10 Common Rabbit Diseases And Illnesses Every Owner Should Know About

Rabbits make wonderful pets – they have distinctive personalities and can be affectionate and very interactive. However, you should understand these 10 Common Rabbit Diseases. They recognise you by voice and sound, and can be easily trained to use a litterbox and do tricks! If you’re thinking of owning a rabbit they can live for up to eight years if in good health and well cared for. You’ll need to get your rabbit vaccinated, provide healthy and appropriate food, ensure exercise and rest, and frequently check for changes in behaviour. There are certain ailments that commonly occur in rabbits so this article will explain 10 common rabbit diseases and illnesses every owner should know about…

1. Snuffles

Snuffles are caused by bacteria present in rabbits which have been through stressful periods – or have had immune system issues. Rundown rabbits will have nasal discharge, watery eyes, and matted paws. Make sure your rabbit is eating healthily and the hutch is cleaned out daily – you may need prescribed antibiotics to treat the illness.

2. Conjunctivitis and Eye Infections

When the front of the eye becomes inflamed this may be a sign of bacterial infection – or it could be a corneal ulcer due to traumatic injury, or conjunctivitis from environmental irritants. You can diagnose the cause with an eye examination – and the vet can give anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

3. Ear Mites

A crusty brown ear canal filled with tiny bugs is the indicator of ear mites – accompanied by a lot of ear scratching. Ear mites often live in the hay, so it’s a good idea to keep hay in a proper feeder. They need treatment as they can cause serious problems if they spread to other parts of the body. Check ears regularly for cleanliness – when mites are caught early treatment is most successful. Often a few drops of vegetable oil in a dropper will smother the ear mites and relieve the crusty skin – don’t be tempted to remove the scabs as this can be painful, and they will heal naturally.

4. Fleas

Flea infestations happen when the flea inhabits the body of the rabbit and starts to reproduce – rabbits can develop a hypersensitive reaction and scratch excessively leaving lesions on the surface of the skin and skin infections. Heavy infestations may cause anaemia as the fleas feed on blood. Flea combing will produce flea dirt in affected rabbits, and your vet will eradicate and control exposure with specific powders and ointments.

5. Heatstroke

Rabbits are more accustomed to cold than heat – some breeds can tolerate temperatures of up to -10 degrees centigrade. If exposed to high temperatures without a cool shelter or water they can suffer from heat stroke and can die from cardiac arrest. Symptoms include continuous panting and stretching all four legs out evenly to cool the stomach on the ground. You can gently spray your rabbit with cool water – but vet intervention may be needed with IV fluids. Use a fan to circulate cool air around your rabbit, and freeze water in bottles to provide ongoing cooling aids.

6. GI Stasis

This disease is also fatal in rabbits – a syndrome that causes them to stop eating, passing stools, and become bloated with tract gas, faecal material, and dry mats of hair. One of the most common causes is a diet too high in carbohydrates and fat – and too low indigestible fibre. Your rabbit won’t eat and will get dehydrated and stop moving. Your vet will need to run blood tests and administer fluids – treatment may need to be carried out at the animal hospital.

7. Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is the most serious infectious disease affecting both wild and pet rabbits – the symptoms include skin lesions, anorexia, lip, nose, eye, and genital swelling, causing death within 12 hours if contracted. A single vaccination annually will prevent any infection and screening the hutch to keep out insects and fleas are also effective preventative methods. You can vaccinate baby rabbits from five weeks old.

8. Fly Strike

This occurs when flies lay their eggs in dirty or matted fur –usually around your rabbit’s bottom. This is painful as the maggots eat skin and flesh, and can devour the intestines when they enter the body. Your rabbit will huddle in a corner and may scream and collapse with the pain. It’s essential that you keep your rabbit clean on a daily basis and ensure it never sits on soiled bedding. Limiting the amount of fresh vegetables that may cause diarrhoea will prevent fly attraction – and watch particularly carefully for flies from April to October.

9. Obesity

As many as one in three rabbits suffer from weight-related problems. Lack of exercise, high-starch and low-fibre diets, and the fact that rabbits have a sweet tooth are all contributing factors. Carrying too much weight puts your rabbit at risk of heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver. Weighing monthly and adjusting diet accordingly will prevent excess weight gain.

10. Cancer

Over 60% of female rabbits over three years old will experience a malignant type of tumour in the uterus. Age seems to be the most important factor. The presence of blood in the urine is common, alongside cysts, behavioural changes, lethargy, eating issues, and abdominal masses. Treatment may include a complete hysterectomy with follow up care of chemotherapy and medication for pain management.

Home Visit Vets

Cloud 9 Vets is a trusted provider of gentle pet euthanasia in your own home. If your rabbit illness has come to point when medication and treatments aren’t working you may need to discuss pet euthanasia to prevent any further suffering. We will give you all the advice and support you need at this difficult time from trained and caring practitioners. Gentle pet euthanasia at home may be the best way to say goodbye to your closest rabbit friend.

10 Common Rabbit Diseases