Oct 11
27
Veterinary Care And Routine Checkups For Rabbits
Veterinary care
Rabbits visit the vet for routine checkups, vaccination and when ill or injured. Some veterinary surgeons have a special interest in rabbits and some have extra qualifications. It is advisable to look for vets who have qualifications in treating and taking care of rabbits in your area particularly if you plan on having rabbits on a large scale.
Routine Checkups
Routine checkups usually involve assessment of weight, skin, health and teeth by the owner or a veterinarian. This is essential because a rabbit’s health and welfare can be compromised by being overweight or underweight or by having dental problems. Checking the teeth is particularly important part of the examination. Veterinarians can also give personalized advice on diet and exercise.
Vaccinations
Rabbits should be vaccinated against Myxomatosis and Viral Hemorrhagic Disease. These vaccinations are usually given annually, two weeks apart. If there is an outbreak of Myxomatosis locally this vaccine can be administered every six months for extra protection.
Worming
Some vets now recommend worming all rabbits against the parasite Encephalitozoon Cuniculi. Fenbendazole is used as a worm expellant agent in other species of animal and has shown to be effective in treating rabbits. It is particularly recommended for rabbits kept in colonies and before mixing new rabbits with each other.
Ill or Injured
Rabbits should be taken to the vets if ill or injured beyond the ability of the owner to treat. It is important to seek urgent veterinary attention if a rabbit has any of the following symptoms: dramatic or sudden loss of appetite, severe depression, breathing problems, sudden onset of head tilt, signs of infestation, not passing stools.
Rabbits also need urgent veterinary attention if they are exposed to poisons, involved in accidents, fall from a height or are exposed to smoke. Rabbits that are drooling, have unexplained weight loss, diarrhea or fur loss should also be taken to the vets. As in other farming practices, observe your rabbits and look out for abnormal behavior.
