Is my rabbit sick??

Well the only true way to find out if your rabbit is ill is to bring him to a veterinarian that specializes in exotic pets. However, only you truly know your rabbit, and when your rabbit strays from normal behavior, activity levels or there are changes in eating, drinking and elimination routines there is a good chance that your rabbit needs a doctor visit. A good way to tell if your rabbit might be sick is by performing routine generalized exams on your rabbit which can be done during your daily petting sessions. Things to look for in a general exam are listed below. If your notice anything unusual or are not sure if it is a problem discuss the situation with your veterinarian, it could be a vet check is in order.

Gastrointestinal:

This can be anything affecting the rabbits’ digestive system.

Symptoms may include: Loss of appetite; abdominal pain; arched back; small or no faecal droppings; diarrhea; dehydration; jaundice.

Possible causes include: GI Stasis; Mucoid-Enteropathy; Coccidiosis; Bacterial Enteritis

Musculoskeletal:

This can be anything affecting the rabbit’s bones & muscles.

Symptoms may include: Inability to walk; dragging one or more limbs, inability to support weight, Paralysis of hind end or legs.

Possible causes include: Splay leg, Leg and/or Spinal Fractures.

Reproductive Tract:

This can be anything affecting the reproductive organs/genitalia.

Symptoms may include: crusty skin/scabs on nostrils, mouth, eyelids, ears, genitals

Possible causes include: Syphilis

Respiratory:

This can be anything affecting the respiratory system, including the nose & lungs.

Symptoms may include: Sneezing; nasal & eye discharge; breathing difficulties or heavier/more laboured than normal; head shaking.

Possible causes include: Snuffles; Pasteurellosis; Heart Disease

Skin & Coat:

This is anything affecting the skin & fur.

Symptoms may include: Moist/ulcerated skin lesions on hind feet; Head shaking; itching/scratching; crusts & scabs in ears and/or body; hair loss.

Possible causes include: "Sore Hocks"; Parasites such as ringworm, mites, mange, fleas, ticks.

Urinary:

This is anything affecting the rabbit’s ability to urinate. Normal urine is cloudy, thick; often orange or brown in colour.

Symptoms may include: White pasty urine; difficulty/straining to urinate; arched back.

Possible causes include: Bladder Sludge; Kidney or Bladder Stones.

Vestibular/Head Tilt:

This can be anything affecting the rabbit's sense of balance

Symptoms may include: head tilt; unable to stand; rolling to one side; rapid back & forth movement of eyes; seizure like sympoms

Possible causes include: internal parasites; inner ear infection

If your rabbit is displaying any of the above symptoms contact your rabbit veterinarian immediately. To truly know when your rabbit is sick you need to spend time with your pet. Play with your rabbit and handle it (if tolerated) often. That is the only way you'll be able to catch illness early.