Health Care &Your Rabbit
Rabbits currently kept in Canada do not
require much in the need of medical/health care nor do they require
regular vaccines like cats or dogs. Rabbits kept in regions were diseases such
as Myxomatosis
or Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease are endemic will require
regular vaccinations. Check with your local veterinarian for further information
regarding vaccinations if you are unsure of the disease status in your area.
Regardless of where you live all rabbits need to be spayed (for females) and neutered (for males) if they are to be kept as pets. This not only prevents unwanted litters it helps reduce risks to diseases such as uterine and prostrate cancers as well as behavioural issues such as spraying/marking and aggressive tendencies.
Pet rabbits should also have a yearly check up complete with blood work. This helps ensure your rabbit is healthy and the blood work provides the veterinarian with a base line should your rabbit become sick in the future.
Listed below are some of the more common ailments and diseases found in pet rabbits. It is by no means a complete list as there have been whole books written entirely on rabbit diseases. This list is not meant to be used as a tool for self diagnosis it is to help educate people on rabbit health. Should you suspect that your rabbit is sick, please consult a veterinarian.
Rabbit Ailments/Diseases:
| Alternate Health Care | Dental Care/ Malocclusion | Elderly Rabbits | Enteritis Complexes |
| GI Stasis/Ileus | Heat Stroke | Myxomatosis | Orphaned Rabbits |
| Parasites | Pasteurellosis/Snuffles | Scoop on Poop | Sore Hocks |
| Trichobezoars (Hairballs) | Tularemia | RVHD | Urinary Disease |
Off Site Health Related Articles:
Care & General Information
Care of Rabbits Susan A. Brown, DVM
Home Health Exam Dr. Sari Kanfer, Dr. Domotor
Living With A House Rabbit HRS Article
Sources Of House Rabbit Information HRS Article
Your First House Rabbit: What To Expect Dana Krempels, PhD
Diet, Digestion, GI Physiology & Furballs
FAQ Diet by Marinell Harriman
GastroInestinal Stasis, The Silent Killer Dana Krempels, PhD
Natural Nutrition part I - Importance of Fiber Elizabeth TeSelle with Cindy McBee, DMV
Nursing Your Rabbit Through GI Stasis Alexandra Logsdon
Pellets Place in a Mature Rabbits Diet Marinell Harriman with Carolynn Harvey, DVM
Sluggish Motility in the Gastrointestinal Tract Susan A. Brown, DVM
Geriatric Rabbits
Age Related Behavior Marinell Harriman
Care of the Elderly Rabbit Jeffrey Jenkins, DVM
Geriatrics and Chronic Disease Carolynn Harvey, DVM
How to Manage the Geriatric Rabbit Karen Rosenthal, DVM
Old Rabbit Paralysis PT I-IV HRS article
Problems of the Geriatric Rabbit Gary Riggs, DVM
To A Long Life: Geriatric Workups Elizabeth TeSelle with Cindy McBee, DVM
Treasuring Your Older Bun Josie Thompson, DVM
