5 Common Health Problems Of Rabbits

I have always loved rabbits and was amazed a few days back to know that these relatively delicate animals could be prone to a number of ailments that they tend to hide from others. Early identification and treatment could make them fully survive the condition and recover.

Some common health problems of rabbits:

1. Gastrointestinal stasis: It refers to a condition when the rabbit’s digestive system stops processing food; when normal rabbits need their metabolism to be in constant motion to survive. It is significant to understand here that not only does the digestive system stop working, but it is difficult to start it again. You could easily recognize this condition when the rabbit puts off food and does not produce the normal amount of feces.  

If you as an owner suspect Gastrointestinal stasis, it would help to listen to your rabbit’s stomach for signs of digestion; if you fail to hear sounds of normal metabolism within a few minutes, contact your vet immediately and be ready for an emergency surgery.
 
2. Dental problems: Rabbits are prone to suffering from problems of the teeth as their teeth grow throughout life and do not stop as humans and other animals. Maintaining the teeth in a good condition and at a healthy length requires that their teeth are constantly checked and trimmed by the vet.   

Your rabbit that has trouble eating would go off food; look out for lumps or bumps on the face that might indicate a dental abscess, or the rabbit dropping a lot of food that it picks from its mouth. Take your rabbit to a vet immediately.

3. Head tilt: This condition could be caused due to a number of conditions like a simple infection in the ear to more serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses such as pasturella or enchephalitozoon cuniculi. Both pasturella and enchephalitozoon cuniculi are serious conditions that require immediate treatment.

Notice if your rabbit holds its head in an unusual position or if they are becoming uncoordinated and their head is resting tilted to one side. Contact your vet surgeon immediately as waiting could complicate treatment.

4. Parasite Infestation: Rabbits suffer from similar infestations like fleas, mites, and ticks and could easily pass it on to other pet animals. It would help to regularly use rabbit-safe veterinary approved flea treatment on your rabbit and also check them for ear mites, characterized by discharge from the ears or excessive scratching of the head. It is also significant to note that all flea products used for cats and dogs may not be desirable for rabbits.

Check your rabbits for signs of ticks when the rabbit is out in the garden and keep a tick twister tool to remove any that you might find.

5. Respiratory infections: Rabbits can be sensitive to contract infections and allergies of the upper respiratory tract; you could find your pet rabbit sneezing, wheezing, having breathing difficulties and breathing fast and noisily. They could also show up as discharge coming from the eyes and nose. Call the vet immediately.

Lastly being a responsible rabbit owner requires being aware of all the rabbit’s diseases besides these 5 potentially hard to identify illnesses.     
   

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