Illnesses
Bordetella
Bordetella Bronchiseptia is a respiratory diesease in Rabbits. The bacteria is harboured by most rabbits. Guinea pigs are at great risk of death from this when housed with rabbits as it is an illness that they is very severe to them. This is just one reason reason why the two species should not be housed together.
Canker
This ear ailment is sometimes not noticeable externally. If your pet is shaking its head
constantly or scratching at its ears, or if you notice any signs of inflammation, it should be examined for canker. For treatment, begin by wiping out the ears with hydrogen peroxide applied with a cotton tipped swab. Afterwards, dust the ear with an appropriate antibiotic.
Avoid using preparations that are formulated for dogs. If you are uncertain about selecting the right medication, consult your vet.
constantly or scratching at its ears, or if you notice any signs of inflammation, it should be examined for canker. For treatment, begin by wiping out the ears with hydrogen peroxide applied with a cotton tipped swab. Afterwards, dust the ear with an appropriate antibiotic.
Avoid using preparations that are formulated for dogs. If you are uncertain about selecting the right medication, consult your vet.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a disease of rabbits caused by a class of single-celled organism known as protozoa. Coccidiosis is caused by the Eimeria species of protozoa. Of the nine species of coccidiosis affecting rabbits, one affects the liver, and the other eight affect the intestines. Poultry and
other animals are also susceptible to coccidiosis but are affected by different species. Older rabbits are more likely to be resistant and it is young rabbits that are most likely to be badly affected.
Hepatic (liver) coccidiosis in rabbits is caused by only one species, Eimeria stiedae. E. stiedae
causes the bile ducts to thicken. The main symptom is growth retardation and it is rarely fatal, but in advanced chronic cases the rabbit can develop a 'pot bellied' appearance caused by enlargement of the liver. Treatment is with sulfaquinoxaline.
The symptoms of intestinal coccidiosis vary according to which of the eight eimeria species is the cause of the disease. Young rabbits tend to be more severely affected.
Of the eight species of coccidiosis affecting the rabbit's intestines, E. coeciola (found in the ileum and caecum), E. irresidua and E. perforans (both found in the small intestine) only cause slight growth retardation. E. magna, which affects the ileum and the caecum, causes retarded growth and diarrhoea. E. media, (found n the jejunum), may cause slight diarrhoea or constipation. Rabbits affected by coccidiosis caused by the Eimeria species E. flavescens (found in the caecum and colon) and E. intestinalis (found in the caecum and ileum), will show symptoms of weakness,
weight loss, loss or appetite and bad diarrhoea. Both of these can be fatal, as can the rarer form of Eimeria, E. piriformis. Treatment is with sulfaquinoxaline.
Coccidiosis is spread through a rabbit eating the eggs (Oocysts) of the parasite which have been excreted by an infected rabbit. The oocysts can remain active for more than a year and thrive in warm, humid conditions. Common sources of infection are grass or green foods contaminated by infected wild rabbits.
Adult rabbits are often passive carriers of coccidiosis without showing any symptoms themselves. It can happen that a baby rabbit that is brought into a home where an apparently healthy adult rabbit is already in residence, develops diarrhoea, and the blame is laid on the place the baby rabbit came from or change in diet, when in fact it has picked up the disease from a symptom free carrier
In addition to good hygiene and keeping the bedding dry, feeding from uncontaminated bowls and hay/salad racks, rather than allowing the rabbit to feed off the hutch floor, reduces the risk of the rabbit ingesting infected oocysts. If rabbits are allowed access to an outdoor run, moving the run around the garden reduces the number of oocysts they are exposed to. Strong
ultraviolet light from the sun helps disinfect the ground and destroy the oocysts.
ALL RABBITS should be treated twice a year even if they do not leave the home, any that are used at displays or competitions should be treated again once home!!
other animals are also susceptible to coccidiosis but are affected by different species. Older rabbits are more likely to be resistant and it is young rabbits that are most likely to be badly affected.
Hepatic (liver) coccidiosis in rabbits is caused by only one species, Eimeria stiedae. E. stiedae
causes the bile ducts to thicken. The main symptom is growth retardation and it is rarely fatal, but in advanced chronic cases the rabbit can develop a 'pot bellied' appearance caused by enlargement of the liver. Treatment is with sulfaquinoxaline.
The symptoms of intestinal coccidiosis vary according to which of the eight eimeria species is the cause of the disease. Young rabbits tend to be more severely affected.
Of the eight species of coccidiosis affecting the rabbit's intestines, E. coeciola (found in the ileum and caecum), E. irresidua and E. perforans (both found in the small intestine) only cause slight growth retardation. E. magna, which affects the ileum and the caecum, causes retarded growth and diarrhoea. E. media, (found n the jejunum), may cause slight diarrhoea or constipation. Rabbits affected by coccidiosis caused by the Eimeria species E. flavescens (found in the caecum and colon) and E. intestinalis (found in the caecum and ileum), will show symptoms of weakness,
weight loss, loss or appetite and bad diarrhoea. Both of these can be fatal, as can the rarer form of Eimeria, E. piriformis. Treatment is with sulfaquinoxaline.
Coccidiosis is spread through a rabbit eating the eggs (Oocysts) of the parasite which have been excreted by an infected rabbit. The oocysts can remain active for more than a year and thrive in warm, humid conditions. Common sources of infection are grass or green foods contaminated by infected wild rabbits.
Adult rabbits are often passive carriers of coccidiosis without showing any symptoms themselves. It can happen that a baby rabbit that is brought into a home where an apparently healthy adult rabbit is already in residence, develops diarrhoea, and the blame is laid on the place the baby rabbit came from or change in diet, when in fact it has picked up the disease from a symptom free carrier
In addition to good hygiene and keeping the bedding dry, feeding from uncontaminated bowls and hay/salad racks, rather than allowing the rabbit to feed off the hutch floor, reduces the risk of the rabbit ingesting infected oocysts. If rabbits are allowed access to an outdoor run, moving the run around the garden reduces the number of oocysts they are exposed to. Strong
ultraviolet light from the sun helps disinfect the ground and destroy the oocysts.
ALL RABBITS should be treated twice a year even if they do not leave the home, any that are used at displays or competitions should be treated again once home!!
Encephalitozoon Cuniculi
E.cuniculi is a common parasite that is spread in urine and affects primarily the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and kidneys. Other animals can carry the parasite including wild rabbits but in a recent study very few of them are infected with the disease.
Signs can be back leg weakness and paralysis is a result of the swelling surrounding the parasite causing destruction of the nervous tissue. Other signs commonly seen with this disease include a head tilt, fitting; loss of balance, tremors, kidney failure and bladder weakness. Unfortunately once the rabbit develops severe clinical signs this can lead to death. Signs of kidney failure may include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and decreased appetite.
The E.cuniculi parasite can infect the eyes of un-born rabbits that are infected whilst in the womb. This may cause destruction of the lens and eye later in life (6 months to 2 year old are commonly seen). Medical treatment can be effective in saving the eye if this is carried out early
enough. Otherwise surgery may be required. The rabbit may develop a cloudy lens and cataract. Then the eye may become red a swollen.Unfortunately at this stage you can only support rabbits with the condition, because at present there is no specific treatment that will reverse the damage caused by the presence of the parasite.
We recommend all rabbits recently acquired (purchased or rescued) receive a single course of fenbendazole for 4 weeks by mouth or on the rabbits or treat daily If you rabbit has the parasite it will kill the parasite before it causes further damage and may prevent clinical signs developing.
If your rabbit does not have E.cuniculi it will not cause any side effects. There is no lasting effect so if your rabbit comes into contact with the parasite it can be at risk of disease. Hygiene is also important as the parasite is easily killed with contact for only 30 seconds with 1-10% Formula H
disinfectant. You can use Panacur rabbit to treat them.
ALL RABBITS should be treated twice a year even if they do not leave the home, any that are used at displays or competitions should be treated again once home!!
Signs can be back leg weakness and paralysis is a result of the swelling surrounding the parasite causing destruction of the nervous tissue. Other signs commonly seen with this disease include a head tilt, fitting; loss of balance, tremors, kidney failure and bladder weakness. Unfortunately once the rabbit develops severe clinical signs this can lead to death. Signs of kidney failure may include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and decreased appetite.
The E.cuniculi parasite can infect the eyes of un-born rabbits that are infected whilst in the womb. This may cause destruction of the lens and eye later in life (6 months to 2 year old are commonly seen). Medical treatment can be effective in saving the eye if this is carried out early
enough. Otherwise surgery may be required. The rabbit may develop a cloudy lens and cataract. Then the eye may become red a swollen.Unfortunately at this stage you can only support rabbits with the condition, because at present there is no specific treatment that will reverse the damage caused by the presence of the parasite.
We recommend all rabbits recently acquired (purchased or rescued) receive a single course of fenbendazole for 4 weeks by mouth or on the rabbits or treat daily If you rabbit has the parasite it will kill the parasite before it causes further damage and may prevent clinical signs developing.
If your rabbit does not have E.cuniculi it will not cause any side effects. There is no lasting effect so if your rabbit comes into contact with the parasite it can be at risk of disease. Hygiene is also important as the parasite is easily killed with contact for only 30 seconds with 1-10% Formula H
disinfectant. You can use Panacur rabbit to treat them.
ALL RABBITS should be treated twice a year even if they do not leave the home, any that are used at displays or competitions should be treated again once home!!
Eye Infections
Domestic rabbits are rather susceptible to eye problems, primarily infections caused by dust and/or other flying matter that accumulates in the tear ducts. As a result of the blockage caused by the dirt, fluid fills the eye pocket and subsequently flows down the rabbit's cheeks. What
owner can bear to watch his pet weeping? Prevention of dust accumulation should be stressed, as a cure is never as easy as prevention. Often only one eye is affected, although some unfortunate rabbits suffer an infection in both eyes. Eye baths, prescribed by a vet, are frequently required to treat the infection. The skin and fur around the eyes, likewise, may be affected.
Draughts at home may also be responsible for eye infections.
Eye problems can also indicate poor dental health and this should be explored further. Maloclussion is not isolated to those teeth that can be seen. Rabbits are commonly plagued with dental spurs on the cheek teeth. This are rough and sharp, they can dig into the flesh and also rub against the tongue. This is uncomfortable for the rabbit and you may find that they have a reduced appetite,
Additionally ocular (eye) discharge is symptomatic of both the pasteruella pathogen and the staphylococcus pathogen. Both of these pathogens in an active state are prolific and highle contagious.
owner can bear to watch his pet weeping? Prevention of dust accumulation should be stressed, as a cure is never as easy as prevention. Often only one eye is affected, although some unfortunate rabbits suffer an infection in both eyes. Eye baths, prescribed by a vet, are frequently required to treat the infection. The skin and fur around the eyes, likewise, may be affected.
Draughts at home may also be responsible for eye infections.
Eye problems can also indicate poor dental health and this should be explored further. Maloclussion is not isolated to those teeth that can be seen. Rabbits are commonly plagued with dental spurs on the cheek teeth. This are rough and sharp, they can dig into the flesh and also rub against the tongue. This is uncomfortable for the rabbit and you may find that they have a reduced appetite,
Additionally ocular (eye) discharge is symptomatic of both the pasteruella pathogen and the staphylococcus pathogen. Both of these pathogens in an active state are prolific and highle contagious.
Fleas
Rabbits which are seen to display symptoms of discomfort and irritation making them scratch,may be infested with fleas. These tend to cluster around the head, and particularly the neck, where the dark spots of their excreta may be noticed.
A good method telling you if your rabbit has fleas is the paper towel method put your pet onto a damp paper towel.using a pet flea comb start combing the ears and top of the head. Move on under the chin, and then to the back of the head, and then to the neck. Progress slowly to the shoulders, back, sides, and chest areas. Any places where the skin folds over will create moisture and warmth that fleas love (neck and ears). If there are anyfleas there will be Flea Dirt (excrement) this will appear as black bits but when on the damp paper towel will slowly turn red due to the blood the fleas feed on dissolving.
Fleas can be destroyed by the application of an insecticide powder available from a veterinary surgery or pet shop. Make sure that none gets into the rabbit's eyes.
Fleas reproduce by laying eggs in the host animal's bedding, or on the floor. If you find your rabbit has fleas clean every bit of bedding out and scrub out the hutch and the run, and thoroughly desinfect down all other areas in use. Any crack can harbour the eggs, and in
a few days - two to twelve in summer, longer in winter - the larvae will emerge, and the life cycle begins again. So make sure to do it right first time round.
The rabbit flea has achieved some notoriety over the last twenty-five years as carrier of the virus that causes myxomatosis. During an outbreak the great majority of tame rabbits are safe.
Veterinary advice should be sought for any rabbit felt to be at risk on account
of the proximity of wild rabbits and any known local outbreak.
An injection of vaccine will give immunity within three days and last approximately one year.
Advocate for Cats Spot On for Cats 40 (Kittens & Cats up to 4kg) is ideal to prevent/kill fleas on rabbits also Ivermectin (oral) will kill them.
A good method telling you if your rabbit has fleas is the paper towel method put your pet onto a damp paper towel.using a pet flea comb start combing the ears and top of the head. Move on under the chin, and then to the back of the head, and then to the neck. Progress slowly to the shoulders, back, sides, and chest areas. Any places where the skin folds over will create moisture and warmth that fleas love (neck and ears). If there are anyfleas there will be Flea Dirt (excrement) this will appear as black bits but when on the damp paper towel will slowly turn red due to the blood the fleas feed on dissolving.
Fleas can be destroyed by the application of an insecticide powder available from a veterinary surgery or pet shop. Make sure that none gets into the rabbit's eyes.
Fleas reproduce by laying eggs in the host animal's bedding, or on the floor. If you find your rabbit has fleas clean every bit of bedding out and scrub out the hutch and the run, and thoroughly desinfect down all other areas in use. Any crack can harbour the eggs, and in
a few days - two to twelve in summer, longer in winter - the larvae will emerge, and the life cycle begins again. So make sure to do it right first time round.
The rabbit flea has achieved some notoriety over the last twenty-five years as carrier of the virus that causes myxomatosis. During an outbreak the great majority of tame rabbits are safe.
Veterinary advice should be sought for any rabbit felt to be at risk on account
of the proximity of wild rabbits and any known local outbreak.
An injection of vaccine will give immunity within three days and last approximately one year.
Advocate for Cats Spot On for Cats 40 (Kittens & Cats up to 4kg) is ideal to prevent/kill fleas on rabbits also Ivermectin (oral) will kill them.
Heatstroke
Excessive heat is dangerous to rabbits so they must be kept away from radiators and direct sunlight. Keep the hutch/pen well ventilated.
If your rabbit pants severely, flops about maybe over one side and has no energy he could be
suffering from heatstroke. Put a frozen bottle of water wrapped in a towel in the hutch/pen so the bun can lay against it at its own leisure also a damp towel for them to lay on is a good preventative. Do not train or jump your rabbit in excessive heat it is not fair on them and very dangerous if your hot think how the rabbit feels when it has a full fur coat on.
Nice fresh cold water at regular times throughout the day, shade, ceramic tiles on the floor of the enclosure, a wet cotton sheet covering part of the hutch and/or run area and succulent vegetables are all useful preventatives methods.
Do NOT submerge the bunny in water this could send him/her's body into shock the best thing is to lay them on a damp towel and get them to the vets asap!!!! Fluids are most likely needed and possibly cooling depending in the severity and length of time that has passed.
If your rabbit pants severely, flops about maybe over one side and has no energy he could be
suffering from heatstroke. Put a frozen bottle of water wrapped in a towel in the hutch/pen so the bun can lay against it at its own leisure also a damp towel for them to lay on is a good preventative. Do not train or jump your rabbit in excessive heat it is not fair on them and very dangerous if your hot think how the rabbit feels when it has a full fur coat on.
Nice fresh cold water at regular times throughout the day, shade, ceramic tiles on the floor of the enclosure, a wet cotton sheet covering part of the hutch and/or run area and succulent vegetables are all useful preventatives methods.
Do NOT submerge the bunny in water this could send him/her's body into shock the best thing is to lay them on a damp towel and get them to the vets asap!!!! Fluids are most likely needed and possibly cooling depending in the severity and length of time that has passed.
Lice
Similar discomfort, and scratching, is caused by an infestation of fleas. Unlike fleas, lice lay their eggs - known as nits - in the fur of the animal host. The eggs are white and secured to the
fur by a natural adhesive. They show up particularly well on dark-coated rabbits, but will be noticed on any fur during grooming.
Lice can also be destroyed by a specially prepared insecticide powder supplied by a veterinary surgeon. It is effective, however, only when the maker's instructions are followed
exactly. Several applications are necessary to eliminate the succeeding generations of lice emerging from the nits.
fur by a natural adhesive. They show up particularly well on dark-coated rabbits, but will be noticed on any fur during grooming.
Lice can also be destroyed by a specially prepared insecticide powder supplied by a veterinary surgeon. It is effective, however, only when the maker's instructions are followed
exactly. Several applications are necessary to eliminate the succeeding generations of lice emerging from the nits.
Mites
Rabbits are frequently troubled by several different mites. The ear mite can cause a condition generally known as ear mange, or car canker.
Any rabbit showing symptoms of irritation and distress that make it scratch the ears and shake the head, or those with a powdery brown matter in the ears need prompt veterinary treatment.
Forage and harvest mites also attack rabbits. They burrow into the skin and set up an area of intense irritation that the rabbit will scratch until it is raw. This condition, usually known as mange, must receive veterinary treatment.
Any rabbit showing symptoms of irritation and distress that make it scratch the ears and shake the head, or those with a powdery brown matter in the ears need prompt veterinary treatment.
Forage and harvest mites also attack rabbits. They burrow into the skin and set up an area of intense irritation that the rabbit will scratch until it is raw. This condition, usually known as mange, must receive veterinary treatment.
Muciod Enteritis
The symptoms of this illness are :diarrhoea (has a very peculiar smell), weight loss, appetite loss and fever but little more is known about it. Mucoid enteritis occurs mostly in rabbits around two months old and in pregnant and lactating rabbits. It can also occur after a change in the rabbit's
diet or in certain breeds which could indicate that it could be a hereditary disease. It is better to gradually introduce new foods to your rabbit and keep the rabbit in a constant even temperature as temperature change could be another factor. Your vet could provide antibiotics but it is better to try to prevent the problem as there is only a small chance your bunny will survive
this.
diet or in certain breeds which could indicate that it could be a hereditary disease. It is better to gradually introduce new foods to your rabbit and keep the rabbit in a constant even temperature as temperature change could be another factor. Your vet could provide antibiotics but it is better to try to prevent the problem as there is only a small chance your bunny will survive
this.
Myxomatosis
This is probably the best known rabbit disease. Your rabbit should be vaccinated against this and VHD. Myxomatosis was introduced to wild rabbits to keep the numbers down and it is a deadly man made disease. It is spread by any biting insects, eg mosquitoes/fleas and direct contact.
The symptoms are: fever, weeping eyes, swellings on the face or genitals and listlessness. Myxomatosis can be treated sometimes if caught early and the rabbit has had the vaccinations, but otherwise is fatal and highly contagious.
The symptoms are: fever, weeping eyes, swellings on the face or genitals and listlessness. Myxomatosis can be treated sometimes if caught early and the rabbit has had the vaccinations, but otherwise is fatal and highly contagious.
Over Grown Claws
In the wild the rabbits' claws are worn down naturally by burrowing; in captivity they may need clipping.
Owners often wisely prefer to let a veterinary surgeon, or an experienced rabbit keeper, cut the claws the first time, but once seen demonstrated, the procedure is not difficult.
You can ask if someone experienced at the display would be happy to do it for you.
Using a pair of animal nail clippers, available in shops, which sell pet-care accessories, the overgrown, nail should be cut straight across. Care has to be taken to avoid cutting into the blood and nerve supply (quick), which can be seen in a pale coloured rabbit by holding the paw to the light Nails must be nice and trim for the rabbit to be comfortable to jump and walk otherwise they could be in a lot of pain.
Owners often wisely prefer to let a veterinary surgeon, or an experienced rabbit keeper, cut the claws the first time, but once seen demonstrated, the procedure is not difficult.
You can ask if someone experienced at the display would be happy to do it for you.
Using a pair of animal nail clippers, available in shops, which sell pet-care accessories, the overgrown, nail should be cut straight across. Care has to be taken to avoid cutting into the blood and nerve supply (quick), which can be seen in a pale coloured rabbit by holding the paw to the light Nails must be nice and trim for the rabbit to be comfortable to jump and walk otherwise they could be in a lot of pain.
Pneumonia
A rabbit well cared for and properly fed rarely encounters this serious illness, although it is very common as a secondary factor in many rabbit illness (primarily those that affect the respiratory tract). Keep the rabbit's environment consistent, including the ambient temperature; sudden changes in temperature diminish a rabbit's natural resistance.
A listless, unhappy, rabbit with a loss of appetite requires your attention, as these are signs of pneumonia, in addition to mucus around the mouth and nasal passages. The assistance of a vet
is essential, as most rabbits die within a few days of contracting the illness. They really do suffer as they try hard to breathe. Rabbits are obligate nasal breathers which simply means that at all times they breathe through their nose, should your rabbit be mouth breathing (head back and gasping for air) seek veterinary help immediately.
A listless, unhappy, rabbit with a loss of appetite requires your attention, as these are signs of pneumonia, in addition to mucus around the mouth and nasal passages. The assistance of a vet
is essential, as most rabbits die within a few days of contracting the illness. They really do suffer as they try hard to breathe. Rabbits are obligate nasal breathers which simply means that at all times they breathe through their nose, should your rabbit be mouth breathing (head back and gasping for air) seek veterinary help immediately.
Snuffles
Correctly known as contagious rhinitis.
A respiratory tract condition, similar to the common cold in man, is known throughout the rabbit world as snuffles, which accurately describes the collection of symptoms but is not the actual illness. This is a highly infectious disease, and the danger is that it may lead to pneumonia. Rabbits displaying the most obvious
symptoms of snuffles, sneezing, discharge from the nose, matted fore paws, and ocular discharge should be isolated well away from other rabbits and veterinary help sought.
In order for this complaint to be effectively treated, the rabbit will require culture and sensitivity testing by means of a swab sample from the nare (nostril) and the eye. The correct strain of pathogen must be identified. Pasteruella is the pathogen that is most commonly found to infect rabbits with this condition, however it is by no means the only pathogen, staphylococcus is another pathogen which can be responsible for the illness.
The nasal discharge can become thick and yellow as the disease progresses. The official information is that kept warm and dry, rabbits frequently recover by themselves. These rabbits will never be cured of the illness only the symptoms and they will have recurring outbreaks during any period of stress when they are immuno suppressed. Please be aware that rabbits stress very easily and with jumping them it is paramount that you familiarize yourself with your rabbits 'normal' behaviours so that any abnormalities are swiftly identified and treated.
In severe cases, the use of suifa or penicillin or one of the mycins is usually effective.
Any rabbit showing signs of this the owner will be discretely informed and asked to remove the rabbit from completion/display as it is a highly contagious infection. For obvious welfare concerns the rabbit should be returned home and in severe cases taken immediately to a vet.
A respiratory tract condition, similar to the common cold in man, is known throughout the rabbit world as snuffles, which accurately describes the collection of symptoms but is not the actual illness. This is a highly infectious disease, and the danger is that it may lead to pneumonia. Rabbits displaying the most obvious
symptoms of snuffles, sneezing, discharge from the nose, matted fore paws, and ocular discharge should be isolated well away from other rabbits and veterinary help sought.
In order for this complaint to be effectively treated, the rabbit will require culture and sensitivity testing by means of a swab sample from the nare (nostril) and the eye. The correct strain of pathogen must be identified. Pasteruella is the pathogen that is most commonly found to infect rabbits with this condition, however it is by no means the only pathogen, staphylococcus is another pathogen which can be responsible for the illness.
The nasal discharge can become thick and yellow as the disease progresses. The official information is that kept warm and dry, rabbits frequently recover by themselves. These rabbits will never be cured of the illness only the symptoms and they will have recurring outbreaks during any period of stress when they are immuno suppressed. Please be aware that rabbits stress very easily and with jumping them it is paramount that you familiarize yourself with your rabbits 'normal' behaviours so that any abnormalities are swiftly identified and treated.
In severe cases, the use of suifa or penicillin or one of the mycins is usually effective.
Any rabbit showing signs of this the owner will be discretely informed and asked to remove the rabbit from completion/display as it is a highly contagious infection. For obvious welfare concerns the rabbit should be returned home and in severe cases taken immediately to a vet.
Sore hocks
Sore hocks is a condition normally caused by insufficient bedding in the hutch. Tender, cracked and possibly scabbing skin covers the infected hind limb where the fur has been rubbed away. Since the smaller rabbits have larger foot padding on the hind feet, the larger breeds are more
typically affected. Cleaning and applying an antiseptic ointment help the rabbit to recovery.
Veterinary advice is also recommended.
Rex rabbits seem to be very prone to this due to the lack of guard hairs in the coat.
we allow bald hocks to compete but not broken!
Any Sign of cracking the rabbit will not be allowed to compete!
typically affected. Cleaning and applying an antiseptic ointment help the rabbit to recovery.
Veterinary advice is also recommended.
Rex rabbits seem to be very prone to this due to the lack of guard hairs in the coat.
we allow bald hocks to compete but not broken!
Any Sign of cracking the rabbit will not be allowed to compete!
Stroke
Generally caused by blood clot. It can look like head tilt as the head will go over to one side But if you look at the eyes they will be flicking from left to right.The treatment is a high dosage of steroids to reduce the swelling in the brain. If there is no improvement within 24- 48 hours then
the rabbit may not recover. Again place in a smaller cage, a warm place, with plenty of food and water. Try not to handle them as they will not have much balanced and may be very dizzy when picked up and put down.
Seek Vets Attention ASAP!!!
the rabbit may not recover. Again place in a smaller cage, a warm place, with plenty of food and water. Try not to handle them as they will not have much balanced and may be very dizzy when picked up and put down.
Seek Vets Attention ASAP!!!
Ticks
ticks attach themselves to rabbits and feed on their blood for several days. Once fully engorged, the ticks will drop off naturally, but they cannot be pulled off whole while still alive. The head remains firmly embedded in position. They can be killed by cutting off their air supply for about thirty minutes with a smear of vaseline, fat or butter. Afterwards it is possible to pull them
away cleanly using a pair of tweezers.
If unsure always go to your vet!!!
away cleanly using a pair of tweezers.
If unsure always go to your vet!!!
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD)
Your rabbit should be vaccinated against VHD because there is no cure. The symptoms are: listlessness, no appetite, fever and possible oral/anal bleeding and Sudden Death usually within 48hrs.
If a vet warning sounds in your area you will not be allowed to compete for 3mths of said warning!
If you yourself experience this you MUST notify the club and must NOT attend or compete in any rabbit Jumping competitions or displays for 6mths
This disease is also required to be reported to DEFRA.
If a vet warning sounds in your area you will not be allowed to compete for 3mths of said warning!
If you yourself experience this you MUST notify the club and must NOT attend or compete in any rabbit Jumping competitions or displays for 6mths
This disease is also required to be reported to DEFRA.
Please Remember this page is here to help you not replace veterinary care and advise!
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