Bunny Basics

Wounds: If your rabbit has a wound, first assess whether it is deep or superficial. For minor wounds, clean the area gently with a cotton ball soaked in warm water and then pat it dry; most minor wounds will heal on their own. However, for larger cuts that won’t stop bleeding, it’s crucial to control the bleeding immediately by covering the wound with a clean cloth or bandage and applying light pressure. Keep the area secured until you can bring your rabbit to the vet for proper evaluation.

Mites: Hair loss and skin flaking in rabbits can indicate a mite infestation, often affecting one or both ears and spreading to areas like the head and feet. This causes itching, leading to scratching and ear shaking. If untreated, the skin may develop crusts, painful lesions, and infections, and severe cases can result in inner ear infections and hearing loss. At the first sign of mites, take your rabbit to the vet immediately. As a temporary measure, apply virgin coconut oil to the affected area. The vet will likely treat the mites with Ivermectin. Additionally, disinfect all items your rabbit has come into contact with, such as the floor, cage, toys, and litter box, using a bleach solution, letting it sit for 5 minutes to kill the mites, and rinse thoroughly before reintroducing these items to your rabbit.

Ringworm (Fungal Infection):

Rabbits can contract ringworm through contact with an infected animal or surface. Symptoms include crusty skin patches and fur loss, often accompanied by intense itching, and it commonly appears on the feet, ears, nose, head, and around the eyes. To treat ringworm, your vet may recommend an antibacterial and antifungal shampoo like Mycocide, safe for rabbits, until the infection clears. Be cautious when handling a rabbit with ringworm, as it can spread to humans and other animals. To prevent the infection from recurring, disinfect all items your rabbit has come into contact with, such as the floor, cage, toys, food bowl, and litter box, using a bleach solution, letting it sit for 5 minutes to kill the fungus, and rinse thoroughly before reintroducing these items to your rabbit.

Gastrointestinal Stasis:

Gastrointestinal Stasis (GI Stasis) is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition where a rabbit’s digestive system slows or stops, often going unnoticed since affected rabbits can appear normal. Signs to watch for include a sudden lack of eating and pooping, as well as a swollen belly that makes gurgling sounds, indicating painful gas buildup. GI Stasis can be triggered by stress, dehydration, gas, intestinal blockage, or low fiber intake. If left untreated, the digestive system may shut down completely, leading to death within a short time, so immediate action is crucial.

Diarrhea:

If your rabbit is passing wet or watery droppings, it’s a sign of an issue. Immediately stop all food except hay and ensure your rabbit has plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration. If dehydration signs appear, offer water mixed with Dextrose Powder. If there’s no improvement within 24 hours, take your rabbit to a vet experienced with rabbits, who may perform a fecal test to check for bacterial or parasitic causes that require further treatment.

Rabbit Poop & Cecotropes:

A rabbit’s droppings provide valuable insights into its health, with two types: fecal pellets and cecotropes. Fecal pellets, the small, round, dry droppings seen in the litter box, reflect the rabbit’s diet and digestive health. Healthy pellets are large, round, brown, and dry but not too hard. Small, dry pellets may indicate insufficient hay or fiber, while overly soft droppings suggest too rich a diet. Runny stools or diarrhea may signal digestive issues or parasites, and stringy poop linked with fur indicates excessive hair consumption, requiring more water, hay, and brushing. Cecotropes, small, shiny clusters with a strong odor, are nutrient-rich and consumed directly by rabbits for digestion. If a rabbit isn’t eating them, it can lead to malnutrition, often due to a high-sugar or high-fat diet, so a balanced diet is important.

Cancer:

Unspayed adult rabbits, especially females, are at a higher risk of developing cancer. If you notice any unusual bumps or lumps, it’s crucial to take your rabbit to the vet promptly, as cancer, like in humans and other animals, requires immediate attention.