Rabbits

Rabbits are not all bred to be equal — in size, that is. Some are bred to be small  and cute, and others, well, they are bred to be giant. Not a Harvey size giant (you know, the six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall invisible rabbit that used to keep James Stewart company in the 1950s eponymous film), but they do grow to be much bigger than regular-sized rabbits.   Here’s a little information about five of the most popular giant rabbit breeds.   The Giant Angora is a big critter. This bunny weighs in at around 9 pounds and is the largest of the angora variety. A very fluffy bunny with a wool undercoat, it needs intense daily grooming. Hope you’ve got that brush handy. The Giant Angora is also very gentle, so it is great around kids.   The British Giant is rarely seen outside of the U.K. But this rabbit is big, starting at 12.5 pounds. It has a kind and sweet personality, the type you’d definitely take home to grandma. But because of its size, it needs plenty of room. No one wants a cramped rabbit. It’s just not right. The British Giant also comes in different colors, so you can choose one to match your decor.   The Checkered Giant weighs in at around 11 pounds and is named after its peculiar black and blue spotted coat. This rabbit is especially active, so be prepared to provide lots of room for it to move about in. It’s great for hours of playtime, too.   The Giant Chinchilla is not a larger version of the Andean rodent, but a cross between the Flemish Giant rabbit and regular Chinchilla breeds. It weighs about 12 to 14 pounds and is frequently sold commercially for its meat. No word on the quality or toughness of the meat, but remember, you’re looking for a pet and not dinner.   The Flemish Giant. This bunny may tip the scales anywhere between 13 and 14 pounds. It has even been known to reach 22 pounds or more, which would probably make it a heavy weight fighter in the World Rabbit Boxing Association, if there actually were such an association. Here’s what makes the Flemish Giant an excellent pet: it is very laid back, more dog-like than rabbit; it comes in various colors, including black, blue, fawn, gray and white; and it is one of the oldest recognized rabbit breeds. It’s like owning a humongous, long-eared piece of the past. Because of its temperament, the Flemish Giant is also well suited for a family with kids.   So now that you know a little more about the various giant bunny breeds available for purchase, there is only one question you should ask yourself when picking one out: How big is too big?

Pneumonia in Rabbits   Pneumonia occurs when there is a severe inflammation in the lungs leading to dysfunction of the entire respiratory system. This inflammation may be due to a bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic infection, or because the rabbit has inhaled a foreign object into its lung. Environmental factors, such as smoke or chemicals, an inability to swallow, coma, and dental disease may also lead to pneumonia. Symptoms and Types Some common signs seen in all four major types of pneumonia include: Anorexia Weight loss Lethargy Fever Sneezing Excessive salivation Exercise intolerance Nose discharge Eye discharge Facial abscesses Difficulty breathing Coughing is not usually a symptom seen in rabbits The bacterial form of pneumonia occurs when the responsible organism enters the lower respiratory tract, primarily through inhalation or choking, but an organism can also enter the body through the bloodstream. The body responds severely with bronchitis, swelling, lack of blood supply, tissue death, abscess formation, and even lung collapse. If the animal has a poor immune system, then even bacteria that are normally present in the mouth, throat and lungs can become infectious. Due to all of this, there may be very low levels of oxygen available in the blood. Fungal infections usually occur when the spores are inhaled, entering the lung (and sometimes the bloodstream). This triggers the rabbit’s immune system to send white blood cells to fight the invading organism. These cells are then intercepted and engulfed by the organisms, releasing a chemical (cytokine) which impairs oxygen distribution in the lungs. Viral infections occur in much the same way, except it is the virus which enters the lung and releases the cytokine. However, viruses also make rabbits more susceptible to bacterial infection; for this reason, bacterial pneumonia can be a related complication of viral pneumonia. Parisitic pneumonia, on the other hand, occurs when a parasite enters the skin or is inhaled, causing cellular damage in the lungs and depriving the rabbit of oxygen. Diagnosis Rule out other respiratory and heart disorders Urine analysis Blood serum analysis with tests specifically to identify the infectious organism (i.e., bacteria, fungus, virus) X-rays of the chest region to identify abscesses and lesions Cellular analysis of discharge from the nose and throat   Treatment If you suspect pneumonia in your rabbit you must take it to the veterinarian immediately, as untreated cases can become fatal. If the rabbit is suffering from anorexia, fever, weight loss, or lethargy, hospitalization may be required; electrolyte and fluid therapy is also helpful for maintaining and hydrating the rabbit. Your veterinarian will prescribe antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, or antibiotics, depending on the specific organism and which prescribed chemical is needed to destroy the infection. If the chest or lungs are congested, oxygen (nebulization) therapy may be used to clear the rabbit’s airways. Living and Management The rabbit’s activity should be restricted, whether or not it needs hospitalization. Also, it is imperative that you encourage your rabbit to eat during treatment and following treatment. In addition to its pellet diet, offer a large selection of fresh, moistened greens such as cilantro, romaine lettuce, parsley, and carrot tops. If the rabbit is refusing to eat, a syringe of gruel may be necessary. Your veterinarian will advise you on the best way to feed your rabbit, and which foods are best under the specific circumstances. Featured Image: iStock.com/skynesher

Polyuria and Polydipsia in Rabbits Polyuria is defined as greater than normal urine production, and polydipsia as greater than normal water consumption. The average normal water intake for rabbits is 50-150 mL/kg body weight daily. This is the general expectation of water consumption, since rabbits that are fed large amounts of water-containing foods, such as leafy vegetables, will drink less water than those that are on a dry diet of hay and pellets. Normal urine production is generally expected to be between 120-130 mL/kg body weight per day. The balance between urine production and thirst are controlled by interactions between the kidneys, pituitary gland, and the hypothalamus center in the brain. Excess thirst usually occurs as a result of excess urination, as the body responds to the loss of fluid and attempts to to maintain hydration. The rabbit’s plasma fluids become highly concentrated, and this activates the thirst mechanisms. Occasionally, excess urine occurs as the result of excess thirst. In this situation, blood plasma becomes very diluted because of the excessive water intake, stimulating the center that causes frequent urination. This condition mainly affects the kidney and the heart system. Symptoms and Types Excessive thirst – drinking much more than normal Excessive and frequent urination, possibly with occasional urinary incontinence Causes Renal (kidney) failure Hepatic (liver) failure Drugs Diabetes Large quantities of sodium chloride Behavioral problems, etc. Diagnosis There are several possible causes for polyuria and polydipsia, so your veterinarian will most likely use differential diagnosis to find the underlying cause. This process is guided by deeper inspection of the apparent outward symptoms, ruling out each of the more common causes until the correct disorder is settled upon and can be treated appropriately. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Visual diagnostics will include ultrasonography and X-ray imaging of the abdominal region. Your veterinarian will be looking for some of the more obvious and common causes, like crystals (stones) in the urine and/or urinary tract, bacterial infection, and pus cells in the urine, indicative of an immune reaction to an infection in the urinary organs. Treatment It is imperative to continue providing water until the mechanism of the disease and the cause of it are clear and the appropriate medications can be prescribed. Encourage plenty of oral fluid intake by offering your rabbit fresh water, wetting leafy vegetables, or flavoring water with vegetable juice. Offer a large selection of fresh, moistened greens such as cilantro, romaine lettuce, parsley, carrot tops, dandelion greens, spinach, collard greens, and good-quality timothy and grass hay instead of alfalfa hay. If your rabbit cannot or will not ingest enough food and water on its own to recover, you will need to maintain fluid levels and hydration by stomach tube feeding of water and nutrients. If kidney stones were found to be the underlying cause of the polyuria, your veterinarian will instruct you to decrease calcium sources, at least until the problem is resolved. Dehydration can rapidly become life threatening. To make sure that your rabbit is sufficiently hydrated, you will need to commit to frequent monitoring of urine output and water intake throughout the day.

Trichobezoars in Rabbits A trichobezoar is a technical reference for a mat of hair that has been ingested, and that is often combined with thick or undigested food. It is located in the stomach and/or intestines. It is not abnormal to find hair in a rabbit’s stomach, since they self-groom, and this normally would not cause symptoms or be a cause for concern or a sign of disease. However, inspissated stomach contents (thick, dry, and less fluid and motile), which may include hair, is an abnormal finding and a cause for further inspection. The finding of inspissated contents or a mass of hair may suggest that your rabbit is receiving too little fiber in its diet, or that there is a problem with its gastrointestinal tract. Unlike cats, which also can suffer from excessive trichobezoars, rabbits are not physically capable of vomiting the contents of their stomachs. For this reason, everything that goes into a rabbit’s mouth must be able to pass through the digestive tract, otherwise, the presence of excess hair can lead to severe complications, such as intestinal blockage. If the issue is not resolved quickly, the condition can be fatal. Symptoms and Types The signs, symptoms, and type of trichobezoars suffered by the rabbit can depend largely on the causes for the disease and the severity of the problem. Some common signs and symptoms of matted hair in the stomach may include: Inappropriate eating habits, including consumption of too many pellets, cereals, and grains during the day History of illness or stress Weight loss Chronic disease Scant and small fecal pellets Diarrhea Abdominal distension Slow movement in the stomach, distension or hardening of the stomach Firm ingestible material found in the stomach Few abdominal sounds coming from the stomach Delayed emptying of the stomach Abdominal pain on palpation or touching of the stomach Decreased activity, and too much time spent in caged quarters Teeth grinding, hunched posture and other signs of pain Weakness or collapse Symptoms of shock Causes There are several causes for trichobezoars, or hairballs, in the stomachs of rabbits. These include improper nutrition, and dehydration of the stomach contents. Sometimes metabolic diseases, pain, or stress can contribute to the formation and accumulation of hairballs or matted hair in the stomach. Usually, the finding is that too little gastrointestinal motility is to blame for the collection of hair and other materials in the stomach. One of the culprits may be feeding the rabbit too little hay or coarse fiber, necessary for pushing contents through the digestive tract. Anorexia – an inability to eat — or simply a prolonged poor appetite can also contribute to the problem. Diagnosis There will always be conditions to rule out prior to diagnosing trichobezoars, or related conditions. Diagnostic imaging, such as what can be viewed on X-ray, will allow your veterinarian to investigate the functions of the colon and gastrointestinal tract, and to view the stasis (obstruction), or inability of the digestive tract to pass fecal matter through to the anus. Your doctor will need to determine if there is in fact an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, or in the motility, and whether a life-threatening emergency may exist. If an obstruction us found, emergency treatment will be necessary, as this can quickly because a life threatening situation. In acute (sudden) cases, shock may occur, so it is important to take sensible action quickly. Distension of the stomach is usually clear, and a quick inspection by your veterinarian will find food and hair in the gastric contents. Ultrasound is an excellent diagnostic tool for visualization of the stomach’s contents, and to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment Severe bloating of the abdomen can be life-threatening, so prompt treatment will be vital to the life of your rabbit. If you find your rabbit with an abnormally distended belly, you will need to take it to the veterinary clinic to be evaluated as soon as possible. Treatment will consist of immediate administration of fluid therapy to re-hydrate the gastric contents in the hope of making the contents more motile. Stomach massage can also sometimes help relieve impacted contents from the stomach cavity. Decompression may also be helpful. Activity is often recommended for more mobile animals to help promote action within the gastrointestinal system, and a proper diet is essential for restoring proper growth of intestinal flora, and prevention of the overgrowth of bacterial pathogens that could disrupt the healthy growth of bacteria in the gut. A large selection of natural greens, including collard greens, romaine lettuce, parsley, and spinach are a few of the many greens that are recommended as part of a healthy daily diet for rabbits. Living and Management If your rabbit is capable of moving, you should continue to encourage it to do so, avoid pellets and other unhealthy snacks unless otherwise advised by your veterinarian. Rest and relaxation is recommended, with frequent breaks for stretching and motion. Analgesics (pain relievers) can be helpful for relieving intestinal pain, and antibiotic therapy may be helpful for patients with the diarrhea that is associated with bacterial infections. Be sure to continue the full prescribed treatment until the medication is completely used, and then follow-up with your veterinarian for further advice. Some drugs, such as NSAIDs, are not indicated for rabbits that are suffering from renal (kidney) failure, and in fact could be placed at further health risk of administered the wrong drugs. You will need to make sure that your veterinarian is aware of your rabbit’s health history, especially if your rabbit needs to be treated on an emergency basis and the animal caregiver is not familiar with your rabbit’s background health. There are safer drug alternatives that can be just as effective. Rabbits that are treated promptly and effectively for trichobezoars have a good prognosis for a complete recovery. Featured Image: iStock.com/Carmen Romero

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Osteoarthritis in Rabbits Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes the cartilage surrounding the joints to deteriorate. Arthritis, on the other hand, is the general medical term for inflamed joints. And much like humans, rabbits can suffer from osteoarthritis. Symptoms and Types  Symptoms of DJD vary depending on severity and cause, though affected rabbits may show lameness or a stiff gait, restricted motion, or be unable to hop. These symptoms may also worsen with exercise or after long periods of immobility. Animals with a history of joint trauma, such as fracture or dislocation, are sometimes prone to arthritis. In addition, a physical examination by a veterinarian may reveal further symptoms such as joint swelling and pain, joint instability, or an inability to properly groom (flaky skin or feces residue on the behind), depending on which joints are involved. Causes DJD may result as a secondary symptom of an alternate problem such as trauma or joint instability. Or it may be a primary symptom, resulting from long-term joint use which usually comes with aging. Obesity is sometimes identified as a risk factor, as obese animals place more pressure on the joints. However, there is no predisposing cause that leads to the primary form of arthritis. Diagnosis Diagnosis of DJD may be done based on an assessment of past symptoms, such as decreased activity or stiffness, as well as a physical examination which will reveal a decreased range of motion, stiff-legged gait, deformity of the joints, and swelling or pain in the joints. Further diagnostic procedures may include X-rays and an analysis of the fluid surrounding the joints.   Treatment Rabbits with DJD can be treated at home by limiting exercise and administering prescribed medications. Physical therapy may be recommended by the veterinarian to help enhance movement and limb function. For obese patients, however, a diet plan to encourage weight loss decreases the stress on the joint. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed to alleviate inflammation and pain. While surgery may be a treatment option in some cases, such as reconstructive procedures to fix unstable joints. Living and Management Unfortunately, DJD is a progressive condition, and symptoms do eventually worsen. Nevertheless, there are some things which can be done to make the patient more comfortable. Soft clean bedding is important, and activity should be limited to a level where the rabbit still feels relaxed. Rabbits in pain may also be reluctant to eat. These pets should be encouraged to eat by feeding fresh moist greens such as spinach, dandelion greens, carrot tops, and cilantro. If the rabbit still refuses to eat, nutrient injections may be necessary. Prevention Identifying and correcting predisposing causes, such as obesity, may help prevent the development of DJD. And while DJD is not necessarily preventable – especially for rabbits of old age – some sort of medical or surgical treatment generally allows for a good quality of life. Featured Image: iStock.com/Capuski

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When Rabbits Ingest Rat Poison If a rabbit eats certain rat poisons, the blood will not clot properly (coagulopathy). This is a relatively common type of poisoning in rabbits, as many of these rat poisons are sold over the counter and widely used in homes. While all rabbits are susceptible, those kept outdoors or allowed to free-roam the house may be at higher risk. This condition is also more prevalent in the spring and fall, as rodenticide products are more frequently used during these seasons. Symptoms and Types It may take several days for the symptoms to occur and ultimately depend on the amount of poison eaten, as well as the amount of clotting factors circulating in the rabbit’s body. Symptoms may include: Difficulty or pain while breathing (Dyspnea) Presence of blood in the urine (Hematuria) Muffled heart or lung sounds Sluggish behavior Depression Swollen joints Pale mucous membranes (the moist tissues lining the body’s openings, such as the nose) Causes Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning in rabbits is caused by exposure to specific rat poisons. Warfarin, pindone, brodifacoum, and diphacinone are just some of the anticoagulants that you may find in these type of poisons. It is also more dangerous for rabbits to ingest small doses over several days than ingest a single large dose, but either type of exposure may lead to poisoning. Diagnosis An analysis of blood or liver samples is the best way to confirm the rabbit’s exposure to rat poison and can also determine the specific product ingested. Other tests include bleeding time (how long it takes for blood to clot), X-rays, and urine analysis. Treatment If the rabbit is in crisis, then the pet needs to be kept in hospital for treatment. Begin treatment immediately after ingestion (within 24 to 48 hours) by administering activated charcoal to the rabbit to treat poisoning. It also important to bring the suspected package of rat poison with you, so the veterinarian can identify the active rodenticide agent and treat the pet accordingly. Duration of therapy will depend on the type and amount of poison ingested. And any further measures which may be necessary are dependent on the symptoms the rabbit displays, such as blood transfusions in cases of hemorrhage. Living and Management After initial treatment, the rabbit should be confined and activity limited to avoid further blood loss. It is important the pet continues to eat, and to take any prescribed medications, vitamins, or other dietary supplements as prescribed by a veterinarian. Prevention Keeping rodent toxins away from rabbits can prevent anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning. And don’t forget, monitor your pet carefully. Featured Image: iStock.com/skynesher

Like human infants, rabbits are very oral creatures, meaning they like to put anything and everything into their mouths to check things out. Unfortunately, also like babies, they put inappropriate (and sometimes dangerous!) things in their mouths that can potentially hurt or even kill them. One of the most inappropriate objects rabbits sometimes chew on? Electric cords. If the cord isn’t live (plugged in and carrying current), the main risk to the rabbit is whether she has ingested any of the plastic or electrical wire, which may contain toxic metals, cause lacerations in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and potentially GI upset or obstruction. If the cord is plugged in, the rabbit could suffer anything from a mild burn in her mouth to heart damage, fluid in the lungs, and death. If you witness your rabbit chewing on a live cord, do not reach out and touch your rabbit or the cord, or you risk electrocution as well. Keep calm and turn off the main electrical breaker, safely unplug the wire, or push your rabbit away from the live cord using a piece of dry wood like a broom. Once the rabbit is free of the cord, have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Perform CPR on the way if your rabbit is not breathing and does not have a heartbeat. Signs Your Bunny May Show After an Electric Cord Bite The injury a rabbit experiences after biting an electric cord depends on the type and intensity of the electrical current, and the length of time the rabbit is exposed to it. Burns If a rabbit bites a live electrical cord, she may have burns inside and around her mouth, lips, gums, and tongue. The fur around her mouth may appear singed. Cardiac and Respiratory Issues Because the electric current runs from the point of contact in the mouth throughout the body to critical organs such as the heart and lungs, cardiac and respiratory signs can ensue. Significantly affected rabbits may: Have trouble breathing Demonstrate excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing Exhibit wheezing or crackling sounds as they breathe Collapse Die suddenly Some rabbits may appear restless and agitated, having difficulty getting comfortable and refusing to sit or lie down. More significantly affected rabbits may develop heart rhythm problems or have such trouble breathing that they collapse or die suddenly. Some effects associated with electric cord bite, such as fluid accumulation in the lungs, may not appear for up to two days after contact with the cord. All rabbits who may have been electrocuted after chewing on an electric cord should be checked out by a veterinarian. How Vets Diagnose Electrocution in Rabbits As soon as you arrive at the vet’s office, your vet will likely ask questions such as: When the electric cord bite occurred Whether the cord was live with electrical current How long the pet was exposed to the current Whether the animal appears to have ingested any of the cord How the pet has been acting since the bite happened If your rabbit is having trouble breathing or has pink frothy fluid around her mouth—a sign that may indicate pulmonary edema, or excess fluid in the lungs—she will likely be given oxygen to help her breathe even before your vet examines her. If your pet appears relatively stable when you arrive, the veterinarian will perform a full physical examination on your bunny, checking inside of and around her mouth for burns and listening to her heart and lungs for arrhythmias or crackling sounds suggestive of pulmonary edema. They may take x-rays of the chest and/or an electrocardiogram (a printout showing how the heart beats) to further assess heart and lung function. They also may draw blood to monitor major organs, such as the kidneys and liver. Pulmonary edema can take several hours to develop after electrocution, so pets showing any cardiac or respiratory difficulty will likely be admitted to the hospital for monitoring and any additional diagnostic tests and treatments that may be needed. Treating Electrocution in Rabbits The extent of your rabbit’s injuries will determine the treatment the vet gives and if and how long the animal needs to be hospitalized. Rabbits with extreme difficulty breathing and fluid in their lungs will be placed in an oxygen cage and may be given diuretics to help eliminate the fluid and ease breathing. To treat signs of shock and collapse, the rabbit may be given intravenous fluids containing essential electrolytes, many of which leak out through oozing burns. Heart medications to manage arrhythmias may be necessary. Antibiotics will likely be administered to try to prevent infection of burned, ulcerated tissue, and a pain reliever and/or anti-inflammatory agent will be given to lessen painful discomfort. If the rabbit’s eyes have been burned or ulcerated, a topical ointment or eye drop may be administered. As proper nutrition is critical to helping burned tissues heal, if the rabbit’s mouth is too uncomfortable for the pet to eat on her own, she will likely be syringe-fed a slurry of liquid food several times per day. Questions to Ask Your Vet About Rabbit Electrocution Once your veterinarian assesses your bunny’s injuries, go over the findings and treatment options together. Questions to ask include: What types of medications will be administered Which tests will be done How long the vet expects your pet to stay in the hospital How much the vet estimates care will cost What the long-term prognosis is What, if any, potential future complications the bunny may develop Your vet may not be able to give you definitive answers to all of these questions until they see how your pet responds to initial treatment. But you should be able to have an ongoing dialogue with your vet over the first 24-48 hours your bunny is admitted to the hospital to see how the treatment, prognosis, and estimated costs evolve. Recovery After Rabbit Electrocution Once your rabbit is stable enough to be released from the hospital, you may be asked to continue medical treatment at home. Depending on the extent of your pet’s injuries, you may have to continue to administer oral and/or topical antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs. If the bunny isn’t eating well on her own, you may have to syringe-feed her several times a day until her appetite returns and any oral injuries have healed. Rabbits with heart damage or pulmonary edema may go home on cardiac medications or diuretics with instructions to rest them in their cages at home. Most veterinarians will want to recheck a bunny within a week or so after an electric cord bite to ensure no further complications have popped up. Rabbits with severe burns will need to be examined again after their burns start to heal to ensure that infection hasn’t developed and that no additional treatment (such as skin graft or wound debridement surgery) is necessary. Monitoring for Complications When your rabbit comes home from the hospital, you should carefully monitor her appetite to ensure she’s getting the critical nutrients it needs to heal—especially if she’s receiving antibiotics that can throw off the delicate balance of bacteria in her intestinal tract. If your rabbit isn’t eating well, you should alert your vet, who may then prescribe supplemental syringe feeding. In addition, monitor burns or wounds for discharge or foul smells, which indicate an infection is present. If these signs occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. Rabbits recovering from electric cord bite should gradually regain their energy and appetite. If your rabbit appears more lethargic or weak after returning from the hospital, she should be rechecked by your vet as soon as possible. How to Prevent Electric Cord Bite Injuries in Rabbits The best way to prevent rabbits from chewing on electric cords is to make the cords inaccessible. Cords should be taped up, out of the rabbit’s reach. Any cords that can’t be made completely unreachable should be covered with cord covers (often called spiral cable wrap), which are available at electronic stores. Most bunnies cannot chew through this wrap, but a few persistent ones have—so it’s always best to remove cords completely from their reach, if possible. Once the cords are no longer a temptation, give your rabbit something good to chew on, like hay and wooden toys. And above all: Rabbits should never be left unsupervised in rooms that haven’t been “bunny-proofed.” Their curiosity could prove deadly. Featured Image: iStock/MarianVejcik