March vets on the needs of pet rabbits

June is National Rabbit Month and so this month we will look at their common husbandry needs.

Over the last few months, due to COVID-19, we have seen very few rabbits for vaccinations which is worrying, so lets start here.

Annual vaccinations are just as important for rabbits as they are for dogs and cats – we vaccinate for Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (stain one and two).

Both of these diseases are fatal once caught so vaccination is so very important, especially for multi-rabbit households.

As these diseases are often transmitted by wild rabbits and biting insects, it is vital that gardens are well secured against wild rabbits and that regular parasite control is maintained.

We have recently been blessed with amazingly warm and sunny weather, but a danger in the summer is flystrike.

It is a common emergency that we see in rabbits and those at most risk are old and arthritic rabbits, rabbits with dental problems, obese rabbits and those suffering with tummy upsets as they cannot groom and keep themselves clean.

Faecal matting will attract flies who then lay eggs in the coat which then will hatch very quickly into maggots.

This can cause horrific tissue damage and can sometimes lead to humane euthanasia if the damage is too severe.

Daily hutch cleaning and bum checks are a must and regular fly repellent application is very important. Rear Guard is the best fly repellent that is applied directly to the rabbits coat.

Dental disease is very common in pet rabbits and they should be checked daily for lack of appetite, dribbling, weight loss and runny eyes. Any obvious loss of appetite, poor coat maintenance and any salivation must be addressed by a veterinary surgeon urgently.

If you want any more information, please do contact your local veterinary practice for advice.