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Home , Domestic rabbit, Pasteurella

CARE OF

in protein, calories, and , which may be Introduction undesirable in some patients. It is more difficult to return overweight to their proper The domestic , Oryctolagus weight and to control some cases of chronic soft cuniculus, is a descendant of wild rabbits living stools if patients are fed large amounts of in western and northern Africa. In their . In addition, it is not helpful to mix grass natural environment, rabbits are gregarious and and alfalfa hay, as the more palatable alfalfa hay reproductively successful. They are completely will be eaten exclusively and the grass hay left herbivorous (eat only plants) and most actively behind. rabbits have been placed on an all forage in the twilight or nighttime hours. hay for up to 4 months to treat digestive tract Rabbits use their claws to dig and burrow into disorders without ill effect. the ground for shelter and protection. They The three main drawbacks to hay are: rarely stand their ground when threatened but instead use their considerable speed and Some rabbit owners are allergic to hay dust maneuverability to escape harm. Domestic and cannot be exposed to it. rabbits or wild rabbits kept in captivity, however, Hay can contain the eggs of Baylisascaris can display an amazing degree of aggression procyonis (the raccoon roundworm) if it was when upset or threatened. taken from the top of the pile in an open Rabbits make excellent . They are hayloft or left outside on the ground relatively easy to care for and can be litterbox- uncovered. trained. Their fastidious nature, unaggressive It may be difficult to obtain quality grass hay behavior and quiet manner make them year round. increasingly popular house pets. Rabbits live an average of 5-10 years A less desirable but usable alternative to (potential life span, 15 years). Males reach loose hay is pressed hay cubes, which can be breeding age at 6-10 months of age, and females purchased in many pet and feed stores. at 5-9 months of age. Pregnancy lasts 29-35 The second most important part of the days (average of 31-32 days) and litters average diet of the pet rabbit is clean, fresh leafy greens, 4-10 bunnies. (See Important Physiologic including kale, collards, beet tops, carrot tops, Values on the last page). parsley, dandelion greens, chicory, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, raspberry leaves, basil, Diet mint, endive, raddichio, wheat grass, and Swiss chard to name a few. A minimum of three The diet recommended for the different greens should be fed daily, but the more noncommercial, non-breeding pet rabbit is free variety the better. If the rabbit has never had choice grass hay and large amounts of fresh leafy greens, establish it on hay first; then introduce a greens with added vegetables and fruits. Hay is variety of greens over a few weeks at a minimum the most important part of the diet as it provides amount of 1 cup of tightly packed greens per 1 a naturally high indigestible fiber source and kg body weight per day. Once rabbits are well encourages proper tooth wear. Good quality established on this diet, the total volume of grass hay is also rich in other needed nutrients greens is unrestricted. Rarely, an owner will such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and observe a soft stool in relation to a particular carbohydrates. Grass hays available in the green food (parsley is a common culprit); that United States include timothy, oat, barley, and food may be removed from the diet. Rabbits that bromegrass or mixed grasses. Alfalfa hay can be ingest large amounts of greens will greatly used if grass hay is not available, but it is higher decrease the amount of water they drink. Other

1 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 fresh foods fed in smaller amounts include desired, where fresh hay cannot be fed, or where carrots, pea pods, green pepper, broccoli, owner compliance feeding the “natural” diet is brussels sprouts, melons, berries, apples, pears, poor. Unless a weight gain is desired, the peaches, papaya, pineapple, and mango. Avoid amount of any pellets used in the pet rabbit diet feeding legumes or grains (including bread, should be restricted. cookies, oats, and corn), which are high in Fresh water is offered free choice and starch, and grapes and bananas, which often are should not be contaminated with supplements, “addictive.” Fresh food provides not only which may reduce water consumption. As important fiber, fluid, and other nutrients, but mentioned, rabbits on a diet high in fresh foods also likely provides stimulation in terms of drink considerable less water than a rabbit on a different tastes and textures of foods. Rabbits pelleted or all hay diet. Rabbits should be fed a diet comprised primarily of grass hay and encouraged to exercise daily; ideally, they should fresh foods are less likely to chew their own or not be kept in cages but rather in large pens. other rabbits‟ fur and are less likely to spend Daily exercise has multiple health benefits time chewing on cage bars, dry wall, furniture, including improvement of digestive tract and newspaper. motility. Owners like to feed “treat” foods, and The solution to many rabbit health they can be encouraged to find special fresh problems is feeding an appropriate diet for this foods, particularly fruits, that can be used in this species. The biggest obstacle to a healthy diet manner. In addition, fresh nontoxic tree has been owner resistance to abandoning what branches, blocks of untreated soft wood, and has historically been touted as the “proper” unfinished grass or wicker baskets can all serve rabbit diet (i.e., pellets). In addition, some rabbit as excellent “dietary toys” as well as exercise for owners like to feed their rabbits an assortment of the teeth. treat foods that are usually high in fat or starch, The least important part of the diet of the which only complicates matters further. Once a noncommercial, non-reproductive pet rabbit is lethargic, overweight rabbit that produced soft commercial pellets. The free choice feeding of a stools has been on a healthy diet for a few weeks, variety of commercial pellets has contributed to we often hear comments like, “I didn‟t know he innumerable cases of dental disease, obesity, had that much energy! He isn‟t a „couch rabbit‟ enteritis (inflamed ), ileus, and gastric anymore.” stasis. After removing or severely restricting commercial pellets in the diet of the pet rabbit Eating of Night and supplementing it with hay and greens, the frequency with which these conditions are seen Rabbits engage in relatively uncommon has been reduced dramatically. Commercial but normal behavior when they deliberately eat pellets are based on alfalfa meal, grains, and small, soft, moist (often mucus-covered), light other supplements and are designed for the rapid green fecal pellets directly from the anus. These growth of the commercial or laboratory rabbit special “night stools” are especially rich in that is usually not intended to live out its full life protein, vitamins and minerals. Rabbits must span. To the credit of some feed companies obtain these nutrients in this fashion. This there are commercial pellets now being produced behavior is most often carried out in the early that are more suitable for the pet rabbit. They morning hours and is rarely observed by rabbit have a high fiber content (18% minimum), a owners. Sometimes, however, they choose not moderate to low protein level (14%-16%), and to eat the night pellets, and you may notice these low calcium and fat. These “pet rabbit” pellets slightly different droppings in the morning. can be used in situations where a weight gain is

2 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 Handling and Restraint recommended. The Plexiglass or towels provide relief from constant and continual contact with Improper handling may cause serious, the wire floor, helping to prevent hutch sores on life-threatening injuries. Fractures and the feet (see section on Hutch Sores – Sore dislocations of the back, most often resulting in Hocks). A water bottle or ceramic crock, food paralysis of both rear legs, are the most common dish and a litterbox should be provided for the injuries. These injuries also occur when rabbits rabbit inside the enclosure. are suddenly frightened and attempt to escape Under no circumstances should rabbits be from a small enclosure. allowed total freedom within the home. Rabbits A rabbit‟s spine is relatively lightweight love to chew and can be very destructive to and fragile. When a rabbit becomes frightened, household furnishings. Further, they can be it violently struggles by powerfully kicking its seriously injured by biting into telephone and back legs. The lightning-fast movements of the electrical cords. rear legs cause over-extension of the lumbosacral Like , rabbits can be easily trained to (lower back) region of the spine, which use a litterbox in the home. If the rabbit has frequently results in fractures or dislocations. already selected an area for elimination, the One should never try to overpower a struggling litterbox should be placed in this location. It rabbit. If a rabbit violently resists physical helps to place some of the rabbit‟s fecal pellets in restraint, it should be immediately released and the litterbox to encourage its use. approached later when it has calmed down. Rabbits housed outdoors should be A soft-spoken, relaxed approach with confined in roomy wire cages with Plexiglass rabbits works well. Covering the eyes and covering about one-half of the floor‟s surface lightly stroking a rabbit will usually result in a area. The wire mesh should be just large enough hypnotic-like trance that often renders them less to allow fecal pellets to drop through. A water prone to panic and injury. bottle or ceramic crock and a heavy food dish Rabbits should never be picked up by should be provided. their . If you are concerned about being Adequate shade and a “hiding spot” scratched by the claws, place a towel over the should be provided as well. Rabbits are typically rabbit‟s back and wrap it around the body to anxious, wary animals and are easily frightened. restrain all 4 feet before picking up the rabbit. This is especially true of newly acquired pet An alternative method of picking up a rabbit rabbits and rabbits kept for reasons other than as involves sliding one hand under its breast bone pets. A concealed area into which these rabbits and grasping both front legs between the fingers can retreat when they feel threatened is necessary of this hand. The other hand is then gently to prevent injury that would result from worked under the rear quarters to fully support excessive and futile efforts to escape from the them as the rabbit is lifted upwards, in the same cage. Hiding provides a safe alternative to manner as cats are held. useless and often injurious escape efforts. Shade must be provided to prevent heat Housing Considerations or heat . All rabbits, even those housed indoors, are especially sensitive to high Rabbits can be housed indoors or environmental temperatures. Adequate shelter outdoors. Indoor rabbits should be confined to a must also be provided against wind, rain, snow, suitable enclosure when their activity cannot be ice, and especially predators. Rabbits kept adequately supervised. A roomy wire cage with outdoors do not have as long a lifespan as those at least one-half of the floor‟s surface area kept indoors. covered with Plexiglass or washable towels is

3 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 Surgical Considerations undertaken early in the course of the disease, is often rewarding. Spay/Neuter Ideally, prospective owners should obtain their pet rabbit from a Pasteurella-free rabbitry, Pet rabbits not intended for breeding but this is not always possible. Regardless of should be neutered at any time after 5 months of origin, all newly acquired pet rabbits should be age. Male rabbits (especially of the dwarf thoroughly examined by a as soon as varieties) have a tendency to become aggressive possible after purchase. upon reaching sexual maturity. : As mentioned in the previous (castration) is the best way to reduce the severity section on , rabbits are very of the problems (biting, urine spraying) seen in prone to formation. The sexually mature male rabbits. most often involved in these abscesses Female rabbits should be spayed include and (ovariohysterectomized) to prevent unwanted Staphylococcus aureus. Abscesses represent pregnancy and uterine . Uterine tumors focal areas of and may be in single are the most common type in females and often or multiple locations. The most important associated with serious blood loss. Spaying consideration regarding this condition is the female rabbits may also help to prevent or reduce way in which abscesses must be treated. territorial aggression among females. Because rabbit pus is roughly the consistency of toothpaste, lancing and draining abscesses Requiring are difficult and attempts to do so may be Veterinary Attention futile. Abscesses should be treated as if they were tumors and be surgically removed. In Bacterial Disease addition, an appropriate should be given. Pasteurellosis: The bacterium, Respiratory Disease: Most respiratory Pasteurella multocida, is the major infectious diseases of rabbits are caused by the bacterium, agent of rabbits. It is most often transmitted Pasteurella multocida, though other bacteria are among chronically infected does and their litters often involved. In rare instances, the protozoan or between breeding males and females. (one-celled) organisms that cause coccidiosis Bacteria most often reside in the nose, lungs and colonize the nasal passages and cause respiratory eye membranes, but can spread to other areas of disease. Respiratory signs often include the body. sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, eye Pasteurellosis of rabbits may take many discharge, listlessness, inappetence and different forms. Respiratory disease, including . pneumonia and infection of the nasal passages Respiratory disease of rabbits must be and sinuses, is very common. Infections of the aggressively treated with an appropriate eye membranes, middle , jawbone and uterus antibiotic (determined by a bacterial culture and are most often the result of the Pasteurella antibiotic sensitivity test) and for an appropriate organism. Abscesses are also common and length of item to prevent relapses. A total cure occur when the Pasteurella organism settles in a for Pasteurella-related disease may be very specific location. difficult. Pasteurella infections may become Eye infections are relatively common incurable if untreated or improperly treated. extensions of sinus infections in rabbits and Aggressive antibiotic with the should be treated aggressively with systemic appropriate drugs, however, especially if (body-wide) and topical . This is

4 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 important because the eyes are connected to the Infected rabbits develop multiple raised, brain by important nerves. If an eye infection crusted and sometimes bleeding ulcers on the goes unchecked, encephalitis (infection of the external genitalia, around the anus, and on the brain) is a common and dangerous consequence. face (particularly the nose). Affected rabbits Common signs of eye infections include remain alert and the condition usually disappears accumulation of debris at the corner of the eye, after several weeks. Treatment is recommended and soiling of the hair below the lower eyelid. and involves antibiotic injections. Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, which normally drains tears form the eye into the nasal cavity, causes tears to spill onto the hair below Fungal Disease the lower eyelid. Long-term use of topical antibacterial Ringworm: Ringworm is a relatively ophthalmic ointment may correct nasolacrimal uncommon fungal disease in rabbits. It is caused duct obstruction; flushing is required in some by an agent similar to the one that causes cases. athlete‟s foot in people. It is transmitted easily by direct contact with fungal spores on haircoats, Internal Bacterial Infections bedding and soil. It most commonly affects juvenile rabbits and susceptible adults, usually Internal bacterial infections from a host causing multiple hairless areas with slightly of bacterial organisms are common among reddened skin. These hairless areas are often rabbits. Affected rabbits show a wide variety of covered with a slight or heavy crust. The signs because multiple organs (liver, kidney, patches usually occur on the head, ears and intestinal tract, brain, etc) are usually involved. forelimbs. Laboratory workups (blood, urine, Spot application of topical preparations bacterial cultures) are vital to properly diagnose can be used to treat a few individual areas, but and monitor the progress of these cases. oral medication is required if ringworm affects Laboratory test also help predict the outcome. much of the body. Rabbits suffering from these serious Ringworm can be transmitted to multiple organ bacterial infections (septicemias) susceptible people (including children). Caution must be aggressively treated with appropriate should, therefore, be exercised in handling antibiotics and proper supportive care (nutrition, rabbits with ringworm. fluids, etc). Recovery usually requires several weeks or more of treatment. If infection results Viral Disease in formation of internal abscesses, a cure may be virtually impossible. Viral diseases affecting pet rabbits are Venereal Spirochetosis (Rabbit Syphilis): rarely identified. Fortunately, such devastating Rabbit syphilis is a relatively rare sexually viral diseases as are very transmitted (venereal) disease of pet rabbits. uncommon in pet rabbits in the US. Rabies is This disease is caused by a slender, spiral virtually unknown in pet rabbits. bacterium (spirochete) transmitted by direct contact between infected and uninfected rabbits. Parasites Commonly Seen in Pet Rabbits Transmission is more likely to occur in rabbitries than in a household. In fact, exchange of bucks Ear Mite Infestation: Ear mite (breeding males) among rabbit breeders helps infestations cause accumulation of a light brown spread the disease. crusty material that nearly fills the external ear canal. The underlying tissues are usually very

5 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 raw and irritated. In especially severe cases, an infected rabbit. Signs depend on whether the these sores may spread to adjacent areas of the disease is localized within the liver (inappetence, head. The infestation may be treated with ear- diarrhea, death) or the intestinal tract (weight drops, though injectable medication has recently loss, soft to watery feces, mucus and/or blood in proven highly successful in treating this feces, soiled anal area, , increased condition. thirst, possibly death). The relative severity of Cheyletiella Mange (“Walking both types of infection depends upon the number Dandruff”): Most rabbit owners overlook the of coccidia eaten, the age of the rabbit, the early signs of mange, a parasitic infestation of strength of its immune system, and other illness the skin by the Cheyletiella mange mite. As this in the rabbit. Occasionally, the coccidia colonize condition worsens, however, the accumulation of the nasal passages, resulting in respiratory dried scale and scurf (“dandruff”) within the fur disease (nasal coccidiosis). and limited hair loss (often in clumps) become Coccidiosis may be treated with sulfa obvious. Affected rabbits may or may not drugs. Emphasis must be placed on prevention exhibit increased scratching. (good husbandry and sanitation) of this disease This parasitic problem is easy to diagnose in all rabbitries, since it can be difficult to and treat. An injectable drug works very well in eliminate in these situations. conjunction with a medicated shampoo to Pinworm Infection: Pinworm infections eliminate the offending mites and clear up the are rarely detected unless routine fecal skin disease. examinations are conducted. These worms Infestation: can infest pet reside within the large bowel and rarely cause rabbits whether or not the rabbits share the difficulties in rabbits. Pinworm eradication is household with other pets, such a s dogs and somewhat difficult because a number of cats. Fleas suck blood and can cause anemia if treatments and followup fecal examinations are present in large enough numbers and if they are necessary. This parasite is not transmissible to not eliminated from the environment. Topical people. flea products (powders or sprays) formulated for Infestation (): use on cats are generally well tolerated by often infest rabbits housed outdoors in rabbits. They should be used in the same manner nonscreened enclosures. Maggot infestation as for cats. The manufacturers of these products typically occurs in rabbits with back injuries or have taken into consideration that cats (and debilitating illness, or old rabbits with rabbits) habitually lick to clean themselves and, hindquarters soiled with urine or feces. in doing so, may swallow small amounts of the Flies lay eggs on the soiled hair, and the product. Poisoning, therefore, is unlikely as long hatched maggots begin feeding on the underlying as a product formulated for cats is used properly. skin and flesh. Flea collars should not be used on rabbits. In addition to removing the infesting Frontline spray has been associated with several maggots, the veterinarian must try to determine rabbit deaths (this was most likely associated to a the underlying cause of the infestation. This toxicity from the alcohol base in which the condition is best prevented, if at all possible. Frontline spray is delivered), therefore, Advantage is the preferred spot-on product. Non-Infectious Conditions Requiring Coccidiosis: Coccidiosis, caused by a Veterinary Attention protozoan (one-celled organism) parasite, is a disease of the liver and/or intestinal tract. Hairballs Rabbits become infected by eating food or Like cats, rabbits (especially Angora consuming water contaminated with feces from rabbits) frequently develop hairballs within their

6 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 stomach. But unlike cats, rabbits cannot vomit. bandaging of the affected feet. Treatment is As a result, hair that is swallowed from frequent usually long-term and also requires identification grooming passes into the stomach and remains and correction of the underlying causes. Hutch there. Over time, the hair develops into a solid sores must be treated aggressively to prevent mass. As the hairball increases in size, it begins infection of deeper soft tissues and bone. to occupy more and more of the stomach, leaving less room for food. Initial signs of a hairball Overgrown Incisor Teeth problem include reluctance to eat pellets and more interest in eating greens and treat items. (improperly aligned teeth Later signs include inappetence, smaller fecal resulting in abnormal tooth growth and wear) in pellets or none passed at all, weakness, weight rabbits usually results in overgrown incisor loss and, eventually, death from starvation. (front) teeth. Occasionally, misdirected premolar Surgery is sometimes necessary to and molar teeth are noted. Many rabbits with a remove the hairball from the stomach. Some malocclusion probably have a genetic deficiency cases can be successfully managed more that causes an abnormally short upper jaw. This conservatively with fluids, increasing the hay structural defect prevents the continuously portion of the diet and G.I. motility enhancing growing upper and lower incisors from meeting drug. For this reason, conservative treatment is each other as the rabbit chews. Consequently, usually attempted before resorting to surgical the overgrown incisors cause considerable intervention. Recurrences are common. trauma to the and lining of the mouth. A Prevention involves vigorous daily rabbit‟s “bite” must be absolutely perfect so that brushing of the rabbit, Laxatone, (Evsco its continuously growing teeth wear down Pharmaceuticals, Buena, NJ 08310) and a diet properly. high in natural roughage (i.e. grass hay & dark Infections of the jawbone in the area of leafy green vegetables) and exercise. the incisors can also result in misalignment of these teeth. Many cases of overgrown incisors Hutch Sores (“Sore Hocks”) results from previous injury to the area of the jaw responsible for growth of the incisors, with Hutch sores are chronically ulcerated and subsequent uneven tooth growth. infected wounds on the weight-bearing surfaces Initial signs of this disorder include of the rear (and sometimes the front) paws. They failure to properly chew and swallow food, are caused by a number of predisposing factors: salivation and a wet dewlap. Inappetence and reduced thickness of fur on the bottoms of the soon become noticeable. Death from feet; continued thumping of the rear feet when starvation can occur if the problem goes frightened; excessive body weight; repeated or untreated. continual urine-soiling of feet; lack of movement Treatment involves periodic clipping of form living in a small enclosure; and abrasions the incisors and attention to any wounds within from irregular cage flooring. Hutch sores can the mouth caused by the overgrown teeth. The occur in rabbits housed on solid floors, but are clipping procedure should be carried out by an more common in rabbits kept in enclosures with experienced veterinarian or veterinary technician wire floors. Pet rabbits that are housed indoors and must be done periodically for the remainder or outdoors should be confined in roomy wire of the rabbit‟s life. Rabbits with this condition cages with Plexiglass covering about one-half of should never, under any circumstances, be bred. the floor‟s surface area. Hutch sores are treated with antibiotics (both topically and by ) and periodic

7 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 Overgrown Claws weight. In comparison, a domestic ‟s skeleton comprises 13% of its body weight. The rabbit‟s Overgrown claws are easily torn when fragile lumbar spine (lower back) is surrounded caught in fabric or wire mesh. A panicked rabbit by powerful muscles and is particularly can also inflict painful scratches with them. susceptible to fracture. Back injuries most often Clipping claws requires experience and judicious occur when rabbits are dropped, or improperly restraint of the rabbit, and should be done as picked up or restrained. Closely confined rabbits needed. Declawing of rabbits is not that become excited and thrash about excessively recommended. are very prone to back injuries. Signs of back injury may include incoordination, urine-soiling and uncontrolled defecation. Paralysis of the rear quarters is the Heat Stress (Heat Stroke) most serious consequence of this type of injury. Any rabbit exhibiting any of these signs should Rabbits are especially susceptible to heat be examined by a veterinarian at once. A stroke, particularly those that are overweight thorough physical examination and radiographs and/or heavily furred. Environmental (x-rays) are usually necessary to make the temperatures above 85 F, high (above diagnosis and predict the eventual medical 70%), inadequate shade and ventilation, outcome. Spinal injuries are considered very crowding and other forms of stress are additional serious and, generally speaking, the outcome is predisposing factors. often unfavorable. Signs of heat stroke include panting, To avoid injury, rabbits should be picked salivation, ear reddening, weakness, refusal to up and restrained very carefully. A panicked, move, delirium, convulsions and, eventually, struggling rabbit should never be forcefully death. Heat stroke can be successfully treated if restrained. Instead, such a rabbit should be recognized early. Heat-stressed rabbits should immediately released and reapproached when it either be sprayed or bathed with cool water. has calmed down. Another very effective way to rapidly lower the body temperature involves applying cold running water to the ear flaps. Once these first-aid measures are undertaken, a veterinarian should The most common tumor of domestic be contacted immediately. rabbits involves the uterine lining. In breeding Prevention of heat stroke involves rabbits, the early signs of this tumor involve providing adequate shade from the sun (if the decreased fertility, smaller litter sizes, abortions rabbit is housed outdoors) and ventilation (if the and stillbirths. In pet rabbits, the most common rabbits is housed indoors or with many other clinical sign of a uterine tumor is intermittent rabbits). A continuous light mist or spray of bleeding from the vulva. This vulvar bleeding is water and/or a fan operating over a container of often mistaken for blood in the urine. The ice and directed at a rabbit within its enclosure volume of hemorrhage can be substantial and can help lower the air temperature, whether the alarming. If bleeding is intermittent, the results rabbit is housed indoors or outdoors. of a urinalysis may be normal between bleeding episodes. Trauma to the Spine Though this type of tumor can spread to the lungs, spaying of affected does is strongly An interesting fact is that a rabbit‟s entire advised. Because this type of tumor is so skeleton comprises only 8% of its total body common, all pet female rabbits should be spayed

8 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 after 5-6 months of age to avoid difficulties with and intestinal impaction are the most frequent the reproductive tract later in life. consequences of such chewing. Rabbits should be confined when their Wryneck owners are away from the house and must be closely supervised when their owners are at Wryneck, a serious problem in pet home so that these accidents are avoided. rabbits, is a mild to severe twisting of the head that causes incoordination and sometimes total Use of Antibiotics in Rabbits incapacitation. Wryneck is most often the result of a bacterial infection of the inner ear and is not Antibiotics should never be used in a true neck problem. It can be treated with rabbits unless they are specifically prescribed by antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, but the a veterinarian. The route of administration (oral outlook with these cases is always guarded. versus injectable) of antibiotics is a much more Unfortunately, wryneck often results important consideration with rabbits than with from abscessation of the inner ear (and dogs and cats. Because rabbits are herbivorous sometimes the brain). Penetration of antibiotics (plant-eating) and depend upon bacteria within into the diseased area is often restricted or their bowel for proper digestion, antibiotics impossible, resulting in mild improvement, given by mouth can wipe out these beneficial temporary relief, or no improvement at all. bowel microorganisms. When these helpful and necessary bacteria are destroyed, undesirable Temporary Selective Anorexia bacteria can overgrow and produce poisons within the bowel that can kill the rabbit. When Some pet rabbits occasionally refuse to needed, injectable antibiotics are preferred eat alfalfa pellets. Affected rabbits usually because they are far less injurious to the bacteria continue to eat other items in their diets. This within the intestinal tract. condition occurs most often in response to stress, Rabbits receiving antibiotics, especially such as that associated with inadequate oral antibiotics, should be given yogurt to help husbandry or sudden environmental changes. replenish those beneficial bacteria destroyed by Affected rabbits may continue to refuse to eat the antibiotic. Yogurt (piña colada or orange- pellets for weeks. Old or spoiled (rancid) pellets flavored is preferred) should be given during the will also be steadfastly refused. course of antibiotic therapy and for at least 3 This condition is diagnosed indirectly. days after antibiotic use has been stopped. A Physical examination of the rabbit reveals suitable alternative is to add a powdered nothing abnormal and laboratory tests on blood Lactobacillus or Acidophilus product, plus Tang samples are normal. Other causes of inappetence (General Foods) to water. Rabbits seem to prefer must also be ruled out, such as hairball the flavor of orange and will be unaware that formation. they are also drinking a large volume of favorable and desirable bacteria that may help Poisonings and Other Hazards their intestinal tract. Yogurt should be included in the usual diet in anticipation of future Pet rabbits are often allowed the “run of antibiotic use. the house.” However, rabbits love to chew and often get into trouble by chewing on electrical cords, poisonous house plants, floor mats and rugs. Electrocution, serious burns, poisoning

9 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 Sensitivity of the temporarily produce urine that is orange or red- Rabbit’s Intestinal Tract tinged. Such urine can be differentiated from that which accompanies urinary tract infections The bacterial populations in a rabbit‟s or uterine bleeding by use of a urinalysis, intestinal tract are considered the most delicately performed by a veterinarian. balanced of any in all herbivorous . The growth and activity of normal (favorable) Important Physiologic Values bacteria tend to keep potentially harmful bacteria in check. Overgrowth of harmful bacteria Normal Body Temperature: 101.5–103 F usually results in production of toxins that are Life Span: 5-10 years (rarely up to 15 years) rapidly absorbed into the rabbit‟s circulation, Breeding Age: Males, 6-10 months; females, 5-9 quickly causing illness and death. months In addition to orally administered Pregnancy: 29-35 days antibiotics, other insults can disturb the balance Litter Size: 4-10 of bacteria. Rapid change sin the diet are most Weaning Age: 4-6 weeks often implicated. For example, a rabbit‟s diet was suddenly changed from alfalfa pellets to oats Rabbit Fancier Associations because the pet owner had run out of rabbit pellets. The rabbit died within 24 hours of this Below is partial list of national rabbit diet change. Another case of sudden death specialty clubs and associations found in the involved a pet rabbit that ate a large quantity of Encyclopedia of Associations, which can be oatmeal cereal and died the following day. A found in any local library. The mailing third rabbit was allowed to consume huge addresses and phone numbers of local quantities of lawn grass. Its intestinal tract was organizations affiliated with these clubs and not adequately prepared and the rabbit died the associations and those not listed here could be same day. obtained by contacting individuals associated No other commonly kept house pet is as with the national clubs and associations. sensitive to dietary changes as the rabbit. Consequently, such changes should be made Glen C. Carr, Exec Sec very gradually. Supplements to the regular diet American Rabbit Breeders‟ Association should be added cautiously and should not Box 426 constitute more than 20% of the total diet by 1925 S. Main St volume. Bloomington, IL 61701 (309) 827-6623 The Appearance of Rabbit Urine Jean Brunette, Sec-Treas Urine from normal rabbits usually Lop Rabbit Club of America contains large amounts of a light-colored R.R. 15, Box 561 sediment and may appear abnormal to the West Terre Haute, IN 47885 uninitiated. The color of normal rabbit urine (812) 533-3761 varies from white, to yellowish-white, to light brown. Rabbits that drink large quantities of water tend to produce clearer urine containing less sediment. Rabbits recently treated with antibiotics and those undergoing significant stress may

10 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20 National House Rabbit Society rabbit caecum. J Appl Bacteriol 58:363- www.rabbit.org 369, 1985. Indiana Education representative 9. Jenkins JR: Gastrointestinal Disorders, Amy Young-Leith in Hillyer EV, Quesenberry KE (ed): e-mail [email protected] Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical (812) 331-3670 Medicine and Surgery. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1977, pp 176-188. Books to Read 10. S. Brown: Waltham Conference Proceedings House Rabbit Handbook by Marinell Harrimen

Creating A Peaceable Kingdom by Cynthia D. Miller

REFERENCES:

1. Krull WH: Coprophagy in the wild rabbit (Sylvilagus nutalli granger) (Allen). Vet Med 35:481-483,1954. 2. Crossley DA: Denistry for small animals other than cast and dogs. Second Annual Midwest Exotic Pet Seminars Proceedings, Schaumburg, IL, March 1997. 3. Cheeke PR: Rabbit Feeding and Nutrition. Orlando, Academic Press, 1987, pp 20-21. 4. Smith HW: The development of flora of the alimentary tract in young animals. J Pathol Bacteriol 89:95-122,1965. 5. Brooks DL: Rabbit gastrointestinal disorders, in Kirk RW (ed): Current Veterinary Therapy VIII. Philadelphia. WB Saunders, 1983, pp 654-657. 6. Brooks DL: Nutrition and physiology, in Hillyer EV, Quesenberry KE (eds): Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1977, p 148. 7. Harkness JE. Wagner JE: The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents, ed 4. Media, PA. Williams & Wilkins, 1995. 8. Forsyth SJ. Parker DS: Nitrogen by the microbial flora of the

11 Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action university. If you have trouble accessing this document because of a disability, please contact PVM Web Communications at [email protected]/20