Rabbit Health

There are numerous reasons why your rabbit could become ill. Please read the following information for further information on your rabbits health.

Summer heat stroke

Give total shade if over 25 degrees Celsius!!

Give fresh cool drinking water.
Place frozen containers of water in hutch for rabbit to sit on.
Insulate metal hutch. Drape hutch with wet towels.
Spray hutch with cold water.
You could wet the rabbit's ears and bring bunny inside.

HEAT IS THE NO1. KILLER OF PET RABBITS !!
HEAT IS THE NO1. KILLER OF PET RABBITS !!

Cold
When under 15 deg. at night it is wise to cover an outside hutch or move it into a more sheltered position.
In the wild a rabbit would spend cold nights in its warm burrow.

Overgrown teeth
Incorrect alignment, (Malocclusion) or damage, or old age may cause the front teeth to become overgrown, inhibiting normal nibbling, resulting in starvation.
Check occasionally as clipping may become necessary.

Hay is important in keeping teeth healthy.
Always supply a branch to nibble on.
The back teeth can also cause problems such as an abscess. Your vet will be able to examine the back teeth.
Crunching on pellets is an unnatural chewing action for rabbits. This is one reason why pellets should be limited and the rabbit given a copious amount of hay instead.

Overgrown claws

Claws can be clipped at home if the rabbit scratches when picked up.
Only cut the tips off.
If scratching is a problem the rabbit can be handled wrapped in a towel.
Wear adequate clothing


Diarrhea

This can result from infection, excess greens, or a sudden change of diet.
Remove all food except water, and hay.
Keep their bottom clean.
Make sure the hutch is kept clean with lots of fresh hay
Separate from other rabbits just in case it is infectious.
Gradually reintroduce other foods again.

*Rabbits can die very fast from diarrhoea, so if you think it looks serious, see your vet immediately.

Fur balls
Rabbits moult often, especially in Australia where the whether changes frequently.
Regular gentle brushing is enjoyed and helpful.
Clipping is necessary for rabbits with long fur.
A dilution of 25% pineapple juice and water helps to break up hair balls.

Weight

This is controlled by correct food and exercise.
Excessive pellets cause obesity. They are like a diet of chocolate for a rabbit.

Sneezing

Sometimes it can just be caused by dust in the hay, but when there is white mucous from the nose and sticky front legs from wiping their nose, it is usually caused by a disease called (Pasteurella.)
It’s a serious infectious disease, sometimes trivialized by breeders calling it the “snuffles.”
You will need to see your vet for treatment and keep the bunny away from other rabbits.

Fleas and Mites
Treat only if necessary. (Frontline should never be used for rabbits) Make sure other family pets are treated for fleas. See vet for appropriate flea or mite treatment.
Ear Mites appear as a brown dust in the ear. A wipe over with cooking oil will usually clear it up.

Worms

Intestinal worms are not a problem for rabbits.
 

Immunization

Calicivirus. Immunize at three months, and then a yearly booster injection is required.

Myxomatosis has no immunization available at present in Australia.
It spreads through contact with fleas or mosquitoes.
Fly wire on the hutch may be a helpful protection.
If your rabbit is out in a run during the day, it is wise to put it back into its’ mosquito proof hutch before dusk, or bring it inside.