In the world of pet owners, rabbits may seem like low-maintenance creatures compared to other four-legged friends.
But this is not true! They have specific needs and health problems are common.
Our vet describes several common veterinary emergencies in rabbits, outlining the symptoms and initial advice for each.
As a loving and responsible pet owner, it's natural to feel concerned when your rabbit suddenly stops eating. It is crucial to be aware that rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems, and any change in their eating habits can potentially indicate an underlying health issue.
Read our emergency vets'advice on My rabbit stops eating.
Diarrhoea in rabbits is a cause for concern as it can lead to serious health issues. In this article, we will explore the various factors responsible for diarrhoea in rabbits, how to recognize it, and take prompt action to ensure the well-being of your beloved pet rabbit.
Read our emergency vets'advice on My rabbit has diarrhoea.
Rabbits are known for their adorable eyes and expressive looks, which can be a major factor in attracting people to keep them as pets. However, when your bunny starts showing signs of eye trouble like leakage, redness, or swelling, it can be an alarming situation.
Read our emergency vets'advice on My rabbit has a leaky eye.
Many health problems can arise in a rabbit's life, some of which require immediate consultation with a vet. It is essential for every rabbit owner to have a veterinary surgeon. However, you need to know when to seek emergency veterinary care, as rabbits can quickly become life-threatening.
If your rabbit shows any of these symptoms, you should contact your vet or the out of hours service as a matter of urgency. In some cases, just a few hours can make the difference between recovery and irreversible, potentially fatal complications.
Annual veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure your rabbit's general good health, but unexpected emergencies can always happen. Here are some steps you can take to be better prepared:
With knowledge, preparation and swift action in the event of an emergency, you'll be better equipped to keep your rabbit companion happy and healthy for years to come.
Below are some common types of medical emergency in rabbits, along with signs to look out for. Please remember that this list is not exhaustive. If your rabbit is in distress or behaving strangely and you're not sure of the cause, it's always best to remain cautious and consult your vet.
One of the most common rabbit emergencies is gastrointestinal stasis. This condition results in a slowing down, or total cessation, of digestive transit. Decreased appetite and reduced faecal pellet production may indicate gastrointestinal stasis. Symptoms may appear suddenly or after periods of stress, changes in diet or any underlying illness. If left untreated, gastrointestinal stasis can be fatal within 48 hours.
Flies lay eggs on a rabbit's skin, particularly around its bottom. As soon as they hatch, the maggots cause serious damage to the rabbit's flesh, on which they feed. This horrible disease is most likely to occur in the warmer months and can affect any rabbit, even those living indoors. But rabbits living in poor living conditions and with poor hygiene are more at risk. You'll also notice that obesity or mobility problems are favourable factors for the appearance of myiasis. If you suspect a fly attack, seek emergency veterinary care immediately, as it can be life-threatening in a matter of hours.
Rabbits have fragile bones, particularly in the spine and limbs. Traumatic injuries such as fractures and open fractures can occur following a fall, handling accident or encounter with a predator. Signs of injury include an inability to move normally, swelling, bleeding or visible deformation of the skeleton. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your rabbit has suffered a fracture.
Rabbits are prone to overheating because they cannot sweat like humans. Because they can't sweat, they regulate their body temperature through their ears.
Symptoms of overheating or heat stroke include rapid breathing, panting, bright red ears, lethargy or even coma. Rabbits living in hot climates need special care to ensure that their environment remains cool and protected from direct sunlight. If you suspect heatstroke, don't hesitate to contact the emergency vet.
Rabbits' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. It is therefore essential to monitor them regularly to detect malocclusions such as overgrown incisors, misaligned teeth or painful jugal tips at an early stage. Dental problems can lead to feeding difficulties, severe weight loss, infection or abscess formation. If your rabbit shows signs of dental problems, consult your vet as soon as possible.