Rabbits are wonderful pets that provide great companionship to many. As a responsible owner, it’s your job to ensure their well-being, and that include being aware of the common health issues that they may face.
Our guide below provides an overview of the most common rabbit health problems, their symptoms, prevention, and how to treat them.
Don’t forget: if you ever suspect your rabbit is suffering from a health condition, or they do not seem like themselves, take them to the vet to get them checked over. The quicker health issues are caught, the quicker and easier they can be treated.
Dental Issues
Dental issues are among the most common health problems in rabbits. Rabbit teeth are constantly growing, and, because of this, their teeth need to be filed down. Teeth that grow too long can cause severe health issues.
Rabbits are able to file their teeth by eating a diet rich in hay that naturally wears their teeth down as they chew. There are certain toys that also help to wear their teeth down as they play and gnaw on them.
If rabbit teeth become too long, they can become misaligned, cause abscesses or become too sharp and painful for your bun. This can also lead to dental malocclusion.
The symptoms of dental issues in rabbits are:
- A decreased appetite
- Drooling
- Weight loss
- Visibly overgrown teeth
- Dropping food while eating
The main cause for overgrown teeth is a lack of fibrous diet. Ensure your bun has plenty of fresh hay to chew on every day. You can learn more about a healthy rabbit diet here.
You can also provide your bun with things to chew on, such as branches, wooden blocks and other toys that will not only keep them entertained, but help to wear down their teeth too.
Taking your rabbit to the vet regularly for a check up, which will include a dental check up, is also important. Dental issues can be easily treated, as long as they are caught early.
If you suspect your rabbit has overgrown teeth, take them to the vet immediately. Your veterinarian may trim their teeth, remove any abscesses and prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers if needed. They will also be able to provide tips for a healthy diet.
Gastrointestinal Stasis (Gi Stasis)
GI stasis is a potentially life-threatening condition where your bunny’s digestive system slows down or stops. Bad bacteria can then build up in their digestive tract, causing bloating, and making your bun reluctant to eat or drink. As they refuse to eat or drink, their condition worsens and they can become very dehydrated and starved of nutrients.
The main symptoms of GI stasis are:
- Loss of appetite
- Small or no fecal pellets
- Lethargy
- Abdominal bloating
GI stasis can be caused by a number of things. Painful teeth, urinary tract infections, or other illnesses that stop your rabbit from eating or drinking normally can lead to the condition. A low-fiber diet or a diet high in fat can also be a factor.
Other factors include obesity, lack of exercise and even stress due to the loss of a partner or loud noises such as fireworks.
If GI stasis is not treated quickly, it can cause death. If you suspect your bun has the condition, take them to the vets immediately. Treatment includes medication to promote the movement of your bunny’s intestines, pain relief, fluid injections and nutritional support. Your bun might even have to be force-fed if they are not willing to eat on their own, as this will help them to recover.
The best way to prevent GI stasis is to ensure your rabbit is getting the correct diet that is high in hay and other fiber, which will help to keep their digestive system working as normal. A healthy diet will also help to keep their teeth filed down, which prevents painful dental issues that could lead to GI stasis.
Rabbits should always have access to fresh water, and regular exercise and weight monitoring is also important. Providing your bun with a stress-free life that offers them plenty of space, exercise and stimulation is imperative to their wellbeing and can help to prevent GI stasis too.
Don’t forget that regular trips to the vet are important so any underlying health issues can be spotted early.
Respiratory Infections
Rabbits are susceptible to infections in their airways, often referred to as having the “snuffles”. Rabbits are unable to breathe through their mouth, which means a blocked nose due to an infection can make breathing extremely difficult and put a lot of strain on their little bodies.
The main symptoms of respiratory infections are:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Difficulty breathing
- Eye discharge
Respiratory infections in rabbits are most often caused by bacteria, especially Pasteurella bacteria, which they can catch from other animals. To prevent your rabbit from contracting any infections in their respiratory system, you should make sure you regularly clean their home and ensure they are keeping themselves clean. Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations are also important.
Other factors can also cause breathing difficulties in your bun. These include allergies, passive smoking, heart disease and tumors.
If you notice your rabbit struggling to breathe or breathing very quickly, don’t wait to take them to the vet. Also ensure they are not under any stress, as this can further cause your rabbit breathing problems.
Respiratory infections can be treated easily by your vet if they are caught early. The vet may perform an x-ray to assess your rabbit’s lungs, give them oxygen, antibiotics, fluids and anti-inflammatory medications as needed. They may also clear your rabbit’s nasal passages.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are a common problem for domesticated rabbits. They are caused by the parasite Psoroptes cuniculiis that infest the ears. While they are not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort and lead to other infections if left untreated.
The main symptoms of ear mites in rabbits are:
- Excessive ear scratching
- Shaking of the head
- Crusty debris in ears
- Red, inflamed ears
You may notice reddish-brown discharge and thick crusts also.
Ear mites are transmitted by direct physical contact with another animal or a contaminated environment. While rabbits are the main carriers of these parasites, they can also infect other animals such as dogs, cats, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, and mules.
Ear mites are easily treatable if caught early. If you notice your rabbit has ear mites, take them to the vet. Your vet will prescribe them a medication based on the severity of the mites.
It is important you don’t try to clean or remove any of the crusts on your rabbit’s ears caused by ear mites. This can be very painful for them and the sores will heal themselves as the medication works.
To prevent your bun from contracting ear mites, keep them away from any other animals that have them until they are treated, and never let your bunny mix with wild rabbits.
Flystrike (Myiasis)
Flystrike is a horrible and severe condition where flies lay their eggs on a rabbit, usually near the tail end. These eggs then hatch into maggots, which eat the flesh of the rabbit.
This is a life-threatening condition and can cause your bunny immense suffering. The main symptoms are:
- Maggots on the rabbit
- Foul smell
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
If you suspect your rabbit has flystrike, take them to the vet immediately. They may be able to be treated if the condition is caught early enough. Treatment may include surgery, as well as antibiotics, cleaning of the wounds and removal of the maggots.
Flystrike is much more common in the summer, and more common in rabbits that are housed outdoors. Always ensure that your rabbit’s home is clean, and that they do not have clumps of soiled fur as this attracts the flies.
During the summer, you should regularly check your bun for signs of eggs or maggots. If you notice any, get in touch with your vet immediately.
Heat Stroke
Rabbits are very sensitive to high temperatures and can suffer from overheating just like other pets. Heatstroke is a very serious condition in rabbits and an even be fatal.
The most common symptoms of heat stroke in rabbits are:
- Panting
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Convulsions
In the wild, rabbits live underground in burrows that are not exposed to direct sunlight, which helps to keep them cool. Domesticated rabbits do not have this option, so it is very important that you keep your rabbit cool when temperatures are high. This is especially true if you live in an area with high heat in the summer, or your rabbit lives outside.
If you suspect your rabbit has heat stroke, you should immediately get your pet into a cooler environment. This could mean moving them inside out of direct sunlight or away from a heat source.
If possible, place them onto a cool surface, such as a cold, wet towel or a cold floor, and gently wipe their ears and and body with a cold, wet towel. You could also mist them with water from a spray bottle.
It is important that you ring the vet for advice if you suspect your rabbit has heatstroke. Even if they seem to look better after being moved somewhere cool, you should still take them for a check up to ensure they are okay.
To help prevent heatstroke, always ensure your rabbit has access to clean, cool drinking water. They should never be left out in direct sunlight when it is very hot, and should always have a shaded area to sit in. Hides and tunnels in their homes are a great way to offer them cooler areas to relax in.
For rabbits who live indoors, you should ensure good ventilation. Opening windows and turning on fans and AC are good ways to keep them at the right temperature.
In very high temperatures, you can offer your rabbit cooling mats or frozen bottles of water to cuddle up to.
Urinary Tract Issues
Rabbits can suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney stones, which can cause blockages that restrict the flow of urine from the kidneys.
The most common symptoms of urinary tract problems are:
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Frequent urination
- Incontinence
- Thick, beige or brown-colored urine
- Difficulty moving
- Excessive licking of genitals
Urinary tract issues are usually caused by the excretion of too much calcium, which can lead to kidney stones. Too much calcium in their diet can also irritate the lining of their urinary tract, which allow bacteria to invade and cause a UTI.
For this reason, rabbits should mostly fed timothy or grass hay rather than alfafa hay. Alfalfa hay should only be fed to adult rabbits in moderation because of its high calcium content.
Dehydration is also a cause of urinary tract issues, as a dehydrated rabbit has more concentrated urine. This means that any small calcium stones are not able to be flushed out, causing a build up which can lead to further urinary tract problems.
If these stones build up too much, they can cause a urinary obstruction, which means no urine can make it out of the bladder. This can be very serious, as urine will continue to build up in the bladder without a way to escape until the point of rupture.
The treatment of any urinary tract issues will depend on the exact issue and how serious it is.
If you suspect your rabbit has a blocked urinary tract, you must take them to the vet immediately. A catheter may be inserted and any blockages and stones will be removed. Usually, your rabbit will have to stay at the vets until they are better and urinating on their own.
If your rabbit has a UTI, they will be given antibiotics to treat the infection. You will also need to treat the underlying cause of the UTI, which is usually excess calcium in their diet. This means switching them from calcium-rich hays like alfafa to Timothy or grass hay.
Urinary tract infections and other urinary tract issues can be prevented by giving your rabbit plenty of access to fresh water, keeping their diet balanced with appropriate calcium levels, and regular veterinary check-ups.
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is something unspayed female rabbits are at high risk of. In fact, up to 60% of unspayed rabbits can develop uterine cancer.
The most common symptoms of uterine cancer are:
- Bleeding from the vulva
- Abdominal swelling
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Uterine cancer usually starts as benign tumors in the bun’s uterine lining. Those tumors can progress to cancer over time, which can spread to other parts of the body.
The best prevention and treatment of uterine cancer is spaying at an early age. We recommend you spay your female rabbit by 5-6 months of age. This can also help with other health issues, such as UTIs.
If you suspect your rabbit might have uterine cancer and they are not spayed, you should take them to the vet immediately. If the tumors are caught early, the uterus can be removed before they develop.
However, if the cancer has spread outside of the uterus to other parts of the body, the condition is usually fatal.
Obesity
Obesity is a common problem in pet rabbits and can lead to a variety of health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and decreased lifespan.
You can check if your rabbit is overweight by feeling for their ribs. If they are a healthy weight, their ribs can be felt but are not protruding. If they are overweight or obese, you may find that the ribs are harder to find and you must press relatively firmly to feel them, or you may not be able to feel their ribs at all.
Look at your rabbit’s rump, too. A bun at a healthy weight should have a flat or very slightly rounded rump, while an obese rabbit will have a very round rump.
Other symptoms that your rabbit may be struggling with obesity are:
- They have difficulty moving
- They are unable to groom properly
- They are wider than they are long
- They seem to have put on a lot of weight suddenly
The main cause of obesity is almost always because of too much food and too little exercise, and very rarely due to a medical problem. However, if your rabbit has suddenly gained weight for seemingly no reason, or you can’t seem to get them to lose weight, then this may be due to a health issue.
Your rabbit’s diet is very important to keep them at a healthy weight. Often, pet rabbits are fed too many pellets or a muesli-style diet, and not enough fresh hay and vegetables. Too many treats can also cause obesity.
You can learn more about a healthy rabbit diet here. The main components are:
- Hay: High-quality grass hay, such as Timothy hay, should make up the majority of your rabbit’s diet. As a guide, they should be eating a bundle about as big as they are each day. Hay aids in their digestion and dental health.
- Fresh Vegetables: Leafy vegetables such as kale, parsley, and mint are important to your rabbit’s diet. They should have a small selection every day.
- Rabbit Pellets: Rabbit pellets that are high in fiber are important for your rabbit’s diet, but should be fed in moderation. Between a quarter and an eighth of a cup is enough, depending on their size. You should avoid mixes with nuts and seeds, as these are high in fat.
Exercise is also extremely important to keep your rabbit at a healthy weight. Providing your bun with ample space to run, hop and stretch out will not only keep them moving, but also keep their mind stimulated. Rabbit toys can also help to keep them active. If your rabbit is cooped up in a small space or has no mental stimulation, they are much more likely to stay sedentary and gain weight.
Read our guide on rabbit exercise to learn more about keeping your bun in good shape.
If you are struggling to keep your rabbit’s weight down or need some advice on their diet or exercise, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
Parasites
Rabbits can be affected by both internal and external parasites. These can be found on the skin and fur, such as fleas and ticks, or in their poop, such as worms.
There are many different symptoms of parasites in rabbits. Some of these include:
- Weight loss
- Poor coat condition
- Visible parasites on skin e.g. small black flecks in the fur (fleas)
- Visible parasites in feces
- Diarrhea
If you suspect your rabbit has any form of parasite, you should take them to the vet. Most parasites can be treated very easily and will clear quickly without any long-lasting issues to your bun.
Oral medications are usually prescribed to treat internal parasites, but external parasites can sometimes be treated with medication bought from pet stores. For example, flea treatment for rabbits can be found at most pet stores.
To prevent your bun from catching any parasites, make sure their home is always clean and they do not come into contact with any other animal who many have parasites. They should be kept away from cats and dogs if these animals are undergoing any kind of parasite treatment. Keep them away from wild rabbits, too.
Regular health check-ups are also important for your rabbit, and will help the vet to catch any parasite infestations early.
It is important to note, if you own more than one rabbit and they are living in the same area or come into contact, both rabbits will need to be treated for any parasite infections. You may also need to treat any dogs and cats, but contact your vet for advice.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD)
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a virus that targets rabbits, attacks their internal organs and causes internal bleeding.
There are two types of RHD virus – RHD1 and RHD2. RHD1 causes very sudden illness and is nearly always fatal within two days of catching it. RHD2 often develops a bit more slowly and is often fatal within 1-2 weeks. Rabbits with RHD2 are much more likely to spread the disease because they live for longer with symptoms.
The main symptoms of RHD are:
- Blood around the nose, mouth and genital area
- Lethargy
- Little to no appetite
- High temperature
- Sudden death
RHD is spread from from rabbit to rabbit (often after contact with wild rabbits), in the air and also via insect bites.
The only way to prevent your bun from this fatal disease is to vaccinate your rabbit fully. They can have this vaccination from 7 weeks old.
If you suspect your rabbit has caught RHD, take them to the vet immediately. Unfortunately, there is usually no cure for RHD and euthanasia is often the kindest outcome to prevent suffering.
If you lose one of your rabbits to RHD, their enclosure and all other items should be thrown away. RHD can survive in the environment (on bowls, water bottles, walls, grass etc.) for months. Only fully vaccinated rabbits should be allowed into this area in the future.
Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is an infectious disease caused by the myxoma virus, usually introduced by biting insects (flies or fleas). If caught, myxomatosis is usually fatal.
The main symptoms of myxomatosis are:
- Swelling around the eyes, mouth, and genital area
- Lethargy
- Breathing problems
- Loss of appetite
- Discharge from mouth and nose
Myxomatosis is common in wild rabbits and can be easily passed on to pet rabbits through blood-sucking insects such as fleas, ticks, mites and mosquitos. It can also be spread directly from rabbit to rabbit, or passed on through contaminated objects.
If you suspect your rabbit has contracted myxomatosis, you should take them to the vet immediately. Little can be done to treat the disease. Most rabbits die within one to two weeks, often from secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia. There is no cure and response to treatment is usually poor. Your vet may advise euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
The only way to prevent your rabbit from contracting myxomatosis is to have them vaccinated against it. They can have this vaccination from seven weeks old. While vaccinated rabbits can still catch a mild form of myxomatosis, they are much more likely to recover.
Even if your bun lives indoors, they should still be vaccinated against myxomatosis.
E. Cuniculi Infection
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a parasite that is spread in urine and affects the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and kidneys. The disease is very common in pet rabbits and can be carried by other animals, including wild rabbits.
The main symptoms of an E. cuniculi infection are:
- Head tilt
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
- Kidney failure
- Bladder weakness
E. cuniculi affects each rabbit differently. Some rabbits live with it for years before showing any signs, whereas others develop serious symptoms very quickly. If you suspect your rabbit has the infection, you should take them to the vet immediately.
There is no cure for an E. cuniculi infection but, if caught early enough, rabbits can be treated and go on to live normal lives. Treatment includes medication that can slow or halt the rate of multiplication of the E. cuniculi within the body.
There is no way to completely prevent your rabbits getting E. cuniculi because it’s found in the environment, and in wild rabbits. However, keeping your rabbit’s home clean and ensuring they can’t come into contact with wild rabbits can help to lower the risk.
Eye Problems
Rabbits can suffer from a variety of eye problems. These include infections, issues caused by dental problems, glaucoma, ulcers and tumors. The eyes can also be affected from diseases such as myxomatosis and E. cuniculi.
The most common symptoms of eye issues in rabbits are:
- Discharge from eyes
- Swollen or red eyes
- Cloudiness
- Frequent rubbing or scratching
If you suspect your rabbit is having an issue with their eyes, take them to a vet immediately. If an eye problem goes untreated, your rabbit could become blind.
The treatment for your rabbit’s eyes will depend on the underlying cause. They may be given medication or, in more severe cases, have to have an eye removed.
Regular check-ups are the best way to prevent eye problems. At these check-ups, your vet will assess your whole rabbit, and be able to catch any issues before they become worse or lead to eye issues. You should also ensure they are vaccinated against any dangerous infections that could cause problems with the eyes.
Skin Problems
Rabbit’s can suffer from a variety of skin issues, and these can be very uncomfortable for them.
Symptoms of skin issues in rabbits can include:
- Hair loss
- Red, inflamed skin
- Scratching and biting
- Scabs or lesions
There are a number of reasons why your rabbit could be experiencing skin issues. These can include allergies, infections (parasitic, bacterial or fungal), dental issues and dermatitis.
If you notice your rabbit has any sores, inflamed skin or is scratching a lot, take them to the vet to get them checked out. Your vet will be able to assess what the cause is and help to provide treatment. This might include topical or oral medications, treatment for parasites (such as fleas), and anti-inflammatory treatments.
To help prevent your rabbit from suffering from skin issues, make sure they are living in a hygienic area that is regularly cleaned out. You should also ensure they are cleaning themselves and assist them if they cannot. Make sure you are avoiding any known allergens, too.
Abscesses
Abscesses are pockets of pus, generally found where there has been an injury or in the jaw due to dental issues.
The most common symptoms of abscesses in rabbits are:
- Swelling
- Painful lumps
- Discharge if abscess bursts
Rabbit abcesses are more difficult to treat than abcesses in other pets, like cats and dogs. This is because the pus that fills them is solid, not runny, and lancing the abscess won’t cause it to drain.
Treatment for abscesses is usually removal, but if this is not possible, then antibiotics and other medication may be prescribed. It is important you take your bun to the vet as soon as you discover any lumps or bumps that could be abscesses, as they can be treated much more easily if they are caught early.
The best prevention for abscesses is ensuring good dental health for your bun. Providing them with lots of hay and chew toys to help wear down their teeth will help to prevent any dental-related abscesses, which are the most common form in rabbits.
Pododermatitis (Sore Hocks)
Your rabbit’s hocks are actually their ankles. When sitting, hocks are in contact with the floor, and, sometimes, this area can become red and inflamed. This is called pododermatitis, or sore hocks.
The main symptoms of sore hocks are:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding sores on the bottoms of the feet
- Reluctance to move
- Limping
Pododermatitis is usually caused by wire flooring on the bottom of your rabbit’s cage or hutch. Wire-floored cages are too rough on rabbit hocks, causing the protective fur layer on the sole of the foot and the hock to wear thin.
Some rabbits can also develop poor hocks from obesity through pressure sores, as well as bad hygiene.
Fortunately, sore hocks is a very treatable condition. Make sure you remove any wire-flooring from your rabbit’s home, and house them in a smooth-bottomed area with plenty of soft bedding. You should also replace your rabbit’s bedding frequently to prevent bacteria build up that can irritate the hocks. Learn how to clean out your rabbit’s home here.
Contact your vet if you suspect your rabbit is suffering from sore hocks. They can provide pain relief while the hocks heal and can assist with wound care. Your vet can also advise how to help your rabbit lose weight and the healthy diet they should be eating, if the pododermatitis is caused by this.
Important To Know
Rabbits are prey animals. This means that in the wild, they are always on high alert for any predators that might be out to get them.
Because of this, they are very good at hiding their pain. This is so they do not appear weak or injured and make themselves seem vulnerable to prey.
Therefore, if you notice a change in your bun ie. they are not eating or are very lethargic, it is very important you take them to a vet to get them checked out. They may have been suffering from a health issue for a while and only just be beginning to show the signs.
