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07
Vaccinations
Annual vaccinations will
provide protection against two
serious viruses - Myxomatosis
(‘myxi’) and Viral Haemorrhagic
Disease (VHD.) Both are almost
always fatal. All pet rabbits are
at risk, whether they are housed
inside or out. A combined
vaccination is now available for
use from 5 weeks of age.
Neutering
The main advantage of
neutering is so that two rabbits
can be kept together - the ideal
combination being a neutered
male with a neutered female.
Dental disease
All rabbits have continuously
growing teeth - up to 3mm a
week. Over grown incisors are
common and sharp spurs can
develop on the molars which
can result in reduced appetite,
salivation, painful mouth ulcers
and weight loss. A rabbit with
any dental concerns must
urgently be seen by a vet, with
most dental cases requiring
an ongoing commitment to
veterinary care. Many dental
problems are preventable with
an appropriate diet.
Flystrike
Flystrike is an extremely
serious condition. Blowflies lay
their eggs on dirty fur which
develop into maggots that eat
the flesh of the rabbit causing
serious pain and risking death
within just a few hours.
Therefore rabbits must be
carefully checked twice daily
by owners and seen as an
emergency if affected.
A topical product is available
from your vet to prevent this
devastating condition.
Environment,
companionship
and diet
Rabbits are most active at
dawn and dusk and due to
being a ‘prey’ species their
environment must be suitable
to avoid any stress. Providing
hiding places is ideal, as well as
large areas to exercise freely.
Due to their unusual digestive
system (digestion taking place
in the hindgut) their diet must
mimic their natural form -
unlimited good quality hay
and grass is best.
Rabbits are highly social
animals and many common
behavioural issues occur due to
being kept singly. Rabbits
should not be housed with
guinea pigs due to the risk of
injury and potential spread
of infections.
Caring for a rabbit
is very rewarding and although having long
been considered a ‘children’s pet’, an increasing number of adults
are also now owning rabbits. They have become the third most
popular pet in the UK, and if you are responsible for a rabbit you
are required to provide adequate care.
Males:
Castrated males are usually
more relaxed, show less
aggression and urine marking.
Females:
Spaying is very important as
up to 60% of unneutered
female rabbits will develop
cancer of the uterus by the
age of three. In addition to
the risk of aggression, false
pregnancies and pyometra
(infection of the uterus) are
also seen.