Rabbit Diseases
Understanding common rabbit diseases is essential for keeping your bunny healthy. This guide covers symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention strategies.
Myxomatosis
Symptoms
- •Swollen eyes and genitals
- •Skin lumps and nodules
- •Fever
- •Loss of appetite
- •Lethargy
- •Difficulty breathing
Causes
Caused by myxoma virus, spread by fleas, mosquitoes, and direct contact. Highly contagious and often fatal.
Treatment
No specific treatment. Supportive care includes fluids, antibiotics for secondary infections, and pain relief. Prevention is key.
Prevention
Vaccination, flea control, mosquito netting, and isolation of new rabbits.
When to See a Vet
Immediately if rabbit shows swollen eyes, lumps, or difficulty breathing.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD)
Symptoms
- •Sudden death
- •Fever
- •Loss of appetite
- •Lethargy
- •Difficulty breathing
- •Bleeding from nose or mouth
Causes
Caused by calicivirus. Highly contagious and often fatal. Spread through direct contact, contaminated objects, and insects.
Treatment
No effective treatment. Supportive care may be attempted but prognosis is poor.
Prevention
Vaccination is essential. Good hygiene, isolation of new rabbits, and avoiding contact with wild rabbits.
When to See a Vet
Immediately if rabbit shows any symptoms or sudden death occurs.
Snuffles (Pasteurellosis)
Symptoms
- •Sneezing
- •Nasal discharge
- •Watery eyes
- •Head tilting
- •Loss of appetite
- •Respiratory distress
Causes
Caused by Pasteurella multocida bacteria. Common in rabbits, often stress-related.
Treatment
Antibiotics, supportive care, and addressing underlying stress factors.
Prevention
Good hygiene, reducing stress, proper ventilation, and avoiding overcrowding.
When to See a Vet
If rabbit shows persistent sneezing, nasal discharge, or head tilting.
Gastrointestinal Stasis
Symptoms
- •Loss of appetite
- •Reduced or no fecal pellets
- •Lethargy
- •Abdominal pain
- •Dehydration
- •Bloating
Causes
Slowdown or stoppage of gut movement. Can be caused by diet, stress, pain, or underlying illness.
Treatment
Emergency treatment - fluids, pain relief, gut motility drugs, and addressing underlying cause.
Prevention
High-fiber diet (hay), regular exercise, reducing stress, and prompt treatment of other illnesses.
When to See a Vet
Immediately if rabbit stops eating or producing feces - this is a medical emergency.