Rabbit Chat Forum - Bunny owners please read on... jenvetnurse - Thu Jul 19, 2007 6:35 pm Post subject: Bunny owners please read on...
Here are some top tips to keep your bunny happy in the summer months:
Tip 1: Diet is Everything
95% of rabbits going to the vet will have diet related problems. Whether it's teeth, eyes, tummy upsets or fly strike, almost every condition can be linked to inappropriate diet. The majority of a rabbit's diet should be grass and hay, supplemented with a small amount of Supa-rabbit XL each day. On top of this you should feed it fresh vegetables - but not too many, you want your rabbit to eat as much hay and grass as possible. Remember your rabbit will need a fresh supply of water to drink each day.
Tip 2: Guard against Myxomatosis
Your rabbit should be vaccinated against to help reduce infection. Myxomatosis which is a serious and usually fatal disease, is caused by a highly contagious virus, transmitted from rabbit to rabbit by mosquitoes and fleas. There is no cure, only supportive therapy which usually fails. In high risk areas the vaccine should be given every six months. Additionally we would recommend you treat your rabbit against fleas to further reduce the risk.
Tip 3: Prevent Fly Strike
Fly strike is officially the most distressing disease known to vets and rabbits! In short, a rabbit gets eaten alive by maggots when flies, attracted to dirty conditions, lay their eggs on the rabbit's fur. We recommend cleaning out hutches every day, checking their bottoms for any sign of fly eggs and treating them with a prescription product to stop maggots developing. Ask your vet for more information about this product.
Tip 4: Worm your Rabbit
Rabbits can suffer from a brain parasite called E. Cuniculi. Affected rabbits often develop a severe head tilt and cannot remain balanced - a distressing thing for all concerned. Worryingly over 50% of rabbits are infected so regular worming is essential.
Tip 5: Get your Rabbit Insured
Insurance for your pet is something we strongly recommend as veterinary fees can be expensive. There is no National Health Service for animals but many people want the same quality of care and treatment for their pets. Many of the more complicated procedures can cost hundreds of pounds. Petplan have a policy especially designed for rabbit owners. Please ask for advice if you are unsure.
Twig - Fri Jul 20, 2007 2:19 pm Post subject:
Hope you don't mind me adding a couple more things?
Also, protect them against VHD, which is a horrible disease that almost always kills. You only need this vaccine once a year as its far more effective than the myxi jab which needs done ideally every 6 months. Also, make sure your vet doesn't give VHD and myxi at the same time, they should be space 2 weeks apart.
Neutering is also essential for all female rabbits who almost always go on to develop womb or ovarian cancer from 4 years, sometimes sooner, and it spreads rapidly, so by the time you find out, they will need to be pts. Someone who rescues rabbits says in all her females 4 and over had the start of womb cancer, and even a 3 year old had such advanced cancer she had to be pts. Males should also ideally be done so as they can live with other rabbits.
littlelab - Fri Jul 20, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject:
I will make this a sticky as its so important and good info.
jenvetnurse - Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:12 pm Post subject:
yes neutering important for both sexes - it makes them much better pets.
VHD is rare but nasty - i have never seen a case in 12 years of being in practice - it is rare but if your area has cases you should get it done.
Someone who rescues rabbits says in all her females 4 and over had the start of womb cancer, and even a 3 year old had such advanced cancer she had to be pts.