Understanding Your Rabbit's Health
Rabbits are remarkably sensitive animals, and their health can deteriorate quickly when something goes wrong. As prey animals, they are instinctively wired to conceal signs of illness — a behaviour that served them well in the wild but makes it genuinely difficult for owners to catch problems early. Knowing what to look for is one of the most important things you can do for your rabbit's long-term wellbeing.
Gastrointestinal Stasis: The Silent Killer
Gastrointestinal stasis, often called GI stasis, is one of the most common and serious conditions affecting domestic rabbits. It occurs when the normal movement of the digestive tract slows down or stops entirely, allowing gas to build up and harmful bacteria to proliferate. Without prompt treatment, it can be fatal within 24 to 48 hours.
The signs are often subtle at first. Your rabbit may eat less or stop eating altogether, produce fewer or smaller droppings, or sit hunched in a corner with a tense abdomen. Some rabbits will grind their teeth, a behaviour known as bruxism, which typically signals pain. If you notice any combination of these signs, contact a rabbit-savvy vet immediately — this is not a wait-and-see situation.
A diet high in hay is the single best preventive measure. Hay keeps the gut moving, provides essential fibre, and encourages the natural grinding motion of the teeth. Fresh water and limited pellets round out a balanced diet that supports digestive health.
Dental Disease in Rabbits
Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, and when they do not wear down correctly, a range of painful problems can develop. Malocclusion — the misalignment of teeth — is particularly common in lop-eared and dwarf breeds, where the jaw structure is compressed.
Overgrown incisors are visible to the naked eye, but molar spurs, which form on the back teeth, can only be detected during a veterinary examination under anaesthesia. Signs that something may be wrong include weight loss, drooling, difficulty picking up food, wet fur around the chin, and a general reluctance to eat. Regular dental check-ups every six to twelve months are advisable for all rabbits, and essential for breeds with known predispositions.
Encephalitozoon Cuniculi
Encephalitozoon cuniculi, commonly referred to as E. cuniculi, is a microscopic parasite that can lie dormant in a rabbit's body for years before triggering neurological or kidney-related symptoms. Studies suggest that a significant proportion of domestic rabbits carry the parasite, though not all will ever show signs of disease.
When symptoms do appear, they can be dramatic. Head tilt, loss of balance, rolling, eye tremors, and hind leg weakness are all associated with E. cuniculi. Kidney disease may also develop, leading to increased thirst and changes in urination. Treatment with the antiparasitic drug fenbendazole can help manage the condition, particularly if started early. Any sudden neurological change in a rabbit warrants urgent veterinary attention.
Respiratory Infections and Snuffles
Snuffles is the colloquial name for a respiratory infection in rabbits, most commonly caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. Affected rabbits typically display nasal discharge, sneezing, and sometimes conjunctivitis. In chronic cases, the infection can spread to the lungs, middle ear, or tear ducts.
- Watch for persistent sneezing or discharge from the nose or eyes
- Wet or stained fur on the inner forelegs is a sign the rabbit has been wiping its face
- Laboured breathing or open-mouth breathing requires emergency care
- Stress and poor husbandry can trigger flare-ups in carriers
Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics, but some rabbits become long-term carriers. A clean, dry, well-ventilated environment and a low-stress life help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
Uterine Cancer in Unspayed Does
Female rabbits that have not been spayed face a significant risk of developing uterine adenocarcinoma. Research indicates that up to 80 per cent of unspayed does over the age of five may develop this cancer. It is one of the most compelling reasons to have female rabbits neutered early in life, typically from around four to six months of age.
Signs can include bloody discharge from the vulva, changes in behaviour, lethargy, and weight loss. The cancer can spread to the lungs, liver, and other organs if not caught in time. Spaying eliminates this risk entirely and also prevents other reproductive conditions such as uterine infections and false pregnancies.
Flystrike
Flystrike, or myiasis, occurs when flies — most commonly the blowfly — lay eggs on a rabbit, typically around the hindquarters. The eggs hatch into maggots within hours and begin feeding on tissue. It is a veterinary emergency and can be fatal within a day if not treated.
Rabbits that are overweight, have mobility issues, or suffer from conditions causing soiled fur are at greatest risk. During warmer months, check your rabbit's hindquarters at least twice daily. Keeping the hutch clean, addressing any underlying health issues, and using veterinary-approved preventive treatments are all important safeguards.
When to See a Vet
Because rabbits hide illness so effectively, any change in behaviour, appetite, or droppings should prompt concern. A rabbit that is unusually quiet, stops eating for more than a few hours, or is not producing normal droppings needs to be seen by a vet experienced with rabbits — not all small animal practices have that specialist knowledge, so it is worth finding one before you need them urgently.
- Find a rabbit-savvy vet before an emergency arises
- Weigh your rabbit weekly to catch gradual weight loss early
- Keep a log of normal droppings so you notice changes quickly
- Never wait more than 12 hours if a rabbit has stopped eating
Rabbits can live well into their teens with attentive care. The investment you make in understanding their health needs pays dividends in the years you get to spend with them.