Page 2 - Winter 2010/2011

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...
to the Winter edition of Small Talk!
With Christmas
indulgences behind us and a raft of New Year’s Resolutions, we have a timely
article looking at the role of exercise in weight management of our pets. There
has been a rise in popularity of the rabbit and it is now the third most common
pet in this country. However, diseases and disorders that may seem trivial in
dogs and cats can often be much more complicated in the rabbit and frequently
are the result of inappropriate husbandry – the article on preventative healthcare
in rabbits should make valuable reading. Teeth will be a focus of attention in all
our practices as we approach spring, so there is a heads up on what to look
out for. Finally, for those a little more adventurous, is a discussion on what to
consider if you plan to breed from your bitch. Hopefully the articles will be
informative, but equally they should prompt further questions, so do
not hesitate to contact us for advice on any issues that they raise.
Welcome...
Rabbit
Preventative Health
by
Kathryne Harris BVMS, MRCVS
Minster Veterinary Practice
R
abbits
are now considered to be the
third most common household pet, and
with people living busier lives in smaller
homes they make the perfect companion for
many families.
However, it is important to recognise that rabbits
have special requirements and need very
different care to that of our dogs and cats.
Rabbits are essentially a prey animal, and this
inbuilt fear of being attacked lies at the heart
of their habits and behaviour.
Rabbits need to be able to graze all day (just like
cows) on grass or hay. They need to have a
secure warm shelter to escape to and to protect
them from the elements. This shelter should
mimic the 'burrow' that they would create and
use in the wild. Rabbits love hollow tubes and
cardboard boxes, along with shelves to
stand on to see all around them.
Rabbits need careful secure
handling as, being a prey species,
they may worry that anyone
picking them up is attacking them.
Your practice nurse can give plenty
of advice on how to hold, house
and feed your bunny.
The main problems we see in
bunnies are as a direct result of
a poor diet, including dental
disease, flystrike, obesity, bloat
and bladder problems.
Bunny rabbits can be vaccinated against two
common fatal diseases. The most well known
of these is myxomatosis; a virus spread by
fleas and mosquitoes. It causes the eyes and
lips to become so swollen and infected that
they can no longer eat.
The less well known disease, but equally fatal
is Viral Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea. This virus
causes acute bleeding and sudden death, and
it can be easily passed between rabbits.
Both of these diseases can be prevented by
regular vaccinations which your vet can explain
in more detail. House rabbits should also be
vaccinated as they can be exposed to these
illnesses via their owners and other pets in
the home.
Rabbits do get parasites, and the most
unpleasant of these is called encephalitozoon
cuniculi, passed on from infected wild bunnies
via grass and plants or direct contact. It causes
neurological changes, often referred to as 'floppy
bunny syndrome'. This can be prevented by
regular use of a rabbit specific wormer 2-4 times
a year. We also recommend washing and drying
any plants/dandelions etc before giving them to
your rabbit. Treats such as carrots or honeyed
snacks should only be given in small amounts,
2 or 3 times weekly.
Rabbits respond well to regular handling and
become very loving and curious pets. Daily
handling means they can be regularly checked
for any signs of ill health such as flystrike
(maggots which burrow into the skin) or bloat.
We see plenty of geriatric bunnies and can
successfully manage age specific problems,
such as arthritis, with long-term medication.
I love my bunnies, and I am sure if you have the
pleasure of keeping them as pets you do too.
If you would like to read more about rabbits,
the Rabbit Welfare Fund (RAW) website
www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk
is a great source
of information.
Tim Hutchinson BVSc, CertSAS, MRCVS,
Larkmead Veterinary Group