Rabbit Owner Resources

Discover helpful care tips and insight into your bunny’s behavior and well-being.

Rabbit Owner Resources

Routine exam and senior bloodwork screening is highly recommended for rabbits (just like for any other pets and humans). We offer thorough physical exams, bloodwork testing, and X-ray images for rabbits. Sedation may be recommended during these procedures.

Domesticated pet rabbits are best housed only indoors and 90% of their diet should be hay (timothy hay for adults, alfalfa for babies). Visit House Rabbit Society for more information:

If your rabbit ever stops eating and/or pooping, that is called GI (gastrointestinal) stasis and it’s always urgent! The sooner we stop the stasis, the better the prognosis is for your rabbit.

As the name implies, gastrointestinal stasis means a slowing down or stopping of food ingestion and fecal output in rabbits. This is seen in rabbits that are feeling ill. GI stasis is a way for rabbits to show they are not well, “stasis” itself is not a disease. Therefore, it is extremely important to have a veterinarian examine the rabbit and run diagnostics to help rule out life-threatening causes in all stasis episodes. For example, blood work can help rule out liver lobe torsion and abdominal x-rays can rule out full obstruction; both conditions may require life-saving emergency surgical treatments.

Many things can trigger GI stasis signs in rabbits. Treatments will always require assisted feeding, good pain management, replenishing lost fluids/hydration, and sometimes antibiotics and motility medications. Do NOT start medications until directed by a veterinarian; some medications can cause more harm than good if used inappropriately.

RHDV2 (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus serotype 2)

Book a vaccine appointment for your rabbit with us!

RHDV2 is a deadly and highly contagious virus that entered the USA during the same time as COVID. The virus kills quickly and often silently. Both wild and domesticated rabbits are at risk, RHDV2 has been confirmed in wild rabbits in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon. The virus is also hardy in the environment and can be contagious through fomites (aka surfaces and/or food items).

Symptoms can include some of the following: Loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, weakness, bleeding from the nose or mouth, and/or difficulty breathing

There is no treatment for this disease and the only way to prevent spread is vaccination. The Medgene vaccine series and annual boosters are the best way to protect pet rabbits.

There have been a few reported cases in wild rabbits in Southern California. We strongly recommend keeping rabbits indoor only to prevent contraction of the disease (also domesticated pet rabbits prefer a colder climate).

This disease must always be reported to the State government veterinarian for disease monitoring and control. Do not handle any wild rabbits without protective gear and appropriate disinfection protocols. Contact your local shelter/wildlife agency if you have any suspicions.

For more information, visit USDA website or download the PDF.

Spay/neuter

Female rabbits are prone to uterine cancer (reported >80% of female rabbits will have uterine cancer by 6 years of age). We strongly recommend spaying your rabbits as early as 5-6 months old if possible. This also helps prevent mammary tumors.

Male rabbits can develop testicular tumors and will spray urine at home if left intact. Neutering will help curb bad litter box behavior and prevent testicular cancer.

Rabbits reproduce fast and can bear kits (aka babies) starting at 14-16 weeks! Do not house intact female and male rabbits together if you don’t intend to breed them even if they’re only babies.

Essential Dental Health Care for Small Mammals

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters have teeth that grow continuously, necessitating diligent dental care. Chewing on fibrous foods like timothy hay helps naturally wear down their teeth and prevent overgrowth. Regular dental check-ups every 6-12 months are crucial to ensure teeth remain properly aligned and to detect any issues early.

Signs of Dental Problems:

Reduced appetite

Smaller or fewer fecal pellets

Audible teeth grinding

Excessive drooling

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately.

Common Causes of Dental Issues

Dental disease is more common in mature pets but can occur in younger animals as well. Several factors can contribute to dental issues, depending on the species:

Guinea Pigs: Vitamin C deficiency and insufficient hay in their diet.

Rabbits: Poor genetics due to indiscriminate breeding, leading to early-onset dental disease. Minor issues can worsen with age as teeth become misaligned.

Preventative Measures and Treatment

Providing a diet rich in timothy hay can significantly help in maintaining dental health by promoting natural teeth wear. However, some pets may still develop dental problems despite the best preventive measures. Malocclusion, a condition where the teeth do not align properly, often requires dental trims under anesthesia. Because their teeth grow continuously, these procedures might need to be repeated every 4-16 weeks to keep the pet comfortable and healthy.

Schedule a rabbit dental appointment today!

Rabbit Owner Resources