Detecting rabbit illnesses before it’s too late is crucial for the rabbits well being, rabbits have long been known as prey animals. In nature, predators see animals that are sick as easy targets, knowing that they are easier to capture. Because of that, rabbits have adapted quite well so that they have an inborn tendency to hide obvious and outward signs of rabbit illnesses.
Although this is a good thing for rabbits living in the wild, it can make it very difficult to determine when something goes wrong with your own rabbits if they are hiding all of their symptoms. It often takes a very attentive rabbit owner to notice when the rabbit illnesses are taking its toll on a member of their herd. This is why it is extra important to spend a few minutes every day while feeding your rabbits to give them a once over, check for any strange behavior and just assess if anything seems “off.”
When you are purchasing a rabbit, it is important to observe the herd for at least 5 minutes. This will give you an idea if (or what) health problems may come up. Listen for sneezing, raspy breathing, look for runny nose, eye discharge, ear mites, wet butts - or fecal matted around rabbits rear. Consider the cleanliness of the cage, does the rabbit have contact with its fecal? Are the rabbits in a well ventilated area with proper climate? I do not recommend purchasing a sick rabbit, even if it's a deal, or even free - you will spend a small fortune and a lot of worry getting it back to health.
In the end, you have to do what you are comfortable with. Whether it is taking the rabbit to the vet, or treating it on your own - only you know your capabilities. My rule of thumb is that if the rabbit is eating and drinking normally, I will do all I can. If the rabbit has given up, or is in too much pain, it is best to end its suffering.
If you are in Las Vegas, NV. I recommend Lone Mountain Animal Hospital. They are reasonably priced (considering rabbits are exotics) and are very knowledgeable.
Here are some links that may help:
Rabbit Talk, Management and Troubleshooting a place to ask and receive the best advice
H.R.S. Rabbit Health Resources
Bunnyhugga Rabbit health, illnesses and diseases; symptoms, causes and treatment
Rise and Shine Rabbitry Medicinal Herbs For Rabbits
KW Cages Rabbit cages and supplies (Health and medical supplies is page 40-44 of the rabbit catalog)
link
Although this is a good thing for rabbits living in the wild, it can make it very difficult to determine when something goes wrong with your own rabbits if they are hiding all of their symptoms. It often takes a very attentive rabbit owner to notice when the rabbit illnesses are taking its toll on a member of their herd. This is why it is extra important to spend a few minutes every day while feeding your rabbits to give them a once over, check for any strange behavior and just assess if anything seems “off.”
When you are purchasing a rabbit, it is important to observe the herd for at least 5 minutes. This will give you an idea if (or what) health problems may come up. Listen for sneezing, raspy breathing, look for runny nose, eye discharge, ear mites, wet butts - or fecal matted around rabbits rear. Consider the cleanliness of the cage, does the rabbit have contact with its fecal? Are the rabbits in a well ventilated area with proper climate? I do not recommend purchasing a sick rabbit, even if it's a deal, or even free - you will spend a small fortune and a lot of worry getting it back to health.
In the end, you have to do what you are comfortable with. Whether it is taking the rabbit to the vet, or treating it on your own - only you know your capabilities. My rule of thumb is that if the rabbit is eating and drinking normally, I will do all I can. If the rabbit has given up, or is in too much pain, it is best to end its suffering.
If you are in Las Vegas, NV. I recommend Lone Mountain Animal Hospital. They are reasonably priced (considering rabbits are exotics) and are very knowledgeable.
Here are some links that may help:
Rabbit Talk, Management and Troubleshooting a place to ask and receive the best advice
H.R.S. Rabbit Health Resources
Bunnyhugga Rabbit health, illnesses and diseases; symptoms, causes and treatment
Rise and Shine Rabbitry Medicinal Herbs For Rabbits
KW Cages Rabbit cages and supplies (Health and medical supplies is page 40-44 of the rabbit catalog)
link