| Education, Rescue, and Respect |
| Rabbit Disease |
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It's important to remember that rabbits are animals of prey. They will not show signs of
illness until the illness is very far advanced. Make sure to take notice of any changes in
behavior or your rabbit acting sickly. If you notice anything take your pet to the vet asap.
Time is critical and acting quickly could be the difference between life and death.
Abscess/Warbles/Pasteurellosis: A bump on the skin of a rabbit that's filled with pus. An abscess is a
symptom of infection, which can develop in a cut or a scratch. In rabbits, an abscess is a serious condition because
of the thick, tenacious nature of the pus, which can be very difficult to remove. In some cases, a bump on a rabbit's
skin is a symptom of a bacterial infection such as Pasteurellosis or a symptom of a parasitic infestation commonly
called warbles.
Bladder/Urinary Stones/Sand/Sludge: Stones that form in a rabbit's bladder or urinary tract. Urinary
stones cause problems ranging from pain or difficulty while urinating to blockage of urine. In some cases, the rabbit
will pass urinary stones. Symptoms of urinary stones can include loss of appetite, straining to urine, hard abdomen,
and a reluctance to move from a hunched-up position. The stones, also called "calci," are formed of sand or crystals
and range in size from tiny (the size of a grain of sand) to large (more than an inch). It is thought that urinary stones
can be the result of a high calcium diet, urinary infection, or difficulty emptying the bladder, due to physical
impairment or habit on the rabbit's part. Also called bladder stones or calculi.
Bloat/Scours/Mucoid Enteritis: A form of enteritis in which the droppings are covered with a thick layer
of mucus, giving them a jelled appearance. Other symptoms can include listlessness; rough fur; dull, swollen eyes;
bloated, distended stomach; sloshy sound in the rabbit's gut; cecal impaction; anorexia; weight loss; teeth grinding;
hunched position; dehydration; and intense thirst. Often, mucoid enteritis leads to death. The disease tends to strike
younger rabbits, under 10 weeks old, although it can affect older rabbits as well. Although it's not really understood
what the cause of the illness is, speculation has included bacterial infection, change in diet, lack of fiber in the diet,
and stress.
Bloody Urine: Urine that contains blood. The urine can have "frank" blood - one or more streaks of vivid red - or
the urine might be pinkish or reddish in color. Bloody urine can be a symptom of a bladder infection, urinary stones,
or cancer in a rabbit, particularly uterine cancer in does. Sometimes, a rabbit has a condition known as red urine,
which is urine that is reddish or orange in color, but doesn't actually contain blood.
Blue Breast/Caked Udder/Mastitis: Inflammation of the mammary gland in nursing does, due to a
bacterial infection. The mammary gland tends to swell and become hard and lumpy. In some cases, the doe will
develop abscesses on the gland. If the infection progresses, the skin over the mammary gland will often turn red or
dark blue.
Bots/Warbles: The larvae of the Cuterebra fly, or botfly, which burrows into a rabbit's flesh. The adult botfly lays
its eggs on hosts like rabbits. The larvae burrow into the skin, where they'll stay, feeding on the rabbit's flesh, until
they develop into flying insects. These parasites cause what looks like an abscess on the rabbit's skin, except that
"abscess" has a small hole that functions as an air vent for the larvae. If injured, the larvae excrete a toxic solution
that can prove fatal to rabbits.
B. Procyonis/Roundworm/Nematode/Baylisascaris: An intestinal parasite. The type most
frequently plaguing rabbits are nematodes, which are carried by raccoons. These roundworms can be passed to other
species of animals, such as rabbits, through raccoon feces. Once ingested, the eggs of the parasite hatch in the
intestine of the host and migrate throughout the body. Frequently, the larvae will migrate to an organ, such as a liver,
brain, or spinal cord, and cause a great deal of damage. Symptoms of infestation can include loss of balance,
lethargy, paralysis, wry neck, and blindness, and often the condition leads to death. However, in some cases, a
rabbit with roundworm will show no symptoms. The parasite cannot be passed to other hosts once the eggs hatch.
Cancer: A disease in which a proliferation of cells grow unchecked, often forming tumors and spreading
throughout the body via invasion and metastasis. Cancer generally leads to death if untreated. Symptoms of cancer
can vary from individual to individual, but can include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, among other symptoms.
Aside from uterine cancer, cancer is not as common in rabbits as it is in human beings or animals like dogs or cats.
Candidiasis: This is a yeast infection on the skin, like thrush in humans. Mostly affecting the
chin and the dew lap. If they become wet and stay damp this will bring it on. The treatment is given
by your vet.
Cheyletiella/Fur Mite: A tiny parasite that lives on the skin of a rabbit. Infestation by fur mites often causes
flakey skin, a condition that's called mange. A common species of fur mites is cheyletiella.
Coccidiosis: A protozoan infection in a rabbit's gastrointestinal tract. One of the primary symptoms of
coccidiosis is severe diarrhea (in rabbits, this often takes the form of soft or jelled droppings), which can lead to
dehydration, weight loss, poor weight gain, and/or liver damage. Coccidiosis is caused by coccidia, protozoan
parasites, and is usually spread from one rabbit to another through a rabbit's excrement or through soiled food or
bedding. The coccidian organism is thought by some to reside naturally in a rabbit's digestive system without
problem, but becomes more prolific when the rabbit is under stress or in crowded conditions.
Cold: Like in humans, an illness of the upper respiratory system or sinuses with symptoms such as sneezing and
runny nose. However, sometimes what appears to be a cold in a rabbit is actually a serious disease called snuffles
or Pasteurellosis.
Conjunctivitis/Epiphora/Runny/Weepy Eye: A condition in rabbits when one
or both eyes tear continuously. The fur on the cheek below the runny eye often will be
matted. Sometimes this is not a sign of illness; a rabbit's eyes might have been irritated
by too strong a cleaning solvent in their cage, such as ammonia, In some cases, this
condition is due to a blocked tear duct, which can be caused by debris, injury, or heredity.
In other cases, runny eye is a symptom of an allergy. Runny eye can also be a sign of a
bacterial infection, such as Pasteurellosis.
Diarrhea: In rabbits, diarrhea often takes the form of soft stool; droppings that are undersized and frequently
strung together; or stool that is a jelled mass. Causes of diarrhea include enteritis and coccidiosis.
E. Cuniculi/Nosema: Short for encephalitozoon cuniculi (ecuniculi). A protozoal parasite that can cause
severe illness in rabbits. Symptoms of e. cuniculi can include wry neck (tilting of the head to one side), darting eyes
(nystagmus), walking in circles, loss of balance, rolling on the ground, incontinence, seizures, and paralysis of the
hind quarters. Often, e. cuniculi results in death. It is thought that e. cuniculi is transmitted through spores in urine
that are inhaled, ingested, or passed from mother to offspring at birth. Often, e. cuniculi can be present in a rabbit's
body, without the rabbit displaying noticeable symptoms.
Ear Mite/Canker/Mange: A infestation of a rabbit's ear by ear mites. A tiny
parasite that infects the interior of a rabbit's ear. A rabbit with ear mites might shake
its head and scratch its ears frequently. The interior of the ears often has a dark crust.
If untreated, the ear can become infected and turn red and sore, with a discharge.
Infestation by ear mites is often called ear canker or ear mange.
Enteritis: An inflammation of the intestine, due to bacterial infection. Symptoms can include constipation or
diarrhea; lethargy; lack of appetite; and painful or distended abdomen. Typically, rabbits become dehydrated, which
weakens them and slows down the motility of their digestive system. It's thought that E. coli is a primary cause of
enteritis. Mucoid enteritis is a common form of enteritis that tends to strike young rabbits.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis: A slowdown or stoppage of movement in the intestines of a rabbit. A rabbit's
gut is generally very active, and when movement stops, it causes blockages in the intestines and the buildup of
harmful bacteria in the rabbit's caecum, which will likely lead to the rabbit's death if not treated. Symptoms of GI
stasis, or gastro stasis, include lack of appetite, small droppings, and liquidy or jell-like cecotropes, or no droppings.
GI stasis can occur if a rabbit doesn't get enough crude fiber (such as from timothy hay) or water or if the rabbit stops
eating altogether (often due to stress or pain)
Hair Balls: An obstruction in the digestive system of a rabbit. Generally, hair balls (also called wool block or
trichobezoars) is a blockage in a rabbit's gut that's caused by a buildup of fur or wool. Hair balls are considered by
some to be actually a result of GI status, a slowdown or stoppage of movement in the gut of a rabbit.
Head Tilt/Wry Neck: A condition in which the rabbit's head tilts to one side while the chin tilts to the other.
One cause of wry neck is ear infection, sometimes caused by e. cuniculi or Pasteurellosis. Another cause is trauma
to the head, causing damage to the inner ear. Tumors in the head and stroke can also cause the head to tilt. Also
called torticollis.
Heatstroke: A condition when a rabbit is overheated, usually due to hot weather. A rabbit that suffers from
heatstroke will often pant and has a wet nose, due to sweating. When heatstroke is extreme, a rabbit's nose can turn
blue. If a rabbit isn't cooled down, it could die. Rabbits generally fare better in cooler temperatures under 90 degrees.
Longer-haired rabbits, such as Angoras, as well as elderly rabbits and ones that are very young, are most sensitive
to the heat.
Hutch Burn/Vent Infection: An infection on the "vent" region of the genitals. Generally, the
infection takes the form of small pustules, which can burst and scab over. It is thought that vent
infection is caused by dirt on the vent region on a rabbit or by urine dribbles that are not cleaned off.
The infection can be passed between mating rabbits. While similar in appearance to rabbit syphilis,
vent infection is not a venereal disease.
Malocclusion: A condition where a rabbit's teeth do not align and continue growing.
Often, a rabbit with malocclusion will have the "slobbers," matted fur around it's mouth or
down the front of it's chest, because he cannot shut his mouth completely. Rabbit's teeth
grow continually. If the teeth do not line up properly, the rabbit will have trouble wearing
them down as a healthy rabbit does. If the teeth get long enough, the rabbit might be unable
to open its jaws or mouth wide enough to eat. In other circumstances, the teeth can grow up into the nostrils, into
the lips or gums, or into the side of the mouth, and the condition can lead to infection and sores. Malocclusion can be
caused by an injury to the head, pushing the teeth out of alignment. Or it can be the result of heredity. Malocclusion
happens more frequently to a rabbit's front teeth, but in some cases, the back, or cheek teeth have been affected.
Myxomatosis: A disease in rabbits characterized by lesions or swellings under the skin, particularly on the
head, genitals, or anus. Other symptoms can include red, swollen eyelids, conjunctivitis, and red, tender skin.
Blindness is often a result of the disease, as is pneumonia. Myxomatosis is caused by a pox virus that's often
transmitted by the bite of an insect, such as a flea, although some rabbits can become infected by contact with a
contaminated cage. In most cases, rabbits die in one to two weeks after being infected. In milder cases, the rabbit
develops small lumps. Myxomatosis is prevalent in Australia and parts of Europe, but is not in the United States.
Nystagmus/Rolling Eye: Oscillating or rolling eyes. Often this is a symptom of a neurological disorder,
which could be the result of e. cuniculi, Pasteurellosis, a stroke, or a tumor.
Old Rabbit Disease/Paralysis: An inability to move, ranging from an inability to move a selected muscle
group to complete paralysis. Sometimes called "old rabbit disease" because paralysis is more common among older
rabbits, paralysis can be the result of a number of conditions, including trauma to rabbit's back, stroke, cancer, and
e. cuniculi.
Overgrown Nails: The nails of your rabbit should be checked often as if they do not
wear down they can get very over grown. This rabbits nails are so bad one has turned the
other way. Walking on nails like these must be very uncomfortable to say the least . Please
if you cannot do them your self get someone else to help or go to the vet. The rule of thumb
for nails is just cut them back to the hair line then you can be sure not to cut into the quick.
Don't forget rabbits have two dew claws like dogs that are above the foot. These if left will
turn back and grow into the leg. You will need small animal clippers for the job, there are only about $4.00.
Parasite: A small creature that feeds on a living host. Common parasites that plague rabbits are e. cuniculi, ear
mites, fur mites, pinworms, roundworms, and warbles (the larva of the Cuterebra fly, or botfly).
Snuffles: A highly contagious illness among rabbits causedby a bacterial infection that can rapidly
lead to a rabbit's death. The symptoms can include white or yellow discharge from the nose, runny eyes, frequent
sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Often a rabbit with Snuffles will have matted, crusty
fur on the front paws from attempting to wipe away the discharge from the nose. Snuffles usually starts
as an infection in the sinuses and can spread to the eyes or organs elsewhere in the body, can
encourage pneumonia, cause abscesses particularly in head and jaw, and infect the inner ear, causing the head to
tilt. It is caused by a organism, which is thought to reside naturally in most rabbits' sinuses but can multiply under
certain conditions--such as in stressful situations or in older rabbits or very young ones--and cause illness and death.
Pasteurellosis can be difficult to treat. Sometimes what appears as Snuffles is actually a cold or another bacterial
infection, which is generally treatable.
Pinworms: Small, wormlike parasites that can infest a rabbit's large intestine and ceacum. If a rabbit has
pinworms, the thin white worms can sometimes be seen in the rabbit's droppings or around the anus. Rabbits with
pinworms might lose weight or have trouble gaining it. The condition is contagious among rabbits and can be
transmitted when a rabbit ingests the eggs from a pinworm.
Rabbit Syphilis/Spirochetosis/Hutch Disease: A venereal disease that produce blisters, lesions,
and/or scabs on the genitals and anus on a rabbit. Often, lesions can spread to mouth, lips, nose, eyelids, ears, and
feet. It is spread when a rabbit washes his or her hindquarters. The disease is contagious and can be passed
between mating animals and between a doe and her offspring.
RCD/VHD: Short for Viral Hemorrhagic Disease of Rabbits. An infectious viral disease that attacks the internal
organs of domesticated rabbits, particularly the liver. Most rabbits infected by VHD typically die within the following
24 hours, due to massive hemorrhaging of one or more internal organs. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite,
congestion, foamy discharge from the nostrils, lethargy, muscle spasms, and bleeding from one or more orifices.
However, in some cases no symptoms are evident until death. VHD is also called Rabbit Calcivirus Disease (RCD)
after the calcivirus, which is thought to cause the disease. VHD is prevalent in Australia, New Zealand, China, and
many European countries, such as England, Spain, and Italy, but has had a limited presence in the United States.
Ringworm: A fungal infection that can cause dry skin and sudden fur loss. Symptoms include one or more scaley,
red rings on the skin. Highly contagious, ringworm can be passed between different species of animals and humans.
Sore Hocks: A condition in which a patch of fur on the legs or feet of a rabbit wears away, exposing skin and in
some cases bone. Often, the rabbit can develop sores or abscesses on the exposed skin as a result. It's thought that
sore hocks can be caused when a rabbit is kept in a wire cage but doesn't have a flat surface to rest upon. Sore
hocks typically occurs on the hind legs or feet, but a rabbit's front legs or feet can also develop sores or abscesses.
Generally, a rabbit's hocks – the backs of a rabbit's hind legs – are not affected, which makes the name something of
a misnomer. Also called pododermatitis.
Spondylosis: A disease in which the vertebrae in the spine fuse together, decreasing flexibility and causing
pain. The results can range from difficulty in jumping and running to an inability to move. This affliction is more
common in rabbits that are over four years old, particularly females.
Stroke: Brain trauma caused by a ruptured blood vessel or an obstruction of blood flow through a blood vessel in
the brain. Effects of a stroke can range from mild muscle weakness in the face or legs to sudden death. Paralysis of
one or both sides of the body is a common result of a severe stroke.
Tyzzer's disease: A disease caused by a bacteria infection and characterized by sudden, profuse, watery
diarrhea. Symptoms can include anorexia and dehydration. Generally, the onset of the disease is rapid, resulting in
death. Tyzzer's disease is highly contagious and can be spread between species of animals through ingestion of the
bacterial spores from excrement. The spores can remain viable for up to a year outside of a host's body in bedding,
soiled food, or soil.
Urine Burn/Scald: A condition where an area of a rabbit's skin becomes irritated by repeated exposure to
urine. Often, the fur will fall out in that area. Urine scald usually occurs on the hindquarters and genital area of a
rabbit and tends to happen most frequently in crippled or old rabbits that have trouble positioning themselves away
from their urine flow. Sometimes urine scald is indicative of kidney disease.
Uterine Cancer: One of the most commonly occurring forms of cancer in rabbits. It generally strikes does older
than two years old who have not been spayed or who have not given birth. Although, does who have been mothers
can also develope uterine cancer. Symptoms can include what appears to be bloody urine but is actually bleeding
from the vulva, reduced litters, stillborn births, reabsorption of fetuses, and abortion.
illness until the illness is very far advanced. Make sure to take notice of any changes in
behavior or your rabbit acting sickly. If you notice anything take your pet to the vet asap.
Time is critical and acting quickly could be the difference between life and death.
Abscess/Warbles/Pasteurellosis: A bump on the skin of a rabbit that's filled with pus. An abscess is a
symptom of infection, which can develop in a cut or a scratch. In rabbits, an abscess is a serious condition because
of the thick, tenacious nature of the pus, which can be very difficult to remove. In some cases, a bump on a rabbit's
skin is a symptom of a bacterial infection such as Pasteurellosis or a symptom of a parasitic infestation commonly
called warbles.
Bladder/Urinary Stones/Sand/Sludge: Stones that form in a rabbit's bladder or urinary tract. Urinary
stones cause problems ranging from pain or difficulty while urinating to blockage of urine. In some cases, the rabbit
will pass urinary stones. Symptoms of urinary stones can include loss of appetite, straining to urine, hard abdomen,
and a reluctance to move from a hunched-up position. The stones, also called "calci," are formed of sand or crystals
and range in size from tiny (the size of a grain of sand) to large (more than an inch). It is thought that urinary stones
can be the result of a high calcium diet, urinary infection, or difficulty emptying the bladder, due to physical
impairment or habit on the rabbit's part. Also called bladder stones or calculi.
Bloat/Scours/Mucoid Enteritis: A form of enteritis in which the droppings are covered with a thick layer
of mucus, giving them a jelled appearance. Other symptoms can include listlessness; rough fur; dull, swollen eyes;
bloated, distended stomach; sloshy sound in the rabbit's gut; cecal impaction; anorexia; weight loss; teeth grinding;
hunched position; dehydration; and intense thirst. Often, mucoid enteritis leads to death. The disease tends to strike
younger rabbits, under 10 weeks old, although it can affect older rabbits as well. Although it's not really understood
what the cause of the illness is, speculation has included bacterial infection, change in diet, lack of fiber in the diet,
and stress.
Bloody Urine: Urine that contains blood. The urine can have "frank" blood - one or more streaks of vivid red - or
the urine might be pinkish or reddish in color. Bloody urine can be a symptom of a bladder infection, urinary stones,
or cancer in a rabbit, particularly uterine cancer in does. Sometimes, a rabbit has a condition known as red urine,
which is urine that is reddish or orange in color, but doesn't actually contain blood.
Blue Breast/Caked Udder/Mastitis: Inflammation of the mammary gland in nursing does, due to a
bacterial infection. The mammary gland tends to swell and become hard and lumpy. In some cases, the doe will
develop abscesses on the gland. If the infection progresses, the skin over the mammary gland will often turn red or
dark blue.
Bots/Warbles: The larvae of the Cuterebra fly, or botfly, which burrows into a rabbit's flesh. The adult botfly lays
its eggs on hosts like rabbits. The larvae burrow into the skin, where they'll stay, feeding on the rabbit's flesh, until
they develop into flying insects. These parasites cause what looks like an abscess on the rabbit's skin, except that
"abscess" has a small hole that functions as an air vent for the larvae. If injured, the larvae excrete a toxic solution
that can prove fatal to rabbits.
B. Procyonis/Roundworm/Nematode/Baylisascaris: An intestinal parasite. The type most
frequently plaguing rabbits are nematodes, which are carried by raccoons. These roundworms can be passed to other
species of animals, such as rabbits, through raccoon feces. Once ingested, the eggs of the parasite hatch in the
intestine of the host and migrate throughout the body. Frequently, the larvae will migrate to an organ, such as a liver,
brain, or spinal cord, and cause a great deal of damage. Symptoms of infestation can include loss of balance,
lethargy, paralysis, wry neck, and blindness, and often the condition leads to death. However, in some cases, a
rabbit with roundworm will show no symptoms. The parasite cannot be passed to other hosts once the eggs hatch.
Cancer: A disease in which a proliferation of cells grow unchecked, often forming tumors and spreading
throughout the body via invasion and metastasis. Cancer generally leads to death if untreated. Symptoms of cancer
can vary from individual to individual, but can include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, among other symptoms.
Aside from uterine cancer, cancer is not as common in rabbits as it is in human beings or animals like dogs or cats.
Candidiasis: This is a yeast infection on the skin, like thrush in humans. Mostly affecting the
chin and the dew lap. If they become wet and stay damp this will bring it on. The treatment is given
by your vet.
Cheyletiella/Fur Mite: A tiny parasite that lives on the skin of a rabbit. Infestation by fur mites often causes
flakey skin, a condition that's called mange. A common species of fur mites is cheyletiella.
Coccidiosis: A protozoan infection in a rabbit's gastrointestinal tract. One of the primary symptoms of
coccidiosis is severe diarrhea (in rabbits, this often takes the form of soft or jelled droppings), which can lead to
dehydration, weight loss, poor weight gain, and/or liver damage. Coccidiosis is caused by coccidia, protozoan
parasites, and is usually spread from one rabbit to another through a rabbit's excrement or through soiled food or
bedding. The coccidian organism is thought by some to reside naturally in a rabbit's digestive system without
problem, but becomes more prolific when the rabbit is under stress or in crowded conditions.
Cold: Like in humans, an illness of the upper respiratory system or sinuses with symptoms such as sneezing and
runny nose. However, sometimes what appears to be a cold in a rabbit is actually a serious disease called snuffles
or Pasteurellosis.
Conjunctivitis/Epiphora/Runny/Weepy Eye: A condition in rabbits when one
or both eyes tear continuously. The fur on the cheek below the runny eye often will be
matted. Sometimes this is not a sign of illness; a rabbit's eyes might have been irritated
by too strong a cleaning solvent in their cage, such as ammonia, In some cases, this
condition is due to a blocked tear duct, which can be caused by debris, injury, or heredity.
In other cases, runny eye is a symptom of an allergy. Runny eye can also be a sign of a
bacterial infection, such as Pasteurellosis.
Diarrhea: In rabbits, diarrhea often takes the form of soft stool; droppings that are undersized and frequently
strung together; or stool that is a jelled mass. Causes of diarrhea include enteritis and coccidiosis.
E. Cuniculi/Nosema: Short for encephalitozoon cuniculi (ecuniculi). A protozoal parasite that can cause
severe illness in rabbits. Symptoms of e. cuniculi can include wry neck (tilting of the head to one side), darting eyes
(nystagmus), walking in circles, loss of balance, rolling on the ground, incontinence, seizures, and paralysis of the
hind quarters. Often, e. cuniculi results in death. It is thought that e. cuniculi is transmitted through spores in urine
that are inhaled, ingested, or passed from mother to offspring at birth. Often, e. cuniculi can be present in a rabbit's
body, without the rabbit displaying noticeable symptoms.
Ear Mite/Canker/Mange: A infestation of a rabbit's ear by ear mites. A tiny
parasite that infects the interior of a rabbit's ear. A rabbit with ear mites might shake
its head and scratch its ears frequently. The interior of the ears often has a dark crust.
If untreated, the ear can become infected and turn red and sore, with a discharge.
Infestation by ear mites is often called ear canker or ear mange.
Enteritis: An inflammation of the intestine, due to bacterial infection. Symptoms can include constipation or
diarrhea; lethargy; lack of appetite; and painful or distended abdomen. Typically, rabbits become dehydrated, which
weakens them and slows down the motility of their digestive system. It's thought that E. coli is a primary cause of
enteritis. Mucoid enteritis is a common form of enteritis that tends to strike young rabbits.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis: A slowdown or stoppage of movement in the intestines of a rabbit. A rabbit's
gut is generally very active, and when movement stops, it causes blockages in the intestines and the buildup of
harmful bacteria in the rabbit's caecum, which will likely lead to the rabbit's death if not treated. Symptoms of GI
stasis, or gastro stasis, include lack of appetite, small droppings, and liquidy or jell-like cecotropes, or no droppings.
GI stasis can occur if a rabbit doesn't get enough crude fiber (such as from timothy hay) or water or if the rabbit stops
eating altogether (often due to stress or pain)
Hair Balls: An obstruction in the digestive system of a rabbit. Generally, hair balls (also called wool block or
trichobezoars) is a blockage in a rabbit's gut that's caused by a buildup of fur or wool. Hair balls are considered by
some to be actually a result of GI status, a slowdown or stoppage of movement in the gut of a rabbit.
Head Tilt/Wry Neck: A condition in which the rabbit's head tilts to one side while the chin tilts to the other.
One cause of wry neck is ear infection, sometimes caused by e. cuniculi or Pasteurellosis. Another cause is trauma
to the head, causing damage to the inner ear. Tumors in the head and stroke can also cause the head to tilt. Also
called torticollis.
Heatstroke: A condition when a rabbit is overheated, usually due to hot weather. A rabbit that suffers from
heatstroke will often pant and has a wet nose, due to sweating. When heatstroke is extreme, a rabbit's nose can turn
blue. If a rabbit isn't cooled down, it could die. Rabbits generally fare better in cooler temperatures under 90 degrees.
Longer-haired rabbits, such as Angoras, as well as elderly rabbits and ones that are very young, are most sensitive
to the heat.
Hutch Burn/Vent Infection: An infection on the "vent" region of the genitals. Generally, the
infection takes the form of small pustules, which can burst and scab over. It is thought that vent
infection is caused by dirt on the vent region on a rabbit or by urine dribbles that are not cleaned off.
The infection can be passed between mating rabbits. While similar in appearance to rabbit syphilis,
vent infection is not a venereal disease.
Malocclusion: A condition where a rabbit's teeth do not align and continue growing.
Often, a rabbit with malocclusion will have the "slobbers," matted fur around it's mouth or
down the front of it's chest, because he cannot shut his mouth completely. Rabbit's teeth
grow continually. If the teeth do not line up properly, the rabbit will have trouble wearing
them down as a healthy rabbit does. If the teeth get long enough, the rabbit might be unable
to open its jaws or mouth wide enough to eat. In other circumstances, the teeth can grow up into the nostrils, into
the lips or gums, or into the side of the mouth, and the condition can lead to infection and sores. Malocclusion can be
caused by an injury to the head, pushing the teeth out of alignment. Or it can be the result of heredity. Malocclusion
happens more frequently to a rabbit's front teeth, but in some cases, the back, or cheek teeth have been affected.
Myxomatosis: A disease in rabbits characterized by lesions or swellings under the skin, particularly on the
head, genitals, or anus. Other symptoms can include red, swollen eyelids, conjunctivitis, and red, tender skin.
Blindness is often a result of the disease, as is pneumonia. Myxomatosis is caused by a pox virus that's often
transmitted by the bite of an insect, such as a flea, although some rabbits can become infected by contact with a
contaminated cage. In most cases, rabbits die in one to two weeks after being infected. In milder cases, the rabbit
develops small lumps. Myxomatosis is prevalent in Australia and parts of Europe, but is not in the United States.
Nystagmus/Rolling Eye: Oscillating or rolling eyes. Often this is a symptom of a neurological disorder,
which could be the result of e. cuniculi, Pasteurellosis, a stroke, or a tumor.
Old Rabbit Disease/Paralysis: An inability to move, ranging from an inability to move a selected muscle
group to complete paralysis. Sometimes called "old rabbit disease" because paralysis is more common among older
rabbits, paralysis can be the result of a number of conditions, including trauma to rabbit's back, stroke, cancer, and
e. cuniculi.
Overgrown Nails: The nails of your rabbit should be checked often as if they do not
wear down they can get very over grown. This rabbits nails are so bad one has turned the
other way. Walking on nails like these must be very uncomfortable to say the least . Please
if you cannot do them your self get someone else to help or go to the vet. The rule of thumb
for nails is just cut them back to the hair line then you can be sure not to cut into the quick.
Don't forget rabbits have two dew claws like dogs that are above the foot. These if left will
turn back and grow into the leg. You will need small animal clippers for the job, there are only about $4.00.
Parasite: A small creature that feeds on a living host. Common parasites that plague rabbits are e. cuniculi, ear
mites, fur mites, pinworms, roundworms, and warbles (the larva of the Cuterebra fly, or botfly).
Snuffles: A highly contagious illness among rabbits causedby a bacterial infection that can rapidly
lead to a rabbit's death. The symptoms can include white or yellow discharge from the nose, runny eyes, frequent
sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Often a rabbit with Snuffles will have matted, crusty
fur on the front paws from attempting to wipe away the discharge from the nose. Snuffles usually starts
as an infection in the sinuses and can spread to the eyes or organs elsewhere in the body, can
encourage pneumonia, cause abscesses particularly in head and jaw, and infect the inner ear, causing the head to
tilt. It is caused by a organism, which is thought to reside naturally in most rabbits' sinuses but can multiply under
certain conditions--such as in stressful situations or in older rabbits or very young ones--and cause illness and death.
Pasteurellosis can be difficult to treat. Sometimes what appears as Snuffles is actually a cold or another bacterial
infection, which is generally treatable.
Pinworms: Small, wormlike parasites that can infest a rabbit's large intestine and ceacum. If a rabbit has
pinworms, the thin white worms can sometimes be seen in the rabbit's droppings or around the anus. Rabbits with
pinworms might lose weight or have trouble gaining it. The condition is contagious among rabbits and can be
transmitted when a rabbit ingests the eggs from a pinworm.
Rabbit Syphilis/Spirochetosis/Hutch Disease: A venereal disease that produce blisters, lesions,
and/or scabs on the genitals and anus on a rabbit. Often, lesions can spread to mouth, lips, nose, eyelids, ears, and
feet. It is spread when a rabbit washes his or her hindquarters. The disease is contagious and can be passed
between mating animals and between a doe and her offspring.
RCD/VHD: Short for Viral Hemorrhagic Disease of Rabbits. An infectious viral disease that attacks the internal
organs of domesticated rabbits, particularly the liver. Most rabbits infected by VHD typically die within the following
24 hours, due to massive hemorrhaging of one or more internal organs. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite,
congestion, foamy discharge from the nostrils, lethargy, muscle spasms, and bleeding from one or more orifices.
However, in some cases no symptoms are evident until death. VHD is also called Rabbit Calcivirus Disease (RCD)
after the calcivirus, which is thought to cause the disease. VHD is prevalent in Australia, New Zealand, China, and
many European countries, such as England, Spain, and Italy, but has had a limited presence in the United States.
Ringworm: A fungal infection that can cause dry skin and sudden fur loss. Symptoms include one or more scaley,
red rings on the skin. Highly contagious, ringworm can be passed between different species of animals and humans.
Sore Hocks: A condition in which a patch of fur on the legs or feet of a rabbit wears away, exposing skin and in
some cases bone. Often, the rabbit can develop sores or abscesses on the exposed skin as a result. It's thought that
sore hocks can be caused when a rabbit is kept in a wire cage but doesn't have a flat surface to rest upon. Sore
hocks typically occurs on the hind legs or feet, but a rabbit's front legs or feet can also develop sores or abscesses.
Generally, a rabbit's hocks – the backs of a rabbit's hind legs – are not affected, which makes the name something of
a misnomer. Also called pododermatitis.
Spondylosis: A disease in which the vertebrae in the spine fuse together, decreasing flexibility and causing
pain. The results can range from difficulty in jumping and running to an inability to move. This affliction is more
common in rabbits that are over four years old, particularly females.
Stroke: Brain trauma caused by a ruptured blood vessel or an obstruction of blood flow through a blood vessel in
the brain. Effects of a stroke can range from mild muscle weakness in the face or legs to sudden death. Paralysis of
one or both sides of the body is a common result of a severe stroke.
Tyzzer's disease: A disease caused by a bacteria infection and characterized by sudden, profuse, watery
diarrhea. Symptoms can include anorexia and dehydration. Generally, the onset of the disease is rapid, resulting in
death. Tyzzer's disease is highly contagious and can be spread between species of animals through ingestion of the
bacterial spores from excrement. The spores can remain viable for up to a year outside of a host's body in bedding,
soiled food, or soil.
Urine Burn/Scald: A condition where an area of a rabbit's skin becomes irritated by repeated exposure to
urine. Often, the fur will fall out in that area. Urine scald usually occurs on the hindquarters and genital area of a
rabbit and tends to happen most frequently in crippled or old rabbits that have trouble positioning themselves away
from their urine flow. Sometimes urine scald is indicative of kidney disease.
Uterine Cancer: One of the most commonly occurring forms of cancer in rabbits. It generally strikes does older
than two years old who have not been spayed or who have not given birth. Although, does who have been mothers
can also develope uterine cancer. Symptoms can include what appears to be bloody urine but is actually bleeding
from the vulva, reduced litters, stillborn births, reabsorption of fetuses, and abortion.
Bunny with Conjunctivitis.
Photo provided by:
www.greenwichrabbitrescue.
com
Photo provided by:
www.greenwichrabbitrescue.
com
Bunny with Malocclusion
Photo Provided by:
www.greenwichrabbitrescue.com
Photo Provided by:
www.greenwichrabbitrescue.com
Bunny with severely overgrown
nails.Photo provided by:
www.greenwichrabbitrescue.com/
nails.Photo provided by:
www.greenwichrabbitrescue.com/
Photo provided by:
greenwichrabbitrescue.com/
greenwichrabbitrescue.com/
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