Focus on Rabbit Health
| Published: 6th September 2007 22:36 |
Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK. Currently there are approximately 2 million rabbits in the UK of which less than 10% receive proper preventative healthcare and nutrition.
We all know how cute little bunnies are and they can make lovely pets, but it is essential to find out about their needs before taking one on. The decision to acquire a rabbit is a long-term commitment as rabbits have an average lifespan of 6-10 years. They have very specific nutritional requirements and they should be vaccinated to protect them against diseases.
You may have read in the newspapers recently about the serious outbreak of Myxomatosis among rabbits this year. Myxomatosis is a disease caused by a virus which is spread by biting insects such as fleas and mosquitoes. This summer's wet weather has caused an increase in mosquito numbers which is one of the reasons we see more of the disease.
The first sign of Myxomatosis is puffy swelling of the lips, eyelids and around the genitals. This becomes progressively worse and affected bunnies stop eating and struggle to breathe. Treatment is difficult and most rabbits are put to sleep or will die within 12 days.
The only way to protect against this disease is to vaccinate your rabbit and control the parasites which spread the disease. Because we are in a high risk area it is recommended that vaccinations should be given every 6 months and it can be started from 6 weeks of age. Controlling the parasites are more difficult but you can try by keeping your bunny away from wild rabbits, using appropriate flea treatments and using insect repellent strips or nets where possible.
More medical problems that could affect your bunny include dental problems, diarrhoea, eye problems and obesity. Other infections include pasteurellosis which causes abscesses or discharge from the nose or eyes; E. cuniculi which could cause problems such as head tilt, blindness, seizures or kidney disease; and VHD (viral haemorrhagic disease) which causes acute death and we recommend yearly vaccination against this disease.
If cared for properly your rabbit should give you many years of companionship and make a wonderful pet. Please do not hesitate to speak to your vet about the care, nutrition and preventative healthcare of your rabbit.
Annekie Montgomery BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS of Boyatt Wood Veterinary Surgery
If you would like to arrange for your pet to have a consultation with Annekie please telephone the Boyatt Wood Veterinary Surgery on 023 8062 9050. Alternatively please contact Chandlers Ford Veterinary Surgery on 023 8025 2543. The two surgeries share a linked computer system so your pet can be seen at either branch.
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