Rabbit Health Concerns
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With proper care a rabbit can live 8-12 years. This care includes
proper diet, spaying or neutering and an annual examination by a
rabbit-knowledgeable veterinarian. Many medical conditions in
rabbits are preventable if owners are knowledgeable about their
rabbits' needs. Listed below are some of the more common medical
concerns in rabbits.
Spaying and Neutering
Besides controlling population, spaying and neutering have other
important benefits. The leading cause of death for female rabbits
is uterine cancer. It has been shown that unspayed females above
the age of two years have an 80% chance of developing this type
of cancer. Spaying and neutering may also decrease unwanted
aggressive behavior and spraying. This also makes it possible to
keep a male and female together.
Parasites
a. Ear mites are small parasites that produce itchy debris and
inflammation that can be seen in the ear. If the parasite is left
untreated the rabbit may inflict wounds to his ear due to
scratching or shaking his head.
b. Fur mites (Cheyletiella) usually occur on the back between the
shoulder blades and look like flaky dandruff. Some rabbits may
harbor them for many years without signs. Severe cases may cause
hair loss.
c. Fleas are not common on pet rabbits. A rabbit may get fleas
from other household pets. Treatment consists of using a
kitten-safe flea powder. A flea comb may be used to remove the
adult fleas from your rabbit. The rabbit's environment should
also be treated for fleas.
d. Coccidia are internal parasites that affect the liver or
intestine. Usually only young or stressed rabbits are affected.
Signs may include diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss or poor weight
gain.
Teeth
Malocclusion occurs when a rabbit's teeth do not align properly
causing an overgrowth. When teeth grow too long they may cause
your rabbit to drool or stop eating. A veterinarian can trim the
teeth regularly or show you how. Occasionally a rabbit's teeth
become abscessed. The most common signs of this condition are
drooling, decreased appetite and anorexia. This can quickly
become an emergency. Grinding of teeth loudly is the way a rabbit
expresses pain. This should not be confused with the soft
purr-like grinding a rabbit does when being gently petted by its
owner.
Anorexia
Any time a rabbit stops eating is a medical emergency. Contact
your rabbit-knowledgeable veterinarian immediately.
Diarrhea
True diarrhea in a rabbit is not very common. Sudden diet change,
low roughage diet, excessive sugar or antibiotics not suited to
rabbits (Amoxicillin) can all induce diarrhea. If your rabbit has
runny stool or stool caked to its fur it is recommended you
consult your veterinarian. If diarrhea is left on your rabbit's
fur, fly strike (maggots) may appear. Prolonged diarrhea can be
fatal in rabbits.
Urine
The color of rabbit urine varies from yellow to red and from
clear to cloudy. Some rabbits get what is known as urine sludge.
This can be caused by too much calcium in the diet. This may
cause straining and decreased urine output. If your rabbit
strains or has thick urine you should consult your veterinarian.
Wounds
With any wound or scratch consult your veterinarian before
treating. Wounds left untreated may quickly turn into an abscess
requiring surgery and antibiotic therapy.
Hairball (Trichobezoars)
Unlike a cat, rabbits are unable to vomit. Excessive hair intake
can lead to a blockage. When your rabbit is molting (shedding) it
is recommended to brush them daily to remove any excess hair.
Some signs your rabbit may be blocked include anorexia, decreased
or no stool output, and lethargy. Another indication of excessive
hair consumption by your rabbit is fecal pellets strung together
in a chain with hair. If you suspect your rabbit has a hairball
consult your veterinarian. Feeding plenty of hay and brushing
daily can significantly decrease the chance of a hairball in your
rabbit.
Pasteurella
This bacterium is common in the home environment. Cats can carry
this bacterium in their mouths. The most common signs are
respiratory problems, eye or nose discharge and head tilt. This
is easily transmitted from one rabbit to another. Many rabbits
are carriers of these bacteria and can live a full life span
without complications. Some rabbits may show symptoms while under
stress. Antibiotics may sometimes be necessary to control the
bacteria. Many antibiotics are harmful to rabbits. Drugs such as
penicillin may be fatal. Consult a rabbit-knowledgeable
veterinarian for your rabbit's health care.
Important signs to look for are: lethargy, sitting hunched up,
hiding in unusual places, anorexia, drooling, diarrhea, no stool,
straining to urinate, sneezing or eye discharge, loud teeth
grinding, the appearance of blood, pus or maggots. Many of these
conditions can be life threatening. If your rabbit shows any of
these signs please consult your veterinarian.
See Also:
Index of All Rabbit Care & Bunny
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