Rabbit Medical Concerns A-Z: What Are Common Illnesses?

Rabbits can make such exceptional pets. My rabbit, Rex, is getting older, but I love him more each day. I think of my friends out there who have, had, or will have a pet rabbit, and I want each of them to be informed.

So here's what I've learned.

Nothing is harder than having a sick pet, (I do understand what's it's like. It's not easy.) I wanted to make an informative yet simple to understand hub about the different medical concerns that may arise with a pet rabbit.

Please read and make yourself informed!

• Appetite Loss

If your precious rabbit is refusing the food she typically eats, this may be one of the signs of multiple illnesses. Please see a doctor if she refuses for more than a day, because if 24 hours later, all is back to normal, then it's just a "bad hare day."

• Bad Hare Day

Everyone has a bad day now and then, and guess what? Rabbits do, too! Truly, sometimes a rabbit may just want to be mellow, not pig out as much, not hop as much, but come the next morning, you'll see him back to his old self. My bunny, Rex, experienced this himself!

• Drooling

One of the rabbit's teeth may be infected or hurting, and even though it seems less serious, it could lead to an infection of the jaw bone. Remember, rabbits' teeth never stop growing, and in some cases they actually need to be trimmed or even pulled.

• Head tilted

Wry neck is often the name for this condition, which is usually an ear infection. You may also notice loss of balance. Please see your vet for the appropriate treatment as soon as you can.

• Labored breathing

If your rabbit is panting heavier than normal, it may be because he is not catching his breath, a possible sign of an upper respiratory infection.

• Molting

Usually no need for a vet visit with this one. Molting is natural, and rabbits typically molt once to twice each year. Rex does twice. Some rabbits shed their fur all over, while others will shed a bit at a time, in selected spots.

• Runny eyes

This could be another sign of an upper respiratory infection OR a blocked tear duct.

• Shedding excessively

Okay, so if it's more than the typical molt, if it is continuing for an extreme period of time, and feels as though it just keeps going on and on, it may be due to either an unhealthy diet or a sudden change in temperature the rabbit is not adjusting to.

• Temperature

Just like people, rabbits can "run fevers." If your rabbit's ears feel unusually warm, or cold for that matter, this may be a sign something is wrong.

• Urine that is red

This may be at the worst, a symptom of cancer, or "at best" a bladder infection. Both cases need a doctor's assistance and treatment.

Bottom line is in addition to providing a loving, entertaining and caring home, you also need to be sure you are giving your rabbit the proper nutrients so she can grow strong and stay healthy.

All rabbits MUST have hay, and I've always given Rex timothy hay. I've heard of others giving their younger bunnies the alfalfa hay, but this is typically uncommon in older rabbits. Timothy is probably your best and safest bet.

Pellets must be fed to your rabbit as well, but be sure not to overfeed these. Rabbits do not have a censor to tell them when to stop eating, so if you buy some extra tasty pellets, that bunny of yours might just keep on munching and turn out to be one little obese friend! He may look cute, but it's unhealthy and can lead to other medical concerns. As long as the pellets are high in fiber, you are good to go. Rex has also eaten the Fiesta brand.

Never ever forget about fresh water. Rex has a hanging water bottle, which I refill with fresh water at least once per day. Don't assume just because your rabbit only drank 1/3 of the bottle, that you can just "let it go." Dump it out, and fill it up again.

Lastly, what about fruits and vegetables? They're healthy, right? Well, to be honest, Rex has only ever liked carrots, but from experiences with other rabbits and through my research, my understanding is rabbits can also eat romaine lettuce, NOT iceberg. As far as fruit, rabbits may enjoy (sparingly) strawberries, bananas or apples.

If you have a rabbit as a pet, enjoy him! Just be sure to keep your friend healthy and happy!

* Created October 7th, 2010 KG