There is no substitute for handling and observing your rabbit. They will love you all the more, and you may spot problems before they become emergencies. Pay close attention to your rabbit's physical appearance. Rabbits are prey animals, so it is natural for them to hide their illness for as long as possible. Below are some of conditions to watch for when interacting with your rabbit.
Is your rabbit's eyes watery, runny, or cloudy? Is the rabbit's nose running?Possible respiratory difficulties. Can you feel each individual bone of its spine?This rabbit is too thin and may be sick, thus not eating. Are there yellow dots in the ears?May be ear mites Is your rabbit drooling?Possible problems with teeth. Are clumps of fur falling out?Possible fur mites. A vet should be consulted. Does your rabbit's nails need to be cut?This can be done by the owner or a veterinarian. Some pet stores also offer nail clipping service. Does your rabbit have broken, or overgrown teeth?May need to have a vet trim its teeth. Does the rabbit have sores on its hocks (rear feet)?Opens rabbit to infection. Pieces of wood in the cage will help. Giant are heavy rabbits and can develop sores from walking on wire flooring. Is diarrhea a problem?Sick rabbit, or poor diet possible, too much fruit or veggies. Has your rabbit stopped eating?If the food is not disappearing, your rabbit may be ill or have problems with its teeth. Does your rabbit seem lethargic, lost energy? May be ill. Consult a vet. Is your rabbit making unusual sounds when breathing? Respiratory difficulties. May be as simple as too much dust in environment. Does your rabbit seem to be in pain when you touch it?Consult a vet. Does your rabbit seem bloated?Consult a vet. Do you see blood on your rabbit or in its hutch?This may be as simple as sores on the hocks. If you can not locate the source of the blood or if the hocks do not heal, consult a vet whenever in question. Does your rabbit have any unexplained lumps?Possible tumor.
Most rabbits live long, healthy lives with few, if any major illness. When problems do develop, most can be solved with early intervention by a veterinarian. It is therefore important to evaluate your rabbit on a regular basis. Consult a veterinarian whenever you have concerns about your rabbit's health. Finding a qualified veterinarian familiar with rabbits and the problems they face may be difficult, but worth the effort. We recommend this is done before a rabbit is purchased.
