Rabbit Diseases

When you get your bunny, you have to realise that like any other pet, rabbits can become ill too and vets bills will needed to be paid. As a prospective bunny owner, there are a few bunny ailments you need to be aware of.

Bunny Ailments

• MYXOMATOTSIS: This disease is carried via rabbit fleas but it is possible that it can be carried by mosquitoes. Symptoms start as swellings around the eyes and a severe eye infection (conjunctivitis). More advanced cases incluse facial and genital swellings, plus a discharge fro the nose which can prevent breathing. Death can occur with a few weeks, this however can be prevented by a vaccination taken every 6 months.
• RABBIT VIRAL HAEMORRHAGIC DISEASE (VHD): Symptoms range from loss of appitite or sudden death. By the time owners realise there is something wrong it is too late. This disease can be carried vis people, clothes, and other animals including rabbits. You can get your bunny vaccinated for this at your local veterinary surgeon.
• COCCIDIOSIS: This very serious disease has 2 forms, one attacks the intestines and the other the liver. Sypmtoms are loss of appetite, dullness, persistant diarrhoea and a yellow jaundiced look. If you suspect this, then it should be dealt with immediately by isolating the rabbit and seeking a vets help. If caught early, it can be controlled, otherwise death is inevitable.

Other Bunny Complaints

• FLYSTRIKE: This is a major summer problem where the
• PARASITES: All rabbits are sometimes prone to lice, fleas & mites. The symptoms for fleas is constant scratching around the head and neck. Your vet will be able to provide a treatment to get rid of them. The symptoms for lice is the same as fleas and your vet will recommend a spray to control them. As for mites, these affect the ears which can cause mange or canker. Symptoms of this include head shaking and ear scratching, take your bunny to the vet and he will provide a treatment to clear it.
• PNEUMONIA: If your rabbit is huddled up in the corner of his hutch with laboured breathing, loss of appetite and a runny nose, it probably has pneumonia. This is caused by damp living conditions and a visit to the vets straight away is in order.
• SNUFFLES: This respiratory tract condition which is similar to the common cold is a highly infectious disease which can lead to pneumonia. A sneezing rabbit accompanied by a discharge coming from the nose should be isolated from other bunnies immediately and taken to see a vet.
• OVERGROWN INCISORS: If your bunnies teeth are overgrown then they will need to be trimmed regularly by a vet or he will not be able to eat. A correct diet, including access to fresh grass and quailty hay will encourage dental health. Make sure bunny has sufficient hard food and a gnawing block. A varied environment will help to prevent your bunny chewing at the metal of his cage and damaging incisor teeth.