Pet Care

Rabbit care

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General care

Rabbits are now the third most common pet. Many are kept in outside hutches with runs, but they are increasingly kept as indoor companions. In some ways their characters are more like dogs than cats, but they do not demand the space and time commitments that a dog does.

Hutches

Hutches for rabbits whether indoor or outside, should be large enough to allow the rabbit to take several hops, and tall enough so they can stretch up on their hind legs. Outside hutches should obviously provide good protection against the weather. All rabbits should have regular exercise which will help to ensure good bone structure.

Feeding

Feeding properly is extremely important as many of the problems we see as vets originate with the way that they have been fed. After water, good quality hay is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet. Though some choose not to eat certain types of hay we have found that even the fussiest eaters like Western Timothy which is why we promote its use and always have some in stock. The dry food should only be fed in small amounts and be a well-balanced product that prevents selective eating such as Burgess Rabbit Excel.

All rabbits regularly require good quantities of fresh food such as grass, carrot and swede, but apple and other fruits should not be fed in large amounts. If your rabbit is not used to eating fresh foods the staff at Evolution Vets will be happy to give you advice on how to best introduce it.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations against Myxomatosis and VHD are also very important for rabbits whether they are kept indoors or outside.

Myxomatosis

Evolution Animal Care has been seeing a lot of rabbits in this area recently with myxomatosis. You may be aware of the suffering that this disease causes and that it is nearly always fatal. Biting insects such as mosquitoes and fleas spread this deadly virus, so any rabbit can catch it whether they live outdoors or in your home. We are always saddened to see animals affected by myxomatosis, especially when it can be easily prevented by routine vaccination.

The current recommendations advise 6 monthly boosters to protect against myxomatosis.

VHD

This is a viral disease that may be spread through the air. It causes sudden death and has no obvious symptoms.

The current recommendations advise yearly boosters to protect against VHD.

Neutering

Rabbits are sociable animals and enjoy the company of other rabbits. It is important to ensure that they have sufficient room so that each individual can have its own 'private space'.

In nearly every case when rabbits are kept together they are more likely to be sociable if they have been spayed (females) and castrated (males). These routine operations will often mean that an individual rabbit is friendlier towards their owner and with female rabbits removes the considerable risk of uterine cancer and unwanted pregnancy.

Should you be thinking of obtaining a rabbit then the local RSPCA centre at Bawtry are always looking for homes. Alternatively choose a reputable breeder who is able to show you the parents of any young rabbits for sale. That way you will have a better idea of what your rabbit will grow into.

General Health

You should check your rabbit at least once a week, paying particular attention to their teeth. During warmer weather it is important to check daily their back-end daily to ensure that the fur is not soiled otherwise rabbits become susceptible to flystrike. If your pet is prone to soft faeces it is always advisable to have them checked by a vet to make sure there are no underlying problems, Rearguard can then be administered to prevent this distressing condition.