Information compiled with help from the Rabbit Welfare Fund...
Keeping your rabbit running smoothly isn't difficult, but it's important to recognise problems early. If you check your bunny carefully you will soon become familiar with his eating habits, behaviour, and general body condition. An important thing to remember is that tabbits are prey animals who naturally conceal signs of illness. As such, it is important to always keep a close eye on your bunny's behaviour to ensure you catch any problems as early as possible.
If your bunny is quieter than normal, sitting in a crouched position, hopping with difficulty, or grinding his teeth, he may be ill or in pain. Check him over and seek advice from your vet.
REGULAR CHECKS:
NOSE - CLEAN AND DRY.
Rabbits don't get colds, so if your bunny sneezes frequently, or has a runny nose, take him to a vet.
EYES - CLEAN AND BRIGHT
Runny eyes are commonly due to a scratch or dust, but may be something more serious and must be seen by a vet. Bathing the eye may help temporarily, but probably won't cure the problem.
EARS - CLEAN AND DRY
Rabbits have big ears, but they're usually trouble-free. See the vet if your bunny is shaking his head frequently; scratching his ears, or has lots of ear wax.
SKIN AND FUR - CLEAN, EVEN AND SHINY
Rabbits moult several times a year - don't panic if fur starts dropping out in handfuls! It's important to brush moulting rabbits every day. 'Dandruff' is usually caused by mites. Treatment usually involves a series of injections. Don't use flea sprays without asking the vet - some products are dangerous to bunnies. Areas of bare, red or sore skin should be seen by the vet.
TAIL AND BOTTOM - CLEAN AND DRY
Check your rabbit's bottom daily and keep it clean. Flies can lay eggs on soiled fur and hatch into maggots which eat into the flesh. This is 'flystrike'. If you find fly eggs or maggots on your rabbit, call the vet immediately. Rabbits have scent glands - clefts at either side of the genital region. If they fill with smelly wax you can clean them gently with a damp cotton bud.
TEETH
Rabbit teeth never stop growing and if the top and bottom teeth don't line up correctly, they'll grow too long and the bunny won't be able to eat properly. Front teeth are easy to see - just fold back the top lip. You can't check the back teeth at home, but if they are causing problems your bunny might dribble; lose weight; change his favourite foods; or stop eating altogether. Rabbits with dental problems may not like having their heads touched, and sometimes have bumps along the lower jaw. If you think your rabbit has a tooth problem, take him to the vet. He'll probably need to be sedated or anaesthetised for a careful examination. Clipping teeth at home is no longer advised.
FEET
Nails need to be trimmed every few months. You can do this at home, but ask the vet to teach you. Rabbits use their front paws as a handkerchief so look out for wet, matted fur - your rabbit may have a running nose or eye.
HOCKS
A small bare pink patch is normal, especially in large rabbits. Sore hocks (red, broken or infected skin) need to be treated by a vet.
THE LITTER TRAY
Rabbit urine can be colourful! Anything from white to yellow or even red is normal. Signs of trouble include the bunny straining to pass urine, or blood in the urine (a red patch in a lighter coloured pool of urine). Rabbits droppings should look like plump raisins. You may alsonotice 'caecotrophs' occasionally - soft, dark shiny droppings usually eaten directly from the anus. If you see caecotrophs often, make sure your rabbit is eating a healthy diet and have him checked by the vet.
Flystrike
Flystrike is a potentially fatal disease which occurs when flies lay their eggs around the rabbit’s anus which hatch into maggots. The maggots then mature and burrow under the skin. Pets that have diet issues, suffering from obesity, dental disease, diarrhoea, arthritis and skin wounds are at highest risk and flies are often attracted to those living in dirty hutches. Therefore, it’s particularly important to keep flies to a minimum around the rabbit hutch during the warmer months and check your rabbits for eggs at leat twice a day, its is most important that you resolve any diet issues to help prevent fly strike
BOOSTERS
All rabbits up for rehoming through our rescue are vaccinated against myxomatosis and VHD, unless otherwise stated. They should be given booster vaccinations every year, or every six months. The recommendations vary for different areas, so please discuss with your vet how often your rabbits should be vaccinated. As with any animal, when going for a booster, your vet should give your rabbit a general health check - normally including weighing your rabbit and checking their teeth.