Read About Rabbit Diseases

Rabbit Diseases are too many to mention. But most of them can be avoided by proper precautions and treatments. Here's everything you need to know about this problem.

Rabbit Diseases -- Facts

1. Problem Definition:

   Rabbits are very delicate creatures and they can suffer from a large number of diseases. These could be simple infections like myxomytosis or due to calici virus; or much dangerous diseases like cancers and gastrointestinal stasis.

2. Symptoms:

   Each disease has its own symptoms. In diseases like head tilt, the rabbit will stop eating, and this could lead to death. 'Snuffles' is another disease found in rabbits. Rabbits affected with this disease will sneeze, cough and show irritable behavior. The most dangerous disease is the gastrointestinal stasis. Its symptoms are going off food and being unable to pass stools.

3. Duration of Problem:

   Diseases like snuffles can last for a lifetime of the rabbit. But gastrointestinal stasis is the most lethal; and death can occur within 24 hours if not treated.

4. Exposure:

   The rabbit should be exposed to a healthy environment to keep it disease-free. It is not good to keep them in wired bottom cages as this could lead to painful sore hocks. Similarly, rabbits confined to cages will not get their exercise. The result could also be gastrointestinal stasis, the most dangerous lupine disease.

Rabbit Diseases -- Prevention & Treatment

1. The Treatment:

   Infections from the calici virus and myxomytosis can be controlled by simple vaccination. Sore hocks will treat itself if the rabbit is kept in a cage with a solid base. But diseases like gastrointestinal stasis will be treated only by a qualified vet who has enough experience in treating rabbit diseases. Cancers will require surgical treatments.

2. Prevention:

   Vaccination is available for viral infections. These are annual vaccinations, and missing a dose could negate the effect. Many diseases can be observed visually when they are still taking root. A qualified vet must be consulted when the disease is beginning to show symptoms in order to avoid complications.

3. Precautions:

   Do not keep your rabbit confined to the cage all the time. Let it come out and exercise. Also do not feed it food meant for meat-bred rabbits such as alfalfa pellets. This could cause gastrointestinal stasis in the long run. If your rabbit has a history of reproductive organ cancers, then it is best to spay or neuter it in order to reduce the possibilities.

4. Helpful Supplies:

   You will need a healthy diet, as prescribed by the vet if preferable and a large cage with a solid base. This could ensure longer life for your pet.

Rabbit Diseases -- Concerns

1. Level of Seriousness:

   The seriousness of the disease depends on its level of complexity. Viral infections are the least serious. Head tilt, cancers and gastrointestinal stasis could also be fatal.

2. Lasting Consequences:

   A disease like snuffles could last throughout the life of the rabbit. A qualified vet can cure most other diseases without leaving any trace.

3. Genetics:

   There are not many genetic diseases known in rabbits.

4. Lifestyle Accommodations:

   Give your rabbit an open and clean atmosphere with adequate space to play and exercise. Give it the food that is meant for pet rabbits and not for meat-bred rabbits.

5. Expense:

   The expense could vary from $50 to $5000 depending on the type of the disease the rabbit is suffering from.