Scattering of the Young at Kindling
Symptoms: Doe fails to make a proper nest for the young and/or allows kits to be scattered on the wire. Young often die of exposure. Often found with first time mothers.
Treatment: Young may be fostered to other mothers; kits may be hand fed if necessary.
Prevention: select replacement does with good mothering instincts; may use subterranean nest boxes; control predators or rodents in the rabbitry; make certain the no bucks are too close to the pregnant or nursing dam.
We have seen this in the case of one first time doe that left a kit on the wire. I put the kit next to my skin on my chest to warm her for 45 minutes and replaced her in the nest adequately covered wit successful results.
Early Nestbox Fatality
Symptoms: Dead kits in the nestbox from 2-10 days after kindling.
Treatment: mismanagement by the mother or to small of a nestbox; the problem is often not found until it is too late.
Prevention: Proper nestbox size according to breed; proper feeding of the mother close to kindling; check to make certain that the kits are being fed (round tummies).
We have found this in the case of mothers being brought to us with unexpected pregnancies, first timers, or if they were too young. The important thing is to monitor the litter and the mother, make certain they are being fed, and the area in the hutch and nestbox is clean as possible.
Sore Hocks (Ulcerated Foot Pads)
Symptoms: Ulcerated or raised on the bottom of the feet; All 4 feet may be affected; Rabbit may sit on solid area or in crocks to relieve the discomfort; inactivity; failure to mate; inactivity. Watch for secondary infection.
Treatment: Provide large solid area for the animal to rest on; treat affected area with an astringent until the area is healed.
Prevention: Select rabbits that are calm and have large well-furred footpads.
Windy had this problem, as did some of our other rescues. Our key point is to periodically check the feet. If the rabbit has a history of sore hocks, we would simply put him in a solid bottomed hutch. For treatment, we would make sure the cage is kept clean, clean the feet, and put antibiotic ointment on affected areas.
Malocclusion (Buck Teeth or Wolf Teeth)
Symptoms: Elongation of the upper or lower front teeth; the rabbit may not be able to eat.
Treatment: Teeth can be clipped; animal cannot be shown, as often this condition is inherited.
Prevention: Do not breed rabbits with this problem.
We had two rabbits (Kyle and Noah) with this problem and have managed it successfully using a cable wire cutter to trim the teeth every time they get too long (see a vet if you need to be shown how to clip the teeth). We also encouraged the rabbit getting plenty of hay and chew toys (apple branches are great) to help wear down the teeth.
Paralysis of the Hindquarter
Symptoms: Rabbit drags his hind legs; possible loss of bladder or bowel control; a violent scream from the rabbit at the time of injury or no condition may occur with no apparent cause.
Treatment: Seek professional advice for an accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment advice; be prepared if euthanasia is recommended.
Prevention: Proper handling technique.
Roxy Heart came to us with this condition. I had to clean her hutch daily, line it with straw, have supervised playtime, and bathe her at least every other day/as needed. We were able to prolong her life for 9 months. We recommend that if you can rig a bunny wheelchair, this is advised for better exercise.
Hutch Burn
Symptoms: Chapped/scalded area around the vent area or inside of the hind legs. Watch for secondary infections.
Treatment: Thoroughly clean the hutch and affected areas of the rabbit; use antibiotic ointment on affected areas of the rabbit.
Prevention: Keep clean hutches; watch angle of urine guards.
We had a couple of rabbits with this problem on solid bottom hutches. Moving them to wire cages with a resting board helps, if possible. Lining the bottom of the hutch with straw also helps in additional treatment.
Coprophagy (eating of the night feces)
Symptoms: Usually seen in the late night or early morning when the rabbit consumes soft fecal material. Normal Activity.
Treatment: Do not disrupt, as this is the way that rabbits get their B vitamins to improve their general digestion.
Prevention: This activity is normal to increase digestion and absorb nutrients in the diet.
Note: The night dropping can smell unpleasant and may even resemble diarrhea, as it is soft. If you have questions, contact your vet.
OTHER CONCERNS
Overweight
Symptoms: layers of fat visible; excessive eating; inability to feel the rabbit’s backbone.
Treatment: Slowly reduce the amount of feed; keep timothy hay consistent; reduce the amount of treats; encourage exercise daily outside of the hutch if possible.
Prevention: Limit the amount of treats given; feed the rabbit once a day according to size; allow at least ½ -2 hr. exercise time daily.
Overweight rabbits are susceptible to increase rate of heart attack or trouble with breeding.
Underweight
Symptoms: Prominent hip, shoulder, and other bones; poor flesh condition; lethargic
Treatment: Increase in healthy diet, additional water; add exercise time slowly. Consult vet if necessary.
Prevention: Keep the rabbit on a healthy diet and consistent feedings, and care.
General Diarrhea
Symptoms: Stool more of a liquid consistency; lack of appetite.
Treatment: Remove pellets; keep rabbit on a diet of timothy hay, rolled oats, and plenty of water. Recommend adding fruity yogurt with acidophilus to diet (1 teaspoon per day). Consult your vet if necessary.
Prevention: Fresh feed and water; clean cage; consult vet if this persists, as it could be a secondary infection.
False Pregnancy
Symptoms: pulling hair; nesting; behavior change
Treatment: Go ahead and put the nestbox in just in case and consult your vet. This is usually a case of over abundant hormones. You also may wish to palpate (feel n the pelvic region) the doe.
Prevention: Spay the doe.
OUR POLICY ABOUT BREEDING
We agree with limited, responsible breeding of pedigree/show animals only with the breeder taking full responsibility for re-homing the pet quality animals.
We support speutering all rabbits without pedigrees or that are of pet quality.
Article prepared by Nefer
For educational use on
Gander Gab 2007
Photo By Nightbird Enchanted
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