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| Rabbit Health Information |
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Rabbits 101 Whether you are a new or experienced rabbit owner there are a few little facts that we’d like to share with you about the benefits of veterinary care for your bunny. We recommend that ALL rabbits should have a physical exam done every 6 months. A rabbit is a very special and unique pet. Unlike the dog and cat, rabbits are prey animals, which mean that in the wild, they are an animal that is hunted by other animals where as the dog and cat are the ones doing the hunting. This trait is extremely important when understanding rabbit behavior and how a rabbit will hide the fact that they are sick or experiencing signs of pain until the disease has progressed for many days to weeks. If your rabbit shows any of the following signs please contact one of our veterinarians immediately. - Depressed and not active - Decrease in appetite - Change in urine production (increase or decrease) - Change in grooming behavior - Drooling - Runny eyes and /or sneezing - Painful - Head tilt Why should my rabbit have a physical exam done every 6 months? There are over 500 different breeds of rabbits making every rabbit a true individual. Rabbits have a very high metabolic rate and if they become sick they can lose weight at a drastic rate and a fatality can occur within days. Due to a rabbit’s natural prey behavior a physical exam is important to do every 6 months in order to detect any changes or possible abnormalities which can lead to illness. What does the veterinarian check in a rabbit physical exam? Weight – Any variations from the last visit. A fluctuation in the weight is often a firm indicator that there is an underlying problem occurring. Teeth – Rabbits are constant chewers because their teeth grow all of the time, kind of like our fingernails. This makes overgrown and crooked teeth very common. In severe cases the teeth can over grow to the point that it enables the rabbit to eat properly and they can starve to death. Eyes/Nose/Ears – Looking for any signs of respiratory infections, eye ulcers, and ear infections. Skin Rabbits have very sensitive skin and can be susceptible to mites. We are also checking for any abnormal lumps. Abdomen – Rabbits love to groom themselves. Just like in cats, rabbits can develop hairballs. Unlike cats, rabbits can not vomit and excessive swallowed hair may cause a fatal abdominal blockage. We are also checking for any abnormal masses that can be linked to cancer and possible infections. Heart and Lungs – Looking for any abnormalities with the sound and rhythmic patterns. These are only a few key points that are explored during a physical exam. We also like to discuss your rabbit’s diet, husbandry, and any possible behavior problems you may have. We are proud to be a small animal practice that have 3 Veterinarians who are experienced in Rabbit Medicine, they are; Dr. Stockburger, Dr. Lesage, and Dr. Gould. An exam is just one important part of ensuring that your rabbit lives a healthy and happy life! General Information If you’d like to learn more about rabbits, please feel free to check out the House Rabbit Society website. It’s a great website where you can chat with other pet rabbit owners, exchange recipes for rabbit treats, or tell your bunny story. www.rabbit.org |
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please feel free to contact our hospital at (204)589-8381. |
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Questions or Comments? email © www.mcphillipsanimalhospital.com McPhillips Animal Hospital |