Rabbit Advice

Vaccinations 

There are two diseases that can be fatal to rabbits, these can be vaccinated against on an annual basis. The diseases are very easily spread by direct infection from other rabbits that are infected (domesticated or wild), and through secondary infection – people, shoes, clothing and even fleas.

Myxomatosis

This disease is caused by a pox virus that can be spread through rabbit and cat flea bites. House rabbits that may not even go outside are susceptible to catching “Myxi”. Symptoms include swelling of lips, eyes, insides of ears and around genitals. The swellings become progressive and in turn make it difficult to drink or eat.

Neutering 

Castrating 

Castrations can be completed at 5-6 months of age and reduce territorial, aggressive behaviour and eliminate unwanted pregnancies. 

Spaying

Spaying can be completed at 4 months of age and reduce territorial, aggressive behaviour and eliminate unwanted pregnancies. Having rabbits spayed can also prevent uterine cancer. 

Dental 

Rabbits' teeth grow continuously and are worn down through grinding their food up to eat. Misaligned teeth reduce the ability to keep the teeth at a suitable length, in turn this means teeth keep growing and thus cause soreness and ulceration.

You can book in to have the teeth assessed by a vet or nurse. They may be able to “clip” the teeth unless a more in depth dental is required with rasping on the molars. 

Flystrike 

Flystrike is a potentially fatal condition that can be seen in rabbits during milder weather. It occurs when flies are attracted to the urine, faeces and open wounds on your pet and lay eggs on your pet’s skin/ wounds. These eggs then develop in to maggots which bury themselves and feed off the skin. 

It is important to keep your pets housing and their coat clean. Cleanliness minimises the risk of your rabbit developing fly strike. You can book your rabbit in for a “bunny de-matt” where the nurses will clean the area and remove any matts in the coat.