Common Health Problems in Pet Rabbits

Rabbits are adorable pets, loved for their soft fur, playful hops, and quirky personalities. But keeping a rabbit healthy takes more than just cuddles and carrots. Rabbits are prey animals, which means they hide signs of illness to avoid seeming weak. This can make it tricky for owners to notice when something’s wrong until it’s serious. Knowing the common health problems in pet rabbits can help you catch issues early and keep your bunny happy.

Rabbit Care for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Raise a Happy Bunny

In this 2500-word guide, we’ll cover the most frequent health issues rabbits face, like dental problems, tummy troubles, respiratory infections, parasites, and more. We’ll explain what causes these conditions, how to spot them, and ways to prevent or treat them. Written in simple, everyday English, this post is perfect for new and experienced rabbit owners alike. Let’s dive in and learn how to care for your furry friend!

Why Rabbits Hide Illness

Rabbits are wired to act tough, even when they’re sick. In the wild, a weak rabbit is an easy target for predators, so they’ve learned to mask pain or discomfort. This means you might not notice your rabbit is unwell until the problem is advanced. That’s why it’s so important to check your rabbit daily and know what’s normal for them. Things like eating less, hiding, or acting sluggish could be red flags.

Common Health Problems in Pet Rabbits

Here are the most common health issues that affect pet rabbits, based on insights from veterinary experts.

1. Dental Problems

Rabbits have teeth that never stop growing, so they need to chew hay and other fibrous items to wear them down. If they don’t, dental issues can cause pain and make eating hard.

Types of Dental Issues:

• Overgrown Teeth: Teeth grow too long, making it tough for rabbits to eat.
• Malocclusion: Teeth don’t line up right, often due to genetics or injury.
• Spurs: Sharp points on teeth can cut the cheeks or tongue.

Symptoms:

• Drooling or wet chin
• Dropping food or eating less
• Weight loss
• Pawing at the mouth
• Grinding teeth (a sign of pain)

Prevention:

• Offer unlimited hay, like Timothy hay, to promote chewing.
• Provide safe chew toys, such as wooden blocks or apple branches.
• Schedule regular vet check-ups to monitor teeth.

Treatment:

• Vets may trim or file teeth under anesthesia.
• Severe cases might need tooth removal.
• Pain relief and soft foods help recovery.

Dental problems can lead to other issues like GI stasis, so act fast if you notice symptoms.

2. Gastrointestinal Issues

A rabbit’s digestive system is delicate, and problems here can be life-threatening. The most common issue is gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis), but diarrhea is also a concern.

GI Stasis:

This is when the digestive system slows or stops, often due to a lack of fiber, stress, or pain.

Symptoms:

• Not eating or reduced appetite
• Small, dry, or no droppings
• Bloated belly
• Lethargy
• Teeth grinding

Diarrhea:

Loose or watery stools can result from diet changes, infections, or parasites.

Symptoms:

• Watery stools
• Lethargy
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite

Prevention:

• Feed a diet with at least 80% hay.
• Ensure fresh water is always available.
• Keep stress low with a calm environment.
• Encourage daily exercise.

Treatment:

• GI Stasis: Needs urgent vet care. Treatment includes fluids, pain relief, and drugs to restart digestion. Surgery may be needed in rare cases.
• Diarrhea: Vets identify the cause and provide fluids or medications. Severe cases require intensive care.

If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12 hours, call your vet immediately—GI stasis can be fatal.

3. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections, often called “snuffles,” are common in rabbits and can be caused by bacteria like Pasteurella multocida. They can start mild but worsen quickly.

Symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose (clear or pus-like)
• Watery or red eyes
• Noisy or labored breathing
• Lethargy

Causes:

• Poor hygiene or dusty hay
• Overcrowding
• Stress
• Cold or drafty conditions

Prevention:

• Keep the hutch clean and well-ventilated.
• Avoid dusty bedding or hay.
• Reduce stress with a quiet space.
• Regular vet visits to catch early signs.

Treatment:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
• Supportive care, like humidifiers, for viral infections.
• Isolate sick rabbits to prevent spreading.

Respiratory issues can lead to pneumonia, so don’t delay seeing a vet if symptoms appear.

4. Parasites

Rabbits can get both internal and external parasites, which cause discomfort and health problems.

Internal Parasites:

• Worms: Roundworms or coccidia can cause diarrhea and weight loss.
• E. cuniculi: A protozoan that affects the brain and kidneys, causing head tilt or paralysis.

External Parasites:

• Fleas: Lead to itching and hair loss; severe cases cause anemia.
• Mites: Ear mites cause head shaking; fur mites cause flaky skin.
• Lice: Rare but cause itching.

Symptoms:

• Diarrhea or weight loss (internal)
• Itching, scratching, or hair loss (external)
• Dark ear wax or head shaking (ear mites)
• Visible fleas or ticks

Prevention:

• Regular fecal tests for worms.
• Use vet-approved parasite treatments.
• Clean the hutch often to remove eggs or larvae.
• Quarantine new rabbits before introducing them.

Treatment:

• Antiparasitic medications from a vet.
• For E. cuniculi, antibiotics and supportive care.
• Clean the environment thoroughly.

Parasites can spread to other pets, so keep your rabbit’s space clean and check them regularly.

5. Reproductive Problems

Unspayed female rabbits are at high risk for reproductive issues, which can be deadly.

Common Issues:

• Uterine Cancer (Adenocarcinoma): Common in females over 3 years; often spreads if untreated.
• Pyometra: A uterine infection that can cause sepsis.

Symptoms:

• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Swollen belly
• Vaginal discharge
• Hair loss near genitals

Prevention:

• Spay females at 4-6 months to prevent nearly all uterine issues.
• Neuter males to reduce aggression and testicular cancer risk.

Treatment:

• Surgery to remove the uterus (spaying) is the main treatment.
• Antibiotics for infections, but surgery is often needed.
• Advanced cancer may not be treatable.

Spaying is one of the best ways to protect your rabbit’s health and extend their life.

6. Skin and Foot Problems

Rabbits can develop painful skin and foot conditions, often due to poor housing or hygiene.

Common Issues:

• Pododermatitis (Sore Hocks): Sore, inflamed foot pads from hard floors or obesity.
• Flystrike: Flies lay eggs on soiled fur, and maggots eat the skin, causing severe pain.

Symptoms:

• Red, swollen, or ulcerated feet (sore hocks)
• Lameness or reluctance to move
• Maggots or foul smell near the bottom (flystrike)
• Restlessness or lethargy

Prevention:

• Use soft bedding like hay or fleece.
• Keep the hutch clean and dry.
• Check for soiling daily, especially in summer.
• Use fly repellents in warm weather.

Treatment:

• Sore Hocks: Antibiotics, pain relief, and soft bedding. Severe cases need wound care.
• Flystrike: Urgent vet care to remove maggots, clean wounds, and give antibiotics.

Flystrike is an emergency—get to a vet right away if you suspect it.

7. Infectious Diseases

Some diseases are highly contagious and often fatal, but vaccines can prevent many.

Common Diseases:

• Myxomatosis: A virus causing swelling of the face, eyes, and genitals, often fatal.
• Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD): Causes sudden death or bleeding; highly contagious.
• E. cuniculi: Leads to head tilt, paralysis, or kidney issues.

Symptoms:

• Swelling or blindness (myxomatosis)
• Bleeding or sudden death (RHD)
• Head tilt, circling, or loss of balance (E. cuniculi)

Prevention:

• Vaccinate against myxomatosis and RHD starting at 5-7 weeks.
• Keep rabbits indoors to avoid insect bites.
• Maintain good hygiene to reduce E. cuniculi risk.

Treatment:

• Myxomatosis and RHD: No cure; supportive care only.
• E. cuniculi: Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Vaccination is critical for outdoor rabbits or those in high-risk areas.

8. Neurological and Mobility Issues

Problems with balance or movement can be caused by infections, injuries, or other diseases.

Common Issues:

• Head Tilt: Often due to E. cuniculi or ear infections.
• Paralysis: Can result from spinal injuries, strokes, or neurological diseases.

Symptoms:

• Head tilting or circling
• Falling over or inability to stand
• Dragging limbs or complete paralysis

Prevention:

• Keep the hutch safe to avoid injuries.
• Treat ear infections promptly.
• Maintain good hygiene to reduce E. cuniculi risk.

Treatment:

• Depends on the cause; may include antibiotics, pain relief, or physical therapy.
• Severe cases may require long-term care or euthanasia.

These issues need a vet’s diagnosis to determine the best course of action.

9. Other Health Concerns

Rabbits can face additional problems that affect their well-being.

Overgrown Nails:

• Cause discomfort and mobility issues.
• Prevention: Trim nails every 4-6 weeks.
• Treatment: Vet or trained owner can trim nails.

Heat Stroke:

• Rabbits overheat easily above 80°F (27°C).
• Symptoms: Panting, red ears, collapse.
• Prevention: Provide shade, water, and cool spaces.
• Treatment: Cool with damp towels; seek vet care.

Obesity:

• Leads to sore hocks, heart disease, and digestive issues.
• Prevention: Limit pellets, offer unlimited hay, and encourage exercise.
• Treatment: Vet-guided diet and exercise plan.

Poisonous Plants:

• Plants like ivy, holly, or rhubarb are toxic.
• Symptoms: Diarrhea, twitching, convulsions.
• Prevention: Rabbit-proof your home and garden.

10. Home Health Checks

Since rabbits hide illness, daily checks are vital. Here’s what to monitor:

• Appetite: Is your rabbit eating normally?
• Droppings: Are pellets regular and well-formed?
• Behavior: Is your rabbit active or hiding?
• Breathing: Any wheezing or nasal discharge?
• Teeth: Check for overgrowth or drooling.
• Skin/Fur: Look for sores, fleas, or flystrike.
• Feet/Nails: Ensure feet are healthy and nails aren’t too long.

11. When to Call the Vet

Rabbits can decline rapidly, so don’t wait if you see:

• No eating or drinking for 12 hours
• No droppings for 12 hours
• Trouble breathing
• Bleeding or injuries
• Pain signs (hunched posture, teeth grinding)
• Sudden behavior changes

Find a vet experienced with rabbits, as they have unique needs.

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering

Spaying female rabbits prevents uterine cancer and infections, which are common and often fatal. Neutering males reduces aggression and testicular cancer risk. Both procedures also help control overpopulation. Spay or neuter your rabbit at 4-6 months, after consulting your vet.

Proper Housing and Environment

A healthy environment prevents many health issues. Ensure:

• A spacious hutch for exercise
• Soft bedding to protect feet
• Good ventilation without drafts
• Temperatures between 50-70°F (10-21°C)
• Hiding spots for comfort
• Toys for mental stimulation

Conclusion

Caring for a pet rabbit means staying alert to their health needs. Dental issues, GI stasis, respiratory infections, and other problems can arise, but many are preventable with proper care. Feed your rabbit plenty of hay, keep their home clean, and check them daily for changes. Spaying or neutering and regular vet visits are key to a long, healthy life.

If you’re ever worried about your rabbit’s health, don’t hesitate to call a vet. Rabbits are delicate, but with love and attention, they can thrive as wonderful companions. Here’s to happy, hopping bunnies!

FAQs

1. How often should I take my rabbit to the vet?
   At least once a year for check-ups, plus any time you notice symptoms.
2. Can I prevent dental problems in my rabbit?
   Yes, with unlimited hay, chew toys, and regular vet visits.
3. What’s the best diet for my rabbit?
   80% hay, 10% veggies, 5% pellets, and occasional treats.
4. Is flystrike common in indoor rabbits?
   Less common, but still possible if hygiene is poor.
5. Why is my rabbit tilting its head?
   It could be E. cuniculi or an ear infection—see a vet immediately.