By LifeLearn Admin and Shady Oak
Though rabbits don’t require yearly immunizations, your rabbit should see a veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness exam, as well as any time illness or injury is suspected.
We strongly suggest that you have your rabbit spayed or neutered. Not only can rabbits potentially give birth once a month, but they can also have up to 14 babies at a time! Even in households with a single rabbit, spaying or neutering has plenty of benefits: It can protect your rabbit from several types of cancer and reduce or eliminate aggression, as well as other undesirable behaviors, such as spraying, mounting, destructive chewing, and biting. Spaying or neutering will not change your rabbit’s personality.
Rabbits are also susceptible to a variety of illnesses. As prey animals, rabbits instinctually hide symptoms of illness or injury so they do not appear vulnerable to predators. Because of this it’s very important to keep a close eye on your rabbit’s behavior, eating habits and physical appearance. If your rabbit displays any of the following symptoms give us a call right away:
- Discharge from eyes or nose
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory distress or sneezing
- Hair loss, lesions/scabs, extreme itchiness
- Decrease in activity and/or appetite
- Head tilt or scratching at ears
- Change in body temperature
- Drooling
- Overgrown or misaligned teeth
If your rabbit is displaying any of the above symptoms give us a call to set up an appointment and we can come up with a treatment plan.