COMMON RABBIT DISEASES | Prevention | Treatment

COMMON RABBIT DISEASES | Prevention | Treatment

https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/common-rabbit-diseases

COMMON RABBIT DISEASES
Pet library
There are some common diseases and problems seen in rabbits that can be prevented by ensuring you have an understanding of what a healthy rabbit requires and the subtle signs that can tell you your rabbit is unwell. Rabbits are wonderful domesticated pets, but it should be remembered that they are very closely related to wild rabbits, and as such will hide signs of illness until they are very unwell, as this would make them “easy prey” in nature. We encourage close observations of your pet rabbit, a correct diet, up to date vaccinations and regular health checks to ensure you pick up the early signs of problems, and prevent diseases developing.

The more common problems/ diseases that we see in domesticated rabbits are:

Overgrown teeth
Snuffles
Hairballs
Uterine tumours
Myxomatosis
Calicivirus

Cause and clinical signs
Close contact with an infected rabbit can easily transfer the Pasteurella multocida bacterium to your rabbit. The bacteria can affect the eyes (discharge, redness, squinting) and/or nose (sneezing, discharge), thus giving the disease its name “snuffles.” Pasteurella can infect other areas of the body as well, including ears (resulting in a head tilt), abscesses (seen as lumps on the body) and uterine infections.

Prevention
Some strains of the bacteria remain latent in the rabbit’s nasal tract until the immune system is placed under stress, such as when a new diet or pet is introduced or if overcrowding occurs. Reducing stress for rabbits that are infected and the quarantine of new rabbits are good ways of preventing introduction of the disease or recurrence of signs.

Treatment
Treatment involves a long and sometimes repeated course of antibiotics. Occasionally surgery is required if an abscess forms.

Cause and clinical signs
Hair can normally be found in a rabbit’s stomach as they self-groom. However, as rabbits cannot vomit, hair must be able to pass through the gut. If it can’t then it will form an obstruction and serious complications. Hairballs are so common that they should always be considered as a problem in any rabbit that is lethargic and not eating.

Prevention
Hairballs are more likely to become a problem if there is an issue with the gastrointestinal tract (gut stasis) or they are not receiving enough fibre in their diet, so a high fibre diet is a great preventative measure.

Treatment
Sometimes surgery is the only treatment if the hairball causes a blockage in the gut. Medication to get the gut working again can also help.

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COMMON RABBIT DISEASES | Prevention | Treatment

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