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Rabbits

Our services and advice for rabbits

Vaccinations

We advise vaccination against Myxomatosis and Viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD)

Myxomatosis

Caused by a type of pox virus which is spread by blood sucking insects. Symptoms are 'sleepy eyes' and puffy swellings around the head, face, anus and genitalia. Infected rabbits usually die within 12 days.

VHD

Virus spread between rabbits or by indirect contact i.e. clothing, shoes etc. Death from the disease is sudden, rabbits may die within 2 days.

Rabbits should be vaccinated every year from 7 weeks of age and require a booster very year. There is a new combined vaccine providing protection against myxomatosis, HVD type one and two all in one injection. 

Did you know, all routine vaccinations are covered under the Pet Health Club®. Find out more here.

Neutering

We recommend neutering for rabbits not intended for breeding, from 6 months. Neutering prevents unwanted litters, some cancers and behavioural problems.

As a member of the Pet Health Club® you can receive up to 20% off neutering. Find out more here.

Feeding your rabbit correctly is essential to their health and wellbeing.

Many health problems are caused by poor diet:

  • Feeding should be kept as close as possible to a natural wild rabbit diet i.e. A high fibre grass based diet.
  • We recommend timothy hay as the staple foodstuff for this. It should be available to your rabbit at all times with a supply of fresh water.
  • Green leaves (ideally native weeds such as dandelion) should be fed daily alongside the hay. Treats should be kept to a minimum and should be limited to small pieces of fruit or vegetables, such as apple or carrot.
  • Most commercial rabbit foods do not provide a balanced diet. Many rabbits will only pick out the bits of food they like and leave the rest. If your rabbit does this its Poor diet can lead to obesity, diarrhoea, dental problems and early death.
  • If your rabbit is reluctant to eat hay and greens alone a good quality high fibre pellet food is the next best thing.
  • Usually occurs between April and October
  • Caused by Blowflies laying eggs in the rabbit’s fur
  • Eggs can hatch in as little as 12 hours
  • Maggots eat away at surrounding flesh causing damage and eventually death
  • Rabbits are at high risk if they suffer from obesity, diarrhoea or dental problems. If your rabbit has any of these problems, you should bring them to see a vet
  • Check your rabbit's bottom twice daily to make sure it is clean and there are no eggs or maggots. Keep the toilet area in the hutch clean
  • Preventative treatments are available please ask your vet or nurse

For any further information or advice, please contact your local practice and speak to one of our friendly staff. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

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