Check your rabbit’s teeth every week, feeling for anything unusual along the jawline. Carefully look inside their mouth to check their incisors. Drooling can also be a sign that there’s something wrong. If you notice any issues, or you’re unsure, contact your vet.

Each week, check your rabbits’ ears, eyes, coat, and nails for any abnormalities.

Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is a severe viral disease which can be fatal for rabbits. The disease can be passed on through direct contact with an infected rabbit or from flea and mosquito bites. Wild and domestic rabbits are at risk. The best protection against myxomatosis is vaccination. Speak to your vet about getting the vaccination and boosters. Vaccinated rabbits can still catch myxomatosis. However, they usually survive, whereas, unvaccinated rabbits nearly always die.

Symptoms include red, swollen or crusty eyes, discharge from the eyes or nose, respiratory problems, loss of appetite and lethargy. If you suspect your rabbit may be suffering from myxomatosis, speak to your vet immediately.

Nails

Check your rabbit’s nails every week. If you notice broken, ripped or bleeding nails, consult your vet.

Rabbits’ nails are worn down naturally from digging or hopping over hard surfaces. Adding some slabs or brick to the enclosure can help keep their nails in good condition.

If your rabbit’s nails become overgrown, they will need to be clipped. You can do this at home with specialist clippers or ask your vet to do it.

Eyes and Ears

Check your rabbit’s eyes and ears weekly. Dirty ears can be cleaned gently with warm water.

If you notice discharge or inflammation, speak to your vet.

Veterinary care

It’s important to register with a vet who has specific knowledge of rabbits. Asking people you know for recommendations and looking at reviews can help you choose the right medical care for your rabbits.

If your rabbit needs to spend time at the vets, ask if their bunny buddy can accompany them. This helps to preserve the pair bond, reduce stress and can aid recovery.

Unfortunately, in certain situations, your rabbit may need to be isolated from other rabbits, for instance, if they have a contagious disease.

Vaccinations

It’s important to vaccinate your rabbits against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) each year. Contact your vet to arrange this.

Parasite treatment

Treatment against parasites should be done on a case-by-case basis. Consult your vet for advice on the best course of treatment for your rabbits.

Microchipping

Microchipping is the most effective way to increase the chances of a reunion should your rabbit ever escape. It is a quick procedure that provides pets with a unique identification code, making it easier to trace and contact their owner. If your details should ever change, such as your address or phone number, these can be updated via an online database, sometimes for a fee.

Every rabbit we rehome will be microchipped. This is carried out by a trained professional and is included in our rehoming fee.

Neutering

Neutering is a common surgical procedure which stops your rabbits from being able to breed and allows pairs or groups to live together more harmoniously.

Neutering (or castrating) male rabbits involves the removal of both testicles. This can help to reduce the chance of them getting prostate disease and reduces the risk of some cancers.

Spaying is the term used for neutering female rabbits. It involves removing the ovaries and uterus. This procedure prevents unwanted litters.

Your vet will be able to advise on the best time to have your rabbit neutered.