Ensuring a long, healthy, and happy life for your pet rabbit involves more than just providing good food and housing; proactive veterinary care and diligent daily observation are absolutely essential. Rabbits are prey animals, meaning they often hide signs of illness until they are very unwell.
Therefore, routine health checks, preventative treatments like vaccinations and neutering, and swift action when you notice something amiss are crucial components of responsible rabbit ownership.
Routine Veterinary Care: The Foundation of Good Health
- Annual Vaccinations: Rabbits require annual vaccinations to protect them against two highly infectious and often fatal diseases:
- Myxomatosis: A viral disease spread by fleas and biting flies, causing swelling and, typically, death.
- Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD, strains 1 and 2): A highly contagious virus that causes internal bleeding and is usually fatal. RVHD2 is a newer strain that can affect rabbits of any age and often has less obvious symptoms before causing sudden death. It’s vital to ensure your rabbit’s vaccinations are kept up to date.
- Six-Monthly Health Checks: Beyond annual vaccinations, a general health check with a rabbit-savvy vet every six months is highly recommended. These visits allow the vet to:
- Check teeth for any signs of overgrowth or spurs.
- Listen to the heart and lungs.
- Check eyes, ears, and nose.
- Assess body condition and weight.
- Discuss diet, behaviour, and any concerns you may have. Early detection of problems like dental disease or weight issues can make treatment more effective and prevent suffering.
Neutering: More Than Just Birth Control
Neutering (spaying for females, castration for males) is a vital procedure for pet rabbits, offering significant health and behavioural benefits:
- Prevents Unwanted Litters: This is the most obvious benefit, helping to combat the issue of overpopulation in rescue centres.
- Reduces Cancer Risk in Females: Up to 80% of unspayed female rabbits develop uterine adenocarcinoma (cancer of the womb) by the age of five. Spaying virtually eliminates this risk.
- Prevents Testicular Cancer in Males: Castration removes the risk of testicular cancer.
- Allows for Harmonious Companionship: Neutered rabbits are far more likely to live peacefully together. Unneutered rabbits, driven by hormones, will often fight, sometimes severely.
- Reduces Undesirable Behaviours: Neutering can lessen behaviours like urine spraying (territorial marking) and aggression in both sexes.
The procedure is routine, but it’s important to choose a vet experienced in rabbit surgery and anaesthesia.
Flystrike: A Silent Killer in Warmer Months
Flystrike (myiasis) is a horrific and often fatal condition that occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit, typically around their rear end. These eggs hatch into maggots, which then eat into the rabbit’s flesh. It can develop incredibly quickly, especially in warm, damp conditions.
- Prevention is Key:
- Daily Checks: Check your rabbit’s bottom at least once daily (twice in warm weather) for any signs of soiling, faeces stuck to the fur, or maggots.
- Cleanliness: Keep their living area scrupulously clean, removing soiled bedding daily.
- Diet: A correct high-fibre diet helps prevent sticky droppings, which attract flies.
- Fly Control: Use fly screens on outdoor enclosures if possible. Some topical treatments prescribed by vets can help repel flies, but these should not replace vigilance.
- Urgent Action: If you find maggots on your rabbit, or if their rear is heavily soiled and they seem distressed, contact your vet immediately – this is an emergency. Do not attempt to wash the area extensively yourself, as this can cause shock.
Knowing Your Rabbit: Early Detection Saves Lives
You are the best person to notice subtle changes in your rabbit’s health or behaviour. Be observant for:
- Changes in eating or drinking habits (eating less, not drinking).
- Changes in droppings (fewer, smaller, misshapen, or diarrhoea).
- Lethargy or reluctance to move.
- Hunched posture or teeth grinding (a sign of pain).
- Discharge from eyes or nose.
- Drooling.
- Head tilt.
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.
- Lumps or swellings.
Any of these signs warrant a prompt call to your vet. Rabbits can deteriorate very quickly, so never adopt a “wait and see” approach.
Making Vet Trips Less Stressful
Vet visits can be stressful for rabbits. To minimise anxiety:
- Use a secure, comfortable carrier: Line it with familiar bedding or a towel.
- Transport bonded pairs together: This can provide comfort and security.
- Handle them gently and calmly.
- Consider “rabbit-only” clinics or quiet waiting times if your vet offers them.
- Get your rabbit used to the carrier by leaving it open in their living area with treats inside.
By prioritising preventative care, remaining vigilant for signs of illness, and working closely with a rabbit-savvy vet, you can play a crucial role in safeguarding your rabbit’s health and ensuring they enjoy a high quality of life for many years to come. RSPCA Oxfordshire can help you find local veterinary services experienced with rabbits.
