Rabbiting On: General Care of your Rabbit

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Myxomatosis is a distressing viral disease spread by rabbit fleas and other blood sucking insects. The first symp-toms are usually swollen eyes rapidly progressing to blindness. Affected rabbits become very ill and even with medication and nursing care, most will die as a result of the disease.

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (or VHD) is a very infectious disease that spreads easily between rabbits or via contaminated hutches, bedding or food. It can also be inadvertently transported by people or birds and can survive for many months on clothing. Affected rabbits are usually very unwell and sadly most will die.

However the good news is that we are now able to offer you vaccinations against both of these diseases. Please contact us for further information or an appointment.

Neutering.
There are many benefits to having your rabbit neutered, the most obvious being the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. Neutered rabbits also tend to be calmer and more loving, are less prone to destructive or aggressive behaviour and can usually be kept together in groups. Finally, neutering eliminates the possibility of cancer of the reproductive organs, which is a fairly common problem in middle-aged unneutered females.

Feeding.
Their ideal diet includes plenty of good quality hay, together with a selection of fresh food and a small amount of commercial rabbit food. This type of diet increases the wear on teeth (reducing the incidence of dental disease), reduces the chance of obesity and keeps them occupied for several hours each day!

In addition to traditional loose mixes, commercial rabbit foods are now also available as extruded pellets and this helps to avoid the problem of rabbits selectively feeding - leaving the vitamins and minerals uneaten.

If you would like further advice on vaccination, neutering, feeding or any other aspect of rabbit care please don’t hesitate to ask!