Common Health Issues

Rabbits are prey animals, and as a survival instinct, they tend to hide their pain or illnesses from potential predators. Therefore, it’s essential that you become familiar with your rabbit’s natural behaviors and routines. When you notice a change in your rabbit’s behavior, their condition may already be critical, and you should contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian for an immediate diagnosis and treatment.

Many of the conditions we discuss here can be prevented by providing:

1) A balanced diet
2) Enrichment and mental stimulation,
3) A spacious indoor living space
4) A clean and sanitary environment
5) Annual check-ups with a rabbit savvy veterinarian

Furthermore, spaying and neutering of rabbits is crucial for ensuring longer and healthier lives. While we may do our best, some medical conditions are not preventable, but preventive care does have a positive impact on overall health in the long term.

Abscesses

An abscess is a pocket of fluid caused by a bacterial infection. Abscesses are one of the more common issues that can affect rabbits. Rabbit abscesses can be difficult to detect and challenging to treat. Due to the thick consistency of the pus, they are hard to clean out and even harder to resolve and prevent from migrating. Abscesses can be caused by a variety of bacteria, and a sample may be needed to determine which antibiotic to use. Abscesses are often linked to dental issues, so it’s crucial to have your rabbits checked annually by a rabbit-savvy
veterinarian to monitor their teeth and ears. Contact your local animal rescue for suggestions on finding a rabbit-savvy veterinarian in your area.

Bladder Slugdge

Bladder sludge is the body excreting an excess of calcium. The excess calcium can form crystals in the rabbit’s kidneys and urinary tract, eventually leading to the formation of bladder stones. This is an extremely painful condition and can cause your rabbit to go into stasis or even
become fatal if left untreated. Detecting this condition visually is challenging, as most people use an absorbent litter with hay in the litter box. Often, it’s identified through symptoms or if your rabbit has urinated outside the litter box, leaving behind a clay-like residue.

Symptoms

• Urinating more frequently than usual

• Urinating outside of the litter box

• Small amounts of urine coming out when urinating

• Struggling to urinate and showing signs of pain

• Presence of sludge in urine, leaving a grey, clay-like residue when dried

• Urine scald on the skin from prolonged exposure to urine

Causes

• Lack of water consumption

• Lack of exercise

• Genetics

• Poor diet

• Kidney disease

• Bladder disease

Preventative measures at home

• Ensure your rabbit has access to clean water, preferably in a large ceramic bowl

• Provide a good quality balanced diet

• Regularly clean your rabbit’s litter box and use non-dusty litters

• Avoid feeding large quantities of veggies that are high in calcium

• Steer clear of foods and treats that are high in sugar

• Refrain from feeding alfalfa after 6 months of age, except as an occasional treat

Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis/Bloat

GI Stasis can be triggered by various factors, whether medical, dietary, or environmental. Stasis occurs due to a change in stomach bacteria, resulting in a buildup of gas in the intestine. It is an extremely painful condition and can quickly become fatal to an affected rabbit within 24 hours.

Symptoms

• Teeth grinding

• Decreased or complete loss of appetite, including their favorite treats

• A distended abdomen

• Pushing their abdomen into the ground

• Reduced, abnormal, or no fecal production

• Decreased activity and lethargy

• Squinted eyes

• Ears that are cold or very hot and red

Causes

• Poor diet

• Lack of mobility and exercise

• Insufficient fiber intake

• Dehydration

• Stress or fear

• Genetics

• Pain from an illness or injury

Treatment

Due to the numerous potential causes and the severity of this condition, contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately or seek assistance from someone experienced who can provide support until you can consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian.

Additional Resources:

• The Bunny Lady - How do detect GI-Stasis in Rabbits

• Rabbit Foundation - GI Stasis The Silent Killer

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by microscopic parasites that can reside in a rabbit’s intestine. If the condition progresses and remains untreated, it can lead to a fatal liver infection and result in death. To diagnose this condition, a fecal flotation test will need to be performed, and medication will be required for treatment.

Symptoms

The first noticeable signs often include watery, mucoid, or possibly blood-tinged diarrhea. Young rabbits can become so weak that they may struggle to stand and will gradually deteriorate. The diarrhea may occur infrequently or intermittently (starting and stopping). You may also observe the following signs:

• Soft, mushy fecal pellets

• Lethargy (lack of energy)

• Weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Dehydration and reduced water intake

Dental Disease (Malocclusion)

Dental issues are the most common problems that affect rabbits. They can be caused by a poor diet, genetics, or trauma. A rabbit’s top and bottom jaw should align perfectly when they grind their hay or food, as this helps wear down their teeth. Rabbit’s teeth continuously grow throughout their lifetime, and if their teeth do not meet correctly, they are unable to wear them down evenly. This can lead to overgrown front teeth (incisors) and/or the formation of spikes/spurs on the back teeth. These spikes can cut into the rabbit’s cheek or tongue and cause abscesses, which can be extremely painful. As we have mentioned, rabbits are prey animals, and they tend to hide their illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial that you observe and familiarize yourself with their normal behavior. If you notice something is off, you are likely correct. Regardless of whether it is dental-related or not, if you notice your rabbit acting out of sorts, please take them to the vet to rule out any medical issues before they worsen.

Symptoms

• Dropping food due to pain

• Dribbling water or wetness under the chin

• Small and abnormally shaped feces or a soft stool

• Weepy eyes

• Excessive sneezing

• Runny nose

• Chewing on new items in an attempt to wear down their teeth (this could be baseboards or furniture they never showed interest in before)

Ear Mites

Ear mites are parasites that infest a rabbit’s ears, causing them to become crusty and inflamed. They can be easily treated, but if not caught early enough, they can lead to a bacterial infection in your rabbit’s ear. Ear mites are contagious; they can be transmitted directly from rabbit to
rabbit or via the environment where the infected rabbit was present. They can also spread from rabbit to rabbit through hands or clothing. It’s essential not to attempt to clean the ears, as this can be very painful. Once properly treated with medications, the condition will resolve quickly.

Symptoms

Detecting ear mites can be challenging until they are visible in the ear. Ear mites often burrow deep into the rabbit's ear canal, so crusting may not be noticeable without examining your rabbit’s ears closely. Regularly checking your rabbit’s ears and overall health can help you detect changes in their well-being.

• Scratching their ears

• Shaking their head

• Thick brown crusting on their ears, especially within the ear canal

• Scratch marks or thinning fur on their ears and in the areas near the base of the ear

• Drooping ears or holding their ears against their back

• Inflammation or warmth to the touch

Fly Strike

Fly Strike occurs when a fly lays eggs on the rabbit, typically around their buttocks. When the eggs hatch, the maggots begin to consume the rabbit’s flesh. This is a severe emergency situation as maggots can fatally harm your rabbit within 24-48 hours after hatching. Rabbits can
recover from fly strike if you promptly take them to the vet to have the maggots removed. Indoor rabbits are less likely to experience fly strike, but there is a significant risk for rabbits that live outdoors. Outdoor rabbits are generally not monitored as closely as indoor ones, and their
caregivers may not detect illness soon enough.

Symptoms

• Decreased energy due to discomfort or pain

• Lack of appetite

• Seizures

• Visible maggots

• Strong odor

Causes

• Open wounds

• Hot and humid temperatures

• Unsanitary living conditions

• Moist fur

• Dirty rear end

Prevention

• Keep your rabbits indoors

• Maintain cleanliness in your rabbits’ litter box and environment

• Ensure your rabbit’s bottom is clean

• If you live in a humid environment, use fans or a dehumidifier, open windows at night, or have air conditioning

Heat Stroke

Rabbits have thick coats and are not efficient at regulating their body temperature, especially in hot weather. Temperatures above 25-26°C (80°F) pose a danger to rabbits, particularly in humid climates, where the risk of heat stroke is higher.

Unfortunately, heat stroke is a common occurrence for rabbits living outside in unsuitable housing that doesn’t protect them from various weather elements. If you have indoor bunnies and want to bring them outside for playtime, it’s best to wait until it cools down, and they should not be in direct sunlight.

Symptoms

• Drooling

• Panting

• Red ears

• Slow or confused movement

• Trembling or shaking

• Lifting their head while trying to breathe

What to do if your rabbit has heat stroke

• Get them to the vet immediately

• Move them to a cooler area but avoid dropping their temperature too quickly

• Wrap them in a damp towel (not soaking wet)

• Mist their ears with cool water, avoiding getting water inside the ears

• Offer cold water

Prevention

• House your rabbits indoors

• Provide fans or an air conditioner

• Offer a ceramic tile for them to lay on

• Provide frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel to prevent them from getting wet

• Keep them out of direct sunlight

• Avoid outdoor playtime on hot days; opt for cooler evenings or early mornings

• Mist their ears with cool water, avoiding getting water inside their ears

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer, also known as uterine adenocarcinoma, is a prevalent and concerning health issue among domestic companion rabbits. This malignancy originates in the uterine lining and tends to affect older, unspayed female rabbits. Symptoms may include lethargy, decreased appetite, and  abdominal masses. Early detection through routine veterinary check-ups is crucial, as uterine cancer can spread rapidly to surrounding tissues. Treatment options may involve surgery to remove the tumor, but the prognosis can be guarded, and prevention through spaying at a young age is recommended.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV)

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a highly dangerous illness that affects rabbits. The virus belongs to the calicivirus family. It can survive in an environment for as long as 3.5 months and is resilient to extreme temperatures.

The virus spreads easily between rabbits and from contaminated materials such as carcasses, surfaces, food, water, and hay. Once a rabbit gets infected, they often die within just 12-36 hours of exposure, often without ever showing any symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they may include fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, muscle spasms, trouble breathing, blue lips, or
bleeding from the mouth and nose.

Contact with RHDV is almost always fatal for rabbits. We strongly recommend that all rabbit owners get their rabbits vaccinated against this deadly virus once a year. To make it easier for you to protect your rabbits, we partner with our trusted Veterinary Clinics to organize RHDV vaccination clinics throughout the year.

This virus is not to be taken lightly. It has devastated entire rabbit rescues and colonies worldwide. Let’s work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved furry friends.

Additional Resources:

• BC SPCA - RHD News

• Rabbit Foundation - RHD