RABBIT DISORDERS

Rabbits that are not brought up in the wild are more prone to rabbit disorders. We have many medicines designed specially for rabbits and they have a much larger chance of survival from the different disorders. Our rabbits are less likely to be at risk from predators and are usually fed a well balanced diet so they have the best chance of a long healthy life.

To have a healthy, happy rabbit he must have a hutch big enough for him to move around inside. He needs to be warm in winter and not too hot summer so buy a hutch protector that will adjust the temperature and never leave your rabbit in direct sunlight. Have a run that he can exercise in and you can buy a run protector to protect your rabbit from predators and the weather.
 
Obesity

You will never see a fat rabbit living in the wild because what they eat sustains their energy levels. They use up calories searching for food, running and playing. Rabbits usually have a layer of fat to keep them warm and this is normal but a fat rabbit is an unhealthy rabbit so be careful how much you feed your rabbit. If your rabbit is getting fatter but eats a good pellet diet he may be getting too many rabbit treats so replace the treats with fresh carrots, apples and other hard fruits and vegetables. Another factor may be that your rabbit is not getting enough exercise. Make sure the hutch is big enough for the rabbit to stretch his legs and provide a larger area for your  rabbit to run around, either a secure indoor area or a garden run.
 
  Paralysis

Rabbits have an inbuilt fear of heights and can suffer severe injuries if they fall from a great height. If your rabbit falls or is dropped and stops moving it may have a serious back or neck injury and your vet should be consulted immediately. Rabbits can suffer temporary paralysis if they undergo some sort of trauma. If they 'freeze' this is not permanent and they will recover when they feel safe, treat your rabbit gently and he will soon be back to normal.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia in rabbits is a serious condition and your vet should be consulted. Look out for a runny nose, breathing difficulties, appetite loss and a low temperature.

Colds and sneezing

Rabbits sneeze if they have dust particles in their noses but constant sneezing, runny nose, sore eyes and wet paws from wiping their noses are all signs that your rabbit has a nasty cold. Disinfect and clean the hutch and any other areas the rabbit uses and keep the rabbit away from draughts. Keep him warm but remember rabbits suffer from the heat. A rabbit's cold can turn into pneumonia so consult your vet if you are at all concerned.

 

If you are looking for rabbit health disorder information, the following links may also be of interest to you: See also: rabbit problems, rabbit illness, rabbit health disorders and rabbit ailments

 

Sore hocks (pododermatitis)

These are rabbit's sore paws often caused by being on damp and dirty surfaces or thumping on hard flooring. Sore hocks can cause your rabbit severe discomfort. Make sure your hutch is clean and dry and all straw bedding is changed if it is wet or dirty. Vaseline will help to soften the cracking in your rabbit's paws and acts as a barrier and is safe for the rabbit. Your vet can give you other medication if you are concerned.

Urine burn

Urine burn is caused by bad hutch conditions when the rabbits skin gets soaked with urine and very damp. It can lead to infection which can be treated with antibiotics. To prevent this, the hutch should be clean and dry. Old rabbits are less able to pass their urine properly or their stiff joints makes moving around more difficult and their fur gets soaked. If you notice this condition in a younger rabbit it could be a more serious kidney complaint.

 

Tyzzer's disease

Tyzzers disease in rabbits is the worst form of enteritis and often caused by a bad diet. It is a disorder of the rabbits digestive tract and produces very watery diarrhoea in large quantities. It can cause death in very young or old rabbits. Your vet should be consulted as soon as possible but a change of diet is usually the answer.

 

Sticky bottom

Most of the rabbits droppings are hard, these are re-ingested droppings, but sometimes you may see a soft sticky dropping that can stick to the rabbit's bottom and this means there is a problem. If you allow this to go untreated your rabbit will be more likely to suffer flystrike (see rabbit parasites). Sticky bottom can have several causes. If your rabbit is too fat and he cannot clean himself properly, if you rabbit has mouth ulcers or overgrown teeth he may not be able to eat his droppings and if your  rabbit has an imbalanced diet he may not be able to eat all his droppings.
 
Try searching on the Internet for "rabbit disorder information" and you will be amazed just how many pages are on offer. Try it for yourself by hitting the search button below!