Rabbit Health
Preventing and treating rabbit health problems
Everyone hopes their pet will be healthy and disease-free forever, but that's rarely the case with animals. When it comes to rabbits, you need to pay careful attention to how you feed and care for them each and every day, plus you'll need to keep a close eye on their habits. There are certain infections and injuries that are exclusive to rabbits and some can go undiagnosed if you're not attentive.
Since they're generally quiet and modest creatures, it can be tricky to spot rabbit health problems, and sometimes treatment comes too late. But if you learn what sorts of illnesses tend to affect rabbits and the symptoms to watch for, you'll be able to track and maintain pet rabbit health.
Common Rabbit Health Problems
One health issue that's relatively common among pet rabbits is gastrointestinal stasis, and it can be life-threatening. Rabbits need lots of fiber to support their digestion, and if they don't get enough of it, their gastrointestinal tracts can actually shut down. When this happens, your bunny will stop eating and drinking, eventually starving to death. Luckily, this health issue is fairly easy to avoid if you feed your rabbit properly. A high fiber diet that's both low in fat and low in protein will sustain healthy digestion and keep your bunny happy. Be sure to include lots of hay and plenty of water!
Parasites are something else to watch out for, especially coccidia, an organism that infects the small intestine. If your rabbit has lost its appetite, or you notice diarrhea, bloating or loss of hair, you better get them checked out by the vet.
Sometimes parasites bring on symptoms like head tilting and loss of balance, though these can also signal an ear infection, so it's very important to visit a vet right away for a proper diagnosis. Although parasites can spread quickly among rabbits, the condition is treatable, and the earlier you seek treatment, the better your rabbit's chances of making a full recovery!
Rabbit Medicine and Rehabilitation
Many common rabbit illnesses can be readily treated with medicine, but it's important to keep in mind that rabbits are considered "exotic" pets and cannot be treated just like other small animals. In some cases, rabbit health care is quite different than dog or cat care, which is why you should find a vet that has experience specifically with rabbits. Also, you must contact the vet as soon as you notice the problem: in so many cases of rabbit illness, delaying treatment can lead to needless suffering and even death.
Rabbit-safe antibiotics like Baytril are used to treat a variety of infections, and sometimes mild gas-relievers can quell tummy issues. And when it comes to flea treatment, don't assume what's safe for your dog is safe for your rabbit: some medication that works well with other common pets can be deadly for rabbits. Finally, remember that prevention is always the best medicine for rabbits, so a healthy diet including hay, plenty of fluids, proper teeth maintenance and a good amount of exercise should help you avoid most problems in the future.
