Finding The Right Veterinarian

Common Symptoms Of Bunny Illnesses You Should Know As Their Caregiver

For the most part, bunny rabbits of just about any breed are hardy creatures that thrive well in most environments and don't have a lot of problems with illness and disease. However, just like other pets, rabbits do have a few concerning health conditions that their owners should know about so they can get them to see a vet when they spot something wrong. If you have taken in a pet bunny as your own, it is a good idea to get familiar with a few of the most common symptoms of illness and what they could mean:

Your rabbit refuses to eat. 

In a lot of cases, a rabbit that is not feeling well will refuse food and water temporarily. However, if your bunny is doing this for a long period, it could be a sign of a problem known as ketosis. Ketosis happens when your rabbit has either eaten something they should not have in a substantial amount, such as starchy foods or sugary sweets. However, ketosis can also occur as a result of an overall poor diet. Either way, if your bunny is refusing to eat for longer than a short while, it is best to get them to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. 

Your rabbit has a warm body temperature and is breathing heavily. 

This could be a sign of rabbit pneumonia, which is fairly common among rabbits of all breeds. Rabbit pneumonia is treatable with antibiotics and vet attention, but you should never let this condition go undiagnosed for long periods. Rabbit pneumonia can lead to long-term respiratory damage, severe weight loss, and a full list of other health threats for your bunny. Plus, rabbit pneumonia can lead to snuffles, which is a more intense form of a respiratory infection. 

Your rabbit is bleeding from the nose, mouth, or bottom. 

It is definitely alarming to find blood coming from any of the orifices of your bunny and this can definitely point to a serious health condition. One of the diseases rabbits are prone to is called Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD), which is a life-threatening condition that is usually picked up via exposure to an infected rabbit. Internal bleeding is the most common reaction to this virus, which usually leads to bleeding from the bunny's mouth, nose, or anus. If you suspect this is what your rabbit has, get to the vet immediately for treatment and do not allow your other bunnies to come in contact with your sick bunny at any point. 


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