Common Problems
1. Fleas
Wash all the bedding and clean the environment, then treat your cats and dog for fleas. If the fleas persist, you can treat your rabbit with Advantage® which you can buy from your vet. Never use Frontline® as this could kill your rabbit. For more information, click here.
2. Dirty Bottom
Firstly, you need to clean your bunny up with damp water and a cloth. If the pooh has hardened, you may need to wash your bunny's behind in a small sink of warm water.
Secondly, work out why your bunny has a messy bottom-
-
Is he/she getting too much sugar in the diet (such as too much fruit)?
-
Is he/she obese and cannot clean his/her bottom?
-
Is he/she a long haired rabbit? You may need to trim the fur around the bottom in order to stop pooh getting stuck to it.
If the messy bottom persists or if a rash develops, please visit your veterinarian. For more informaiton, click here.
3. Gastrointestinal Stasis
This is a fairly common problem where your rabbit stops eating and produces no or very little droppings. Your rabbit will usually not even eat their favourite treat. If your rabbit stops eating - take them directly to the vet. The sooner that your rabbit gets treatment, the better the chances of helping him/her and they will recover more quickly. The causes of gastrointestinal stasis can be:
-
Stress - a recent move or another rabbit picking on him/her.
-
Dehydration
-
Pain from another underlying disorder or illness (such as gas, dental problems, infections, or urinary tract disorders)
-
An intestinal blockage
-
Poor diet
For more information, click here
Did you know?
Rabbits produce 180-300 faecal pellets a day.
4. Dental Problems
Rabbit's teeth are always growing but they may not wear down properly. If your rabbit has dental problems, he/she will have to go to the vet to get them fixed. A large amount of hay in the diet helps the teeth to wear down and is great for dental health. Symptoms of dental problems include:
1) Dribbling
2) Not eating
3) Abscesses
For more information (video) click here.