In this section you can access all of our information on caring for your Rabbit, Guinea Pig or other "Exotic" pets.

 

Vaccinations

Rabbits required vaccinating against Myxomatosis and VHD/HEV (Viral Haemorrhagic Disease/Hepatits E Virus). Myxomatosis is a viral disease that affects the rabbit's mucous membranes, and is normally carried by fleas and other biting insects. It is more often than not fatal. VHD/HEV is again usually fatal and spreads rapidly through rabbit populations, causing fits and eventually paralysis.

Both Myxomatosis and VHD/HEV are common in the wild rabbit population, so those kept in or near countryside areas are at a higher risk that those kept in suburban areas, however, any rabbit can potentially catch either of these diseases. We recomment vaccinating against Myxomatosis every twice yearly, and VHD/HEV once yearly, although both cannot be given at the same time.

 

Worming and Fleas

Yes, your rabbit can be treated for fleas and worms!

Rabbits can be wormed using panacur paste, which is given orally for 9 days twice a year. This helps protect them against the worm E. Cuniculi, a parasite spread via rabbit's urine, which can have potentially fatal effects, such as kidney failure, blindless and paralysis.

As with cats and dogs, we recommend Advocate for treating your rabbit against Fleas. The life cycle of the flea is dependant on temperature, flea eggs can develop into adults in as little as 14 days in very warm conditions, whilst eggs can also sit dormant for months if the weather is cold. Both outdoor and indoor rabbits are susceptible to fleas. Although treating pets is paramount, if you suspect you pet has fleas you should also treat your house - All bedding should be washed at a high temperature, and a suitable insecticide, such as Acclaim Aerosol, should be used to treat the home environment.
 

Neutering

Neutering your rabbit can help to reduce aggression and, in female rabbits, also prevent cancer from forming in the womb, which can be a common cause of death in middle-aged rabbits. Rabbits reach sexual maturity at the age of 4 months, and your rabbit can be spayed or castrated from this point onwards. It is recommended that rabbits living together are both neutered to help reduce aggression and therefore the possibility of fighting and generally improve the wellbeing of both rabbits.

 

Housing and Husbandry

Rabbits are sociable animals and it is advised they are kept in groups of two or more. As mentioned above, rabbits living together should ideally be neutered to help reduce any potential aggression that may occur. However, it is unadvisable to house rabbits and guinea pigs together, as rabbits carry a certain bacteria that may cause respiratory infections in guinea pigs.

Rabbits can be kept in an indoor or outdoor environment, however ensuring they have adequate room to move around is vital, with enough room to also stand up on their hind legs. If kept outdoors, they should be housed in a well-ventilated hutch that is secured against potential predators such as foxes, and also protected in winter against frost and other adverse weather. Rabbits can be easily litter trained, allowing rabbits to be kept as indoor pets without the worry of unwanted accidents! There should always be a fresh supply of both water and roughage, although alfalfa hay should be avoided as it has a low fibre content, alongside high levels of protein and calcium, which can have adverse health problems. We would advise a "pellet" food for your rabbit, which are well balanced diets, and recommend avoiding commercial "mixed" diets, as the rabbit will pick and choose it's favourite things from the mix - more often than not the less healthy sweet, brightly coloured pieces - which can cause health problems and obesity.

Rabbits should ideally also have an outdoor run, large enough for them to run about in, which again is secured against predators (and also so the rabbit cannot escape - make sure they can't dig their way out!). The run can have various items for the rabbit to play and interact with, including tunnels, hay blocks, large plastic balls they can push around, etc. They can then live in the run in the daytime (provided the weather is ok), and then in their hutch/indoors overnight. It is advisable to regularly move the run around your garden to provide a new environment/view for your rabbit, which helps to prevent boredom.

For further information, please contact the practice.