Rabbits have unique physiology—hindgut fermenters, continuously growing teeth, prey mentality that masks illness. Use the Exotic & Avian Specialist and General Vet AI for rabbit health guidance.
Rabbits have unique anatomy and physiology. They are hindgut fermenters with a delicate GI tract, continuously growing teeth, and a prey-animal mentality that masks illness until they are critically sick. Understanding common rabbit diseases helps owners recognize problems early and seek appropriate care from an exotic-savvy veterinarian.
Gastrointestinal stasis is one of the most common and dangerous conditions in rabbits. The gut slows or stops moving, often due to pain, stress, diet change, or dehydration. Bacteria ferment ingesta, producing gas and toxins. Signs: Decreased or absent appetite, fewer or smaller fecal pellets, lethargy, hunched posture, bloating.
Warning: This is an emergency. Rabbits cannot vomit; without treatment, GI stasis can be fatal within 24-48 hours. Treatment includes pain medication, fluid therapy, prokinetics, syringe feeding (Critical Care), and addressing the underlying cause. Prevention: unlimited hay (80% of diet), limited pellets, fresh greens, and minimizing stress.
Rabbit teeth grow continuously. Malocclusion (misalignment) prevents normal wear, leading to overgrowth, spurs, and abscesses. Signs: Drooling, difficulty eating, weight loss, facial swelling. Diagnosis requires oral exam, often under sedation, and skull radiographs. Treatment may include tooth trimming, extraction, or abscess management. Diet with adequate hay promotes normal wear.
E. cuniculi is a microscopic parasite that can affect the brain, kidneys, and eyes. Many rabbits are exposed; clinical disease varies. Signs include head tilt, nystagmus, ataxia, hind limb weakness, and urinary incontinence. Diagnosis is supported by serology and clinical signs. Treatment with fenbendazole and anti-inflammatories may help; some cases have permanent neurologic damage. Prevention: reduce stress; some advocate prophylactic fenbendazole in high-risk situations.
Myxomatosis is a viral disease spread by insects; it causes severe swelling of the face and genitals, conjunctivitis, and often death. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) causes sudden death with bleeding; it is highly contagious and can affect wild and domestic rabbits. Both are preventable with vaccination where available.
RHDV2 vaccine is critical in endemic areas.
Pasteurella multocida and other bacteria can cause snuffles (upper respiratory infection), pneumonia, and abscesses. Signs: sneezing, nasal discharge, labored breathing. Treatment involves antibiotics (choose carefully—some are toxic to rabbits), nebulization, and supportive care. Stress and poor ventilation increase risk.
The foundation of rabbit health is diet. Unlimited grass hay (timothy, orchard, oat) should comprise roughly 80% of intake. It provides fiber for gut motility and dental wear. Pellets should be limited (1/4 cup per 5 lb body weight for adults). Fresh leafy greens are beneficial. Avoid high-carbohydrate treats.
Warning: Sudden diet changes can trigger GI stasis.
Rabbits hide illness. Emergency signs: Not eating, no feces, lethargy, difficulty breathing, bloating. Urgent: Decreased appetite, fewer feces, drooling, head tilt, any behavior change. Find a veterinarian experienced with rabbits—exotic care differs significantly from dogs and cats.
- Rabbits are hindgut fermenters; 80% hay diet is essential for gut and dental health.
- GI stasis is an emergency—fatal in 24-48 hours; seek immediate care.
- Dental malocclusion requires hay for wear; abscesses need veterinary care.
- E. cuniculi, myxomatosis, RHDV2—vaccination and stress reduction help prevent.
- Find an exotic-savvy vet; rabbits mask illness until critically sick.