Table of Contents
Introduction :
Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, behind dogs and cats. They are often a friendly pet that many parents would get as their children’s first animal, so it’s not hard to understand why. Most bunnies will have a pleasant existence being cared for as long as the parents have done their studies in advance and are aware that having a rabbit is a commitment. We’ll look at five more considerations for keeping your long-haired buddy healthy and content in this post.
So what are things that I need to be aware of?
Being a good pet owner involves many different aspects of caring for a pet, and there are certain considerations you must make when it comes to caring for rabbits to maintain their health.
1. Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a terrible viral illness that frequently ends tragically in death. The wild rabbit population was initially damaged when it was first discovered in the nation in the 1950s, but today both wild and farmed rabbits are at risk from this disease. Fleas, mites, and even mosquitoes can act as carriers of the disease and spread it through their bites. Due to the fact that these insects can spread from bunny to bunny, even indoor rabbits are susceptible to getting myxomatosis, which is why domesticated rabbits are also at risk.
Which symptoms are present?
Myxomatosis-infected rabbits can harbor the virus for up to 14 days before any symptoms appear. The rabbits may not appear to be themselves at first and maybe quieter and less lively. You might observe a change in their eating patterns. The eyes, nose, and genital region will initially exhibit symptoms of the infection if they actually have myxomatosis. The primary signs are:
- Swelling, soreness, and even ulcers.
- A discharge from the nose.
- A discharge from the eyes.
- Swelling of the eyes causes blindness.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Not wanting to move or exercise.
How does one treat it?
Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for myxomatosis. Sadly, a rabbit’s prognosis is very dismal if they develop the condition. They may be able to get supportive therapy, such as fluids, painkillers, and nursing care, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Most of the time, following a discussion with your veterinarian, the choice is made to put them to sleep. It is not a decision that is made lightly, but in the case of full-blown myxomatosis, it is upsetting for both the owner and the sick rabbit.
How was it avoided?
Vaccination is the key to preventing myxomatosis in your rabbit. You may protect your bunny against myxomatosis by regularly immunizing him in accordance with your veterinarian practice’s routine. There is a vaccine that is quite efficient against the disease. Since the illness is widespread throughout the UK and the virus has a high mortality rate, vaccination is a highly prudent choice for protection. The veterinary clinic may decide to recommend immunization every six months rather than once a year if there are a lot of cases in a particular location. Speak with them to learn more.
2. Haemorrhagic Disease
This is also known as VHD2 (viral hemorrhagic disease) and is frequently referred to as RHD2. The reason for the number 2 is that this is the second iteration of the illness that has gained popularity. There are an estimated 1.3 million rabbits in danger from RHD2, which is the second strain of the illness and is more common in farmed rabbits. Both types are extremely contagious, and the second strain is increasingly affecting rabbits in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and charitable organizations. Although the strain has been there for a while, it has just recently evolved and become an issue. It is not a novel kind.
Which symptoms are present?
Worrisomely, this disease rarely exhibits signs, and many rabbits that are suspected of having it pass away suddenly. If there are any symptoms, they should be looked into further because they could potentially be signs of other issues. They consist of:
- High-temperature.
- Reluctance to move or exercise.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Muscle spasms.
As was previously said, RHD2 is occasionally just assumed as the cause of death rather than being confirmed. This is due to the fact that additional tests are frequently not conducted, typically due to the associated costs. If there are other rabbits around and one of them has this condition (or later passes away abruptly), it is very likely that the others will also be in danger.
How was it avoided?
Vaccination is essential to protection because this disease spreads by contamination, whether on clothing, dwelling places, water, and food bowls, or even in the hay. Every location must be properly decontaminated if there is a suspected case of the disease, and no more rabbits are permitted in the region where the issue happened. Please contact them personally as several veterinary practices have their own approach when it comes to this immunization, just like with myxomatosis. Since not all practices carried the immunization due to the disease’s rapid spread and intensity, it is absolutely worthwhile to call.
3. Flystrike
Numerous animals can suffer from flystrike, but typically rabbits do. It occurs when flies become drawn to a dirty rabbit and lay their eggs in its hair. Normally, a fly in a green bottle can lay up to 200 eggs at once. The maggots that result from the flies’ eggs hatch and begin munching on the rabbit. It is a condition that sounds repulsive and is repulsive. often results in the unfortunate victim’s death. The most tragic aspect of this ailment is that it can be entirely avoided.
How was it avoided?
Since rabbits don’t typically make sounds or display signs of pain, you might notice a shift in their conduct. They might become more still and less inclined to wander around. Even the nicest cuisine may not pique their interest as they may start to lose their appetite. You might smell something coming from the hutch, and you might see bunnies digging in the corners of the hutch. Worryingly, this is one of the few signals that a rabbit is in agony. The rabbit will experience shock and finally perish as the maggots continue to consume more flesh.
How is it treated?
The first course of action for a rabbit with the ailment will be to remove the rabbit’s maggots and provide enough pain management because the condition is life-threatening. To ensure that every maggot is eliminated, it may take a while and include performing surgery on the skin to uncover any that may still be there. The surgery and procedures might possibly be sufficient to push the rabbit over the edge, and they might pass away from shock and discomfort. The skin may occasionally require additional surgery if it is strong enough, and there will undoubtedly be a lengthy recovery period. Antibiotics and painkillers are typically administered at this time.
How was it prevented?
One rabbit ailment that can be avoided is this one. It can be very beneficial to check on your rabbit every day, especially in the area of their back. To prevent flies from being drawn in, make sure the hutch is totally clean and clear of dung and urine. Clean off your rabbit as soon as you can if it appears moist from pee or has diarrhea. Diarrhea in rabbits can be brought on by nutrition, disease, or dental issues; consult your veterinarian for additional information. These inspections should be performed at least twice daily, especially when there are more flies present. The majority of rabbit owners naturally accomplish this by cuddling their pets!
4. What are the Teeth problems?
Rabbit teeth can get overgrown, sharp in some areas, catch pieces of the tongue, or even create ulcers if they aren’t consistently broken down by chewing (every day). Despite the fact that wild rabbits can have this condition and that their teeth are still constantly growing, farmed rabbits appear to be more susceptible to dental issues, primarily as a result of dietary differences. Wild rabbits will not consume commercial rabbit food, hence a large amount of grass makes up their diet in order to grind their teeth down when chewing.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of rabbit dental problems can include any of the following – it is also worth remembering that they may only show one symptom.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Drooling.
- Wet around the face.
- Diarrhea.
- Weight loss.
- The coat becomes unkempt.
- Food falls out of the mouth.
- Discharge from the nose/eyes.
How is it prevented?
It’s crucial to provide your rabbit with high-quality hay or grass to eat because doing so helps to grind their teeth down. They should follow this diet every day, maintaining their body weight! Giving them additional chewable can also be helpful. Unfortunately, some rabbits suffer from malocclusion, which is when teeth do not align properly. As a result, even with a healthy diet, their teeth may still develop enlarged since they do not grind against one another. Your rabbit will require routine preventive dental care if they have malocclusion.
5. Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a horrible viral disease that is often sadly fatal. It was first seen in the country as early as the 1950s and initially affected the wild rabbit population, however today both wild and domesticated rabbits are a risk from this disease. The disease itself is spread by insects that bite and act as carriers, these can include fleas, mites, and even mosquitoes.
This is why domesticated rabbits are even at risk, simply because these insects can go from bunny to bunny – even indoor rabbits are at risk of contracting myxomatosis.
What are the symptoms?
Rabbits that contract myxomatosis can actually have the virus for up to 14 days before any symptoms show themselves. Initially, the rabbits may not seem themselves and be quieter and also unplayful. You may notice their eating habits become different. If they do have the symptoms of myxomatosis the first things that show signs of the virus are the eyes, nose, and genital area. The main symptoms include:
- Swelling, soreness, and even ulcers.
- A discharge from the nose.
- A discharge from the eyes.
- Swelling of the eyes causes blindness.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Not wanting to move or exercise.
How is it treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for myxomatosis available. If a rabbit contracts the disease then sadly their prognosis is very poor. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, they may be able to be given supportive therapy, such as fluids, painkillers, and nursing care. In a majority of cases, and after a discussion with your veterinary surgeon, the decision is often taken to put them to sleep. It is a decision that is not taken lightly, however, with full-blown myxomatosis, it is as distressing for the owner as it is for the poor rabbit.
How was it prevented?
This is the key to keeping your rabbit free from myxomatosis – vaccination. There is a vaccine that is very effective against the disease and by regular vaccination, in line with your veterinary practice protocol, you can cover your bunny against myxomatosis.
The disease is prevalent across the whole of the UK and due to the mortality rate from the virus, prevention with vaccination is a very wise choice. If there are a large number of cases in an area, the veterinary practice may choose to suggest vaccination every six months, instead of every year. Speak to them for more information.
6. Haemorrhagic Disease
What is it?
This is often called RHD2 and is also known as VHD2 (viral hemorrhagic disease). The number 2 is because this is the second variant of the disease that has become prevalent. This second strain of the disease is more prevalent in domesticated rabbits, and there are an estimated 1.3 million rabbits a risk from RHD2. Both of the strains are highly contagious, and veterinary practices, rescue centers, and animal charities are seeing more and more affected rabbits with this second strain. It is not a new type, the strain has been about for several years, but has developed and become a problem recently.
What are the symptoms?
Worryingly, symptoms for this disease are rare – and many rabbits that are suspected to have the disease suddenly die. If any symptoms are present, they need further investigation as they can also be symptoms of other problems. They include:
- High-temperature.
- Reluctance to move or exercise.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Muscle spasms.
As stated above sometimes the cause of death is not confirmed as RHD2 but only suspected of being the cause. This is because on many occasions further tests are not undertaken, usually due to financial implications. If one rabbit has this condition (or subsequently suddenly dies) and there are others present, it is highly likely they will be at risk also.
How is it prevented?
Because this disease is spread through contamination, either on clothing, housing areas, water, food bowls, or even in the hay – vaccination is the key to prevention. If there is a suspected case of the disease, every area the to be completely decontaminated, and no other rabbit is allowed into the area where the problem occurred.
As with myxomatosis, some veterinary practices have their own protocol when it comes to this vaccination, so please speak to them directly. Such was the intensity of the disease rapidly becoming prevalent, that not all practices carried the vaccination, so it is definitely worth giving them a call.
7. Teeth problems?
Rabbits’ teeth grow constantly, so without having them ground down regularly (each day) by chewing, they can become overgrown, sharp in places, and even trap parts of the tongue or cause ulcers.
Although rabbits in the wild can get this condition – of course, their teeth still constantly grow – domesticated rabbits seem to be more at risk of dental problems, mainly due to differing diets. Wild rabbits will not eat commercial rabbit food, so their diet consists of a huge amount of grass to chew on and grind the teeth down.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of rabbit dental problems can include any of the following – it is also worth remembering that they may only show one symptom.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Drooling.
- Wet around the face.
- Diarrhea.
- Weight loss.
- The coat becomes unkempt.
- Food falls out of the mouth.
- Discharge from the nose/eyes.
Any of these signs could point to a problem, so it’s critical that the rabbit receives quick veterinary care. When it comes to feeding and eating, rabbits have very little reserve since they need to keep their bellies active constantly to prevent intestinal stasis, which can be fatal.
How is it treated?
Rabbits with overgrown teeth may require routine care, or treatment every few weeks. If they are unable to accomplish it themselves, a dental burr may be used to shorten their teeth. Grinding the teeth down, this treatment shortens the teeth. They occasionally have a so-called spur that extends horizontally into the mouth and can result in tongue ulcers. These also require care. A dental gag and sedation are required in order to adequately view inside a rabbit’s mouth. Despite having lips that are traditionally tiny, rabbits have 28 teeth. Teeth can be extracted in severe circumstances, but this is really the last option.
How is it prevented?
It’s crucial to provide your rabbit with high-quality hay or grass to eat because doing so helps to grind their teeth down. They should follow this diet every day, maintaining their body weight! Giving them additional chewable can also be helpful. Unfortunately, some rabbits suffer from malocclusion, which is when teeth do not align properly. As a result, even with a healthy diet, their teeth may still develop enlarged since they do not grind against one another. Your rabbit will require routine preventive dental care if they have malocclusion.
8. Worms
What is it?
In addition to dogs and cats, bunnies can also infrequently develop a worm issue. Although it is considerably less frequent in rabbits, owners should be aware of it.
What are the symptoms?
These worms are commonly known as pinworms, and they normally cause an upset stomach.
How are rabbits dewormed?
There is no need to worry about getting a pill into them because they are given a paste that is similar to the one given to puppies and kittens.
How can it be prevented?
The best course of action is to keep parasites at bay initially. If the rabbit is in an area where a dog or cat has already visited, make careful to clean up any feces. It’s not a good idea to feed your rabbit any vegetation that’s been in an area where wild rabbits may have been.
Conclusion :
These are five general recommendations for maintaining your rabbit’s health. They can have additional illnesses, of course, but these are the most common. The overarching theme of the entire article is being proactive, making sure that your rabbit is checked often and immunized against lethal diseases. Being aware of these risks can help you be ready for any consequences.
Related Post: 10 Common rabbit diseases, And How to Care