How to tell if your rabbit is sickSome signs of disease in rabbits may be specific for a certain disease. More commonly, however, signs are vague and non-specific, such as a rabbit with anorexia (lack of appetite) and lethargy, which can be seen with many diseases including hairballs, uterine cancer, and even kidney or liver failure.
Most cases of snuffles are mild and, if caught early, can be managed or cured. If left untreated or if the strain of bacteria is particularly aggressive, this disease can be severe, chronic and potentially fatal. A swab for bacterial culture can be taken to help guide treatment. Treatment usually involves either oral or injectable antibiotics, given for a minimum of 2 - 4 weeks. In some cases, treatment can be required for months (or rarely for years) depending on the response to therapy. Certain oral antibiotics, especially oral penicillin and similar drugs, can be fatal to rabbits. There are some excellent oral and injectable antibiotics for use in rabbits with this infection, but none is a sure cure. Eye drops and nose drops , may be used in conjunction with other antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian.
All rabbits carry some Pasteurella organisms, but only some show or manifest disease (the immune system generally keeps the organisms in check). Stresses such as improper diet, new diet, change in diet, introduction of a new pet, overcrowding, environmental stresses, immunosuppression or other disease may trigger clinical disease. Many rabbits become chronically infected. The disease is easily transmitted by close contact between rabbits but remember that not all rabbits will manifest disease. Ideally, new rabbits should be isolated (for about one month) before introducing them to existing pets. Litter should be changed regularly to prevent ammonia accumulation from the urine, which can irritate the eyes and nasal tissue. Relapses may occur if your rabbit is exposed to stressful situations. It is important to keep your rabbit as healthy as possible, to minimize problems with pasteurellosis.
External and internal parasites are usually treated easily. The choice of medication your veterinarian will prescribe depends upon the findings of an examination and any necessary ancillary tests, such as a fecal examination for intestinal parasites or microscopic examination of a skin sample or an ear swab for ear mites. Oral medications are usually given for internal parasites. Oral medication, topical medication, shampoos and/or environmental treatments may be necessary for external parasites, depending on the diagnosis. One skin mite, called Cheyletiella or walking dandruff, can be very challenging to eliminate.
Overgrown incisors or molars can be managed by filing or grinding down the incisors, usually under anesthesia. This tooth trimming often has to be repeated at regular intervals, as the teeth continue to grow throughout the rabbit's life. Clipping the teeth with nail trimmers or wire cutters, once a popular treatment, is no longer recommended due to the ease with which the incisors can fracture (break), resulting in pain and infection. You may wish to discuss with your veterinarian the option of having certain problem teeth removed under general anesthetic.
"Clipping the teeth with nail trimmers or wire cutters, once a popular treatment, is no longer recommended due to the ease with which the incisors can fracture (break), resulting in pain and infection."
Uterine adenocarcinoma is treated surgically by spaying the rabbit. Because the cost of the procedure is higher when the rabbit is sick (rabbits with uterine cancer may need intensive care such as hospitalization, fluid therapy, and force-feeding), early spaying to prevent the problem is recommended. Uterine infections may also require spaying in addition to antibiotics.
Treatment of sore hocks can be difficult and challenging, especially in the later stages of the condition. Treatment requires antibacterial medications to control the infection, coupled with cleaning of the sores on the hocks. Providing soft bedding is essential to allow the sores to heal. When caught early, the hocks can usually be treated without much effort. However, this can easily become a chronic, stubborn, deep infection.
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