Rabbits - Health
Caring for your rabbits' health
Vaccinations
Do rabbits need any vaccinations?
Rabbits can be vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD). These viral diseases are almost always fatal, but can be prevented through vaccination. Each year vets see cases of myxomatosis in unvaccinated rabbits. Your vet will advise you on when you should vaccinate your rabbits.
Neutering your rabbits
What is neutering?
Neutering is an operation carried out by a vet. In male animals, the testicles are removed – this is called ‘castration’. In female animals, the ovaries and the uterus (womb) are removed – this is called ‘spaying’.
Why is neutering a good idea?
There are hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals in need of homes. Neutering stops animals from adding to this problem by having unwanted litters.
It also reduces the risk of rabbits developing some serious diseases. This can help them live longer and enjoy a better quality of life.
Neutering (spaying) female rabbits
Should I get my female rabbit neutered (spayed)?
Spaying is important for your rabbit because it reduces the risk of her developing cancer of the womb. It also allows her to live with another rabbit (e.g. a neutered male) without having unwanted babies. This is important because rabbits need company from other rabbits.
Spaying can help to reduce aggression, but you should get advice from your vet about any problems you are having with your rabbit’s behaviour.
When is the best time to get my female rabbit neutered (spayed)?
Female rabbits can be spayed at around 4 months of age. You should ask your vet when the best time for your rabbit is. A rabbit doesn’t need to have a litter before she’s spayed.
Up to 80% of un-neutered female rabbits can develop cancer of the uterus
Neutering (castrating) male rabbits
Should I get my male rabbit neutered (castrated)?
Castration allows your rabbit to live with another rabbit (e.g. a neutered female) without having unwanted babies. It can also reduce behaviour that is linked to hormones, such as urine spraying and aggression, but you should get advice from your vet about any problems you are having with your rabbit’s behaviour.
When is the best time to get my male rabbit neutered (castrated)?
Male rabbits can be castrated at around 3 months of age. You should ask your vet when the best time for your rabbit is.
Grooming
Do I need to groom my rabbits?
Most rabbits will groom themselves, but regular brushing keeps their coats healthy and prevents fur balls. Use a grooming brush intended for rabbits to brush the coat with gentle strokes in the same direction that the fur grows.
How often should I groom my rabbits?
Rabbits should be groomed from an early age so that they become used to it. Long-haired breeds will need to be groomed daily, whereas short-haired breeds will usually need grooming just once a week.
General health
How do I know if one of my rabbits is ill?
You should check your rabbits each day for any signs of illness. These might include the following:
- Diarrhoea
- Significant weight change (in either direction) over a short period
- Loss of appetite
- Drinking much more or less than normal
- Lack of energy/sleeping more than usual
- Unusual swellings
- Skin conditions
- Limping
- Unusual bleeding
- Signs of pain, such as sensitivity to touch
- Runny eyes or nose
If you see any of these signs, visit your vet straight away. There could be other signs of illness, not on this list, and any change in behaviour should alert you to the possibility of illness.
What should I do if I think one of my rabbits is ill?
If you are worried about the health of any of your rabbits it is always best to contact your local veterinary practice.
Pet insurance
Should I take out pet insurance?
If one of your rabbits becomes sick or injured you may be faced with expenses that you weren’t prepared for. These can rise rapidly, especially if your rabbit needs to be hospitalised. Pet insurance helps you budget for these unexpected costs. You should shop around for the best policy for you.
Fly strike
What is fly strike?
Fly strike is a very unpleasant condition caused by flies laying their eggs on dirty fur. These hatch into maggots which eat into the rabbit’s flesh and can kill a rabbit in a matter of hours. Vets see cases of fly strike every year.
How can I stop my rabbits getting fly strike?
Most at risk are rabbits that get dirty around their back end, so you should make sure the hutch and living environment are cleaned out regularly. If rabbits don’t groom their fur properly and allow it to get dirty, this can be a sign of a health problem, so you should visit your vet.
Check under the tail daily in the summer, as rabbits are most prone to maggot infestations (‘fly strike’) in warmer weather
Teeth and dental health
How can I keep my rabbits’ teeth healthy?
The most important thing is to make sure you give them the right food – lots of hay or grass (at least their own body size in hay each day), and no rabbit ‘muesli’. Our page on Rabbit Diet can advise you on the most suitable food for your rabbit.
What are the signs of dental disease in rabbits?
Signs include:
- Going off their food
- Drooling
- A wet chin
- Weight loss
- Discharge from the eye
- Dirty bottom
An eye discharge can develop because the abnormal tooth roots can affect the eyes, and the bottom can become dirty because the sore mouth makes licking and grooming too painful for affected rabbits.
Visit your vet if any of your rabbits show any of these signs.
