Common Rabbit Diseases & Health Problems – Symptoms & Prevention

Rabbits are prey animals. In the wild, showing weakness makes them an easy target. Domestic rabbits retain this instinct, which means they are masters at hiding illness. As an owner, you must learn to read their subtle signs.

GI Stasis (The Silent Killer)

Gastrointestinal Stasis occurs when the digestive system slows down or stops completely. This is not a primary disease, but a symptom of an underlying issue (stress, pain, lack of dietary fiber, dehydration, or dental disease).

Symptoms:

• Decreased appetite or complete refusal of food.
• Small, malformed fecal pellets, or none at all.
• Lethargy and hiding.
• Sitting hunched over, pressing their belly against the floor (a sign of gas pain).
• Loud gurgling stomach noises (or complete silence).

Prevention:

Ensure unlimited access to Timothy hay, provide plenty of fresh water, encourage exercise, and minimize stress.

Dental Disease (Malocclusion)

Rabbit teeth erupt continuously (about 2-3mm per week). If they don't wear down properly through chewing hay, the teeth can overgrow, causing painful spurs that lacerate the tongue or cheeks.

Symptoms:

• Dropping food from their mouth.
• Excessive drooling ("slobbers").
• Weight loss.
• Swelling around the jaw or eyes (indicating a potential tooth root abscess).
• Teary eyes.

Respiratory Infections (Snuffles)

Often caused by Pasteurella bacteria. "Snuffles" is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can lead to pneumonia if untreated.

Symptoms:

• Sneezing.
• White discharge from the nose or eyes.
• Matted fur on their front paws (from wiping their nose).

Viral Diseases (Myxomatosis & RHDV2)

These viral infections are almost always fatal. Myxomatosis causes swelling of the eyes, ears, and genitals, often transmitted by mosquitoes and fleas. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) causes sudden death due to internal bleeding and liver necrosis. The virus is extremely resilient in the environment.

Prevention: Annual vaccination is critical. Discuss combined myxomatosis and RHD vaccines with your vet.

Flystrike (Myiasis)

A horrific condition occurring when flies lay eggs on a rabbit (usually around a soiled hind end). The eggs hatch into maggots that begin eating the rabbit's tissue. This can happen within hours, particularly in warm weather.

Symptoms:

• Visible maggots or fly eggs on the fur or skin.
• A strong odor.
• Lethargy, shock.

Prevention:

Keep your rabbit and their living area meticulously clean. Check their bottom daily during warmer months, especially if they are overweight, elderly, or prone to diarrhea.

Ear Mites

Parasites that live in the ear canal causing severe irritation.

Symptoms:

• Frequent scratching of the ears and shaking of the head.
• Thick, crusty buildup deep inside the ears.
• Hair loss around the base of the ears.

Do not attempt to clean out the crusts yourself. The skin beneath is extremely painful and prone to bleeding. A vet will prescribe medication to kill the mites.