5 Most Common Rabbit Diseases and How To Prevent Them

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: September 26th, 2022

Verin/Shutterstock

Just like any other pet animal, rabbits are also susceptible to a range of diseases and illnesses throughout their life. Some might be due to genetic factors, or other environmental factors, and some are contracted from other rabbits – in either case, it’s important to spot the signs on time to make sure your pet has the best chances of recovering from whatever ails them. To help you recognize when your rabbit needs medical help, we’ve rounded up the 5 most common rabbit diseases and their symptoms.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis

The dreaded GI stasis is, unfortunately, a fairly common issue among pet rabbits, but if left untreated, it can quickly become fatal. This is why it’s essential to know how to recognize this sneaky but deadly disease! GI stasis happens when the gut microbiome of a rabbit is out of balance and there are not enough good bacteria in their digestive tract, which contributes to their intestines slowing down and not being able to digest food. As a result, hair ingested when self-grooming can get stuck in their intestines, causing a fatal blockage – which is why many people mistakenly believe that GI stasis is caused by hairball blockage when in reality it precedes it.

The main symptoms of GI stasis are gassiness, diarrhea, lethargy, and teeth grinding combined with a hunched posture, indicating that your rabbit is in pain. If you notice any of these, be sure to contact your vet ASAP!

The best way to prevent gastrointestinal stasis is to ensure your pet’s digestive system is functioning optimally – by ensuring that the majority of their diet consists of quality hay to provide them with fiber. Also, it pays to make sure that their teeth are in check, as dental pain or discomfort has a direct impact on their diet, and, as such, could be a contributing factor to GI stasis.

Overgrown Teeth

Unlike most animals, a rabbit’s teeth never stop growing. That’s right, your pet bunny’s teeth will grow for as long as they live – but it can become an issue if they are not consistently filed down. One of many reasons why rabbits need a diet rich in hay is the fact that chewing on roughage helps keep a bunny’s teeth in check by slowly grinding them down. Having in mind that a rabbit’s teeth can grow up to 4-5 inches a year if your pet consumes mostly soft pellets or leafy greens and doesn’t eat vast amounts of coarse hay each day, problems can quickly arise.

When a rabbit's teeth are overgrown, it is extremely painful for them, as the teeth can cut into their gums, cheeks, or tongue – or be abcessed at the root. Either way, you’ll notice your rabbit is drooling excessively, loss of appetite, and as a result, loss of stool and GI stasis. In other words, if you neglect to address this issue, it can prove to be fatal for your bunny.

The best way to prevent overgrown teeth is to ensure your pet’s diet is rich in grass hay and to regularly check their teeth. Once they are overgrown, the only solution is to get them to a veterinarian that specializes in rabbits, so they can put the rabbit under anesthesia and trim the teeth down.

Head Tilt or Torticollis

If you notice that your bunny is constantly tilting their head to one side, don’t ignore it – it can be a sign that they have a serious health issue that’s causing it. Usually, it’s one of two things that cause head tilt: bacterial infection or parasitic infestation. In the first case, a rabbit is suffering from an inner ear infection that has progressed to a more severe state. The ear canal will be full of puss and your rabbit will tilt their head, flicker their eyes, have vertigo, and lose appetite. When it's an issue of parasites, it's a protozoan named Encephalitozoon cuniculi that is to blame. This microscopic parasite infects the brain and the central nervous system, resulting in a range of neurological symptoms such as head tilting, seizures, tremors, paralysis or weakness of hind limbs, eye abnormalities, and so on.

Regardless of the underlying issue, both torticollis-causing illnesses are treatable when diagnosed on time. Anti-inflammatory drugs are a must in both cases, either paired with antibiotics or anti-parasitics, depending on your pet’s specific problem.

Myxomatosis

Unfortunately, this viral rabbit disease is both highly contagious and often fatal. It is transmitted via fleas, mosquitoes, or from one rabbit to another – if they are in close contact and immunocompromised. The symptoms of myxomatosis are swelling, redness, or ulcers around the eyes, nose, and genital region, discharge from the eyes and nose, respiratory issues, and loss of appetite – to name the easiest to spot. There’s no cure for myxomatosis, so if the disease has progressed to severe symptoms, the only course of action is offering supportive care or euthanasia as the bunny won’t recover.

Luckily, even though myxomatosis isn’t treatable or curable, it is completely preventable. There is a vaccine against myxomatosis for rabbits that will keep your bunny safe from this cruel disease. Even if a vaccinated rabbit catches this disease, it is only in a mild form which is fully treatable and won’t cause severe issues and death as it would in an unvaccinated bunny.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV, Calicivirus)

As the name suggests, this infectious disease attacks a rabbit’s internal organs and causes hemorrhaging (internal bleeding), resulting in a fatal outcome. And as if that wasn’t horrible enough, rabbit calicivirus is highly spreadable, as it can be transmitted through mosquitoes, flies, contact with infected rabbits or droppings – even other animals and humans can bring rabbit hemorrhagic disease to the home and infect the bunny. In some countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, strains of RHDV are intentionally released in the wild to help keep the population of wild rabbits under control, as they are considered a pest in those areas.

While there is no cure or treatment that can help a rabbit that’s been infected by rabbit hemorrhagic disease, there is a yearly vaccine that can keep your pet protected. It is particularly important to vaccinate your rabbit if you live in an area that uses RHDV to control rabbit populations in the wild, but in other countries, too – this sneaky virus transmits easily and has devastating consequences.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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In the lifetime of every horse, injuries are bound to happen at some time – maybe even more than once. This is especially true for horses that are fairly active, such as race and show horses, or work horses. These injuries can be fairly common and range from minor ones to major ones. Either way, as a responsible horse owner, you should be familiar with the most common of these injuries and just how to treat them before the vet arrives (if needed). #1 PuncturesScrapes, cuts, punctures – these are some of the most common injuries to happen to horses. They are usually caused by long and sharp objects that can penetrate deep below the skin. For example, imagine a long thorn piercing the horse's leg as they trundle through a bush, or a sharp piece of wire hiding in the dust poking deep into the hoof. These injuries are hard to avoid, especially since you simply can’t know what hides in the dirt or the grass. But you can treat them. And time is of the essence in such a case, as untreated puncture wounds can get infected, damaging the horse's leg and causing lameness. Keep in mind that punctures are not the same as slashes. They can be easy to overlook since the puncture is marked only by a tiny wound. However, it is hard to properly handle such a wound, unless you are a pro. You should call the vet immediately, and try to relieve the pain of the wound by hosing it with cold water. #2 Inflamed Joints (Osteoarthritis)Joint inflammation can affect both senior and younger horses, and usually targets parts called the “coffin”, hock joints, and fetlock. A common way for inflammation to occur is through a sudden increase in workloads, as well as certain movements that a horse might perform, such as jumping, tight turns, collected gaits, novel footing, or any other uncommon movements. Working on difficult rocky terrain for prolonged periods can also cause such inflammation. Joint inflammation can appear suddenly and unexpectedly, and disappear quite quickly. But if it keeps reappearing, it can turn into osteoarthritis, which can be more difficult to cure. Sings of joint inflammation are subtle, but still noticeable: difficulty moving, stiff and unusual movements, and later swelling, heat, and pain. This condition unarguably requires a careful veterinary examination, and a lighter case of inflammation can be relieved with box rest and cold hosing of the inflamed joints. #3 SorenessSore muscles affect all creatures. But horses, being so powerfully built, can feel that ailment more than others. It is true that hard work and exercise will build muscle, but when you overwork your horse, soreness can occur. Strained muscles are painful and can quickly lead to more serious injury. They are commonly seen in horses, and usually target a single group of muscles that is continually overworked. For example, it is common in dressage horses, who place greater focus on their hind quarters. Muscle soreness is a common injury, but is considered mild, and its symptoms can be somewhat difficult to spot. Keep an eye out for stiff movements or avoidance of certain exercises. To treat this injury, give your horse some time off to rest and relax, and try massaging the affected muscles. Also, don’t rush into their exercises – give them time to warm up. #4 Strained ligamentsLigaments are very important in a horse’s body, and certain accidents can cause them to be strained, especially in the hind legs. These injuries are caused by missteps, increased stress, or a particularly hard landing. As such, the injury is common in show horses that perform jumps or in dressage horses. Furthermore, a ligament injury can range from light to heavy – or in other words, from strain to a tear. This is a potentially serious injury, and recovery of a ligament can take months and up to a year. Of course, veterinary care is necessary, and plenty of rest throughout. And even when the ligament is healed, your horse will have to get back into action gradually and with plenty of patience and care. To prevent this injury from occurring, avoid overworking your horse or exercising on uneven and unpredictable ground. #5 AbrasionsJust like punctures, abrasions are perhaps the most common horse injury of all. They usually occur on the legs, especially the lower part, and can happen during work or exercise. Abrasions are varied and can range from scrapes to large open cuts and slashes. A common way they can occur is through low foliage, thorn bushes, barbed wire fences, sharp rocks, and anything in between. They can also be lighter or more serious, and depending on this, you can potentially treat them yourself, or call in a veterinarian. Either way, these abrasions will need to be cleaned and sanitized, because if left untreated, they can get infected and cause further trouble!

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Do Hypoallergenic Dogs Really Exist?

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Dog Breeds Commonly Mislabeled as HypoallergenicOf course, while people generally mean well when making recommendations of the best dog for people with allergies, mistakes are going to be made. Some dog breeds are often recommended that shouldn’t be given this label.As we just discussed, the first group of dogs that should be mentioned here are mixed-breed dogs. While mixed breeds can be born with the hypoallergenic characteristics of a parent, there is no guarantee that the puppies will inherit those physical traits. Many families have adopted poodle mixes with the promise of purchasing a hypoallergenic dog, only to find their new beloved family member is badly triggering allergies in the home.Dog breeds often mistaken for hypoallergenic may share traits or commonalities with dogs on the previous list. However, they have other characteristics that contribute to allergic reactions in those around them. 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If You Have More Than One Cat In The Family, You Need This Product!

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Purina Donates $25,000 For Pets & Owners Impacted by Hurricane Helene

The devastation of Hurricane Helene greatly affected the six states of the American Southeast. Major floods and extremely powerful winds destroyed homes and wiped out entire towns, and help is greatly needed. As search and rescue operations continue across the region, Purina announced a donation of $25,000, addressed to Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit organization. This donation is meant to support these rescue efforts and to bring food, medical supplies, and other necessities to those who need it the most. However, it will also help to transport shelter pets to safety and to reconnect all the owners and pets that were separated during the hurricane. "Our hearts go out to the families and pets affected by Hurricane Helene and the devastating flooding across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia," said Kim Beardslee, Director of Community Affairs. "Purina has a long history of supporting communities in the wake of natural disasters, and we're proud to support Greater Good Charities' life-saving work during this time of great need."The nonprofit Greater Good Charities has several teams on the ground tasked with aiding those afflicted by the disaster. They are distributing food, water, and essential supplies to families, as well as veterinary supplies and pet food to pets. What is more, they are now conducting life-saving transports to save shelter pets. Besides their donation of $25,000, Purina is also busy working with several of its own US-based manufacturing plants in order to ship thousands of pounds of Purina pet food and other supplies to shelters and pet owners in the region that was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Of course, this is not the first time Purina stepped up to help those in need. Since 2017, the company has donated more than $400,000 and more than 700,000 pounds of pet food and cat litter. This went out to victims of deadly natural disasters across the United States. And it was their timely support and compassion that helped save thousands of lives.

Scientists Developing AI Technology To Decipher Your Dog’s Barking

There is no dog owner out there who doesn’t wish to understand their pet’s bark! And now that artificial intelligence is evolving and expanding with each new day, it seems that this seemingly impossible feat can now become a reality.A research team at the University of Michigan is now studying how exactly artificial intelligence can be used to help understand the way dogs communicate. The scientists are developing special AI tools that will ultimately help understand whether a dog’s bark is aggressive, or shows playful intentions. And that is not all – AI will help gather crucial information from the bark, such as the breed, age, and sex of the dog. “By using speech processing models initially trained on human speech, our research opens a new window into how we can leverage what we built so far in speech processing to start understanding the nuances of dog barks,” said Rada Mihalcea, director of the University of Michigan’s AI laboratory.Throughout the course of the study, the team studied vocalizations from 74 different dogs, all in various contexts. They quickly realized that AI models that were originally trained on human speech could now be a great starting point to help train new AI systems made specifically to understand animal communication.“There is so much we don’t yet know about the animals that share this world with us,” said Mihalcea. “Advances in AI can be used to revolutionize our understanding of animal communication, and our findings suggest that we may not have to start from scratch.”Mihalcea also adds that all their findings indicate that “the sounds and patterns originating from human speech can form the basis for examining and comprehending the acoustic patterns of other sounds, including animal vocalizations”.But even so, using AI to analyze dog communication is hindered, as there is still a lack of data available publicly.“Animal vocalizations are logistically much harder to solicit and record,” said Artem Abzaliev, lead author of the study. “They must be passively recorded in the wild or, in the case of domestic pets, with the permission of owners.”Besides this, scientists were also able to reuse a model that analyzed human speech. This helped them to “tap into” major voice-enabled technologies that can actually recognize spoken words and those speaking them.“These models are able to learn and encode the incredibly complex patterns of human language and speech,” Abzaliev adds. “We wanted to see if we could leverage this ability to discern and interpret dog barks.”What is more, according to the study the research will also have major implications for animal welfare. If we can understand dog vocalizations, it can help us respond better to the needs of our pets.

When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?

One of the most exciting milestones in your dog’s puppyhood is the transition from milk and soft foods to solid kibble. This marks a major step in their growth and development and ensures that they receive all the important nutrients for a healthy life. But even so, some owners are uncertain about when exactly kibble should be introduced.Understanding the right timing for this can be crucial for their good development and overall well-being as it helps set a solid foundation for a healthy diet later on in life. So here’s what you need to know before you offer dry food to your puppy.When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?In the early first few weeks of their life, puppies rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Nature arranged it so that this milk provides all the essential antibodies that boost their immune system and nutrients that are vital for their early growth. Usually, puppies should stay with their momma and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks old. During this time, they gradually transition from nursing to exploring more solid foods.Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, however, puppies begin showing more and more interest in the food that their mom is eating, and will often nibble on solid foods. These can be softened puppy food or kibble soaked in water. This helps them to become accustomed to all kinds of different textures and flavors, which in turn prepares them for eventually switching to dry kibble and other solid foods.In general, puppies can begin eating dry kibble between 6 and 8 weeks of age. At this stage, their little teeth are developing, and they have the jaw strength needed to chew solid foods efficiently. Still, it is important to choose high-quality puppy kibble formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Go for a formula that is based on natural, wholesome ingredients and doesn’t contain any nasty filler or artificial substances – meat should be the first ingredient on the list, followed by sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as veggies and fruit.

12-Year-Old Rescue Cat’s Reaction to First Toy Melts Hearts

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Missing 80-Year-Old Woman Found Thanks to Her Loyal Dog

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Are Some Toys Better For Senior Dogs? Yes!

(photo credit: Ryan Brix / shutterstock.com)When we think of aging pets, we envision dogs that have slowed down a little, love to nap and prefer to settle into a sunny spot over a vigorous walk. I admit that these days, my 13- and 15-year-old Schnoodles are less inclined to get excited when I pick up their leash than they were just a couple of years back. So, their outings are shorter and treats are doled out as a reward for making the effort when we return home.But there’s so much more to your pet’s aging than just a slower gait and desire to curl up and snooze away the afternoon. Vision starts to fade, hearing is not quite so acute and often, their teeth and gums begin to cause problems.That said, every so often we see the puppy come out when they get excited about something special – a high-value treat, another dog, your return from work, or a fun new toy that he can still enjoy despite his physical limitations. And those are the moments we want to continue creating by adapting their arsenal of playthings to meet their changing needs.

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A delightful crossbreed of charming Labrador Retrievers and elegant Poodles, Labradoodles combine the best traits of both breeds: intelligence, a friendly nature, hypoallergenic coats, and a boundless love for fun. These qualities make Labradoodles beloved companions, but their high energy levels and playful demeanor mean they need plenty of exercise to thrive. Here’s what every would-be Labradoodle owner should know about meeting their furry friend’s activity needs before adopting one.How Much Exercise Does a Labradoodle Need?Labradoodles are active dogs that require daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. On average, adult Labradoodles benefit from 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day, divided between activities that challenge both their bodies and minds.Physical Exercise: Activities like running, playing fetch, or agility courses are excellent ways to burn off their extra energy.Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing gadgets, and obedience training sessions help keep their sharp minds engaged.

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Keeping your cat hydrated is an important part of maintaining their overall health, but your kitty might not be drinking enough water, and that could lead to dehydration. The good news is that you can encourage your feline to drink more, and there are ways to sneak more moisture into their daily diet. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

These Dog Breeds Are at the Most Risk of Overheating

The dog days of summer are upon us. Temperatures are rising across the country and many cities are already faced with record-breaking heat waves. When extremely hot weather rolls in, it’s not only people who struggle to stay cool and hydrated. Our four-legged companions shouldn’t be forgotten during this hot time as they often have trouble cooling down.“High temperatures can affect dogs differently depending on a variety of factors,” said Angela Beal, DVM. “Generally, it’s advisable to avoid taking your dog out when the temperatures exceed 85°F, especially if the humidity is high.”All dogs can get painful burns on their paw pads when they come into contact with hot pavement, but certain dog breeds are more susceptible to overheating in hot weather. “Dogs have sweat glands mainly in their paw pads, so [their] primary way to cool themselves down is by panting…The brachycephalic airway impacts airflow [so] they are unable to cool themselves down effectively in even mild heat,” explained Petco chief veterinarian, Dr. Whitney Miller. She added that dogs with “longer and thicker coats are also more susceptible to heatstroke.”According to veterinarians, breeds most susceptible to heatstroke include, bulldogs, boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, chow chows, Shih Tzus, golden retrievers, huskies, and malamutes. Dogs like bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, pugs, Shih Tzus, chow chows, and French bulldogs are classified as brachycephalic breeds. These dogs have short noses and elongated soft palates that predispose them to breathing problems and make it hard to regulate their body temperature. All of these factors combined, make these pups highly susceptible to heatstroke. On the other hand, breeds like huskies, malamutes, and golden retrievers have longer and thicker double coats that can cause these breeds to overheat during the summer easily. These are the two main reasons for heatstroke in dogs, but Dr. Miller adds that young puppies and senior dogs are also at higher risk of overheating. Owners should also keep a close eye on overweight dogs and canines that aren’t in good physical shape. While these factors make some dogs more susceptible to heatstroke, owners should understand that any dog can overheat during a particularly hot summer day. Preventing your dog from overheating is key if you want to keep them healthy and happy during the summer months. “Provide clean, cool drinking water and access to shade. Never leave your pet outside or in a hot car for a long period of time, regardless of the shade,” said Dr. Miller. She advised dog owners to adjust their walking routines during the summer months to ensure they aren’t taking their dogs out during the hottest hours of the day. Walking your pooch early in the morning and later in the evening is a great way to minimize the risk of overheating and painful paw burns. Maintain a regular grooming routine during the summer months, especially if you own a curly or double-coated pooch. Curly-coated breeds, like poodles, can benefit from having their coat trimmed during the summer, while double-coated breeds like, huskies and chow chows, can experience some relief after being brushed by a professional with a de-shedding tool.When it comes to signs that your dog is getting overheated, look for panting, dark, blue, or red gums and tongue, diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, rapid and deep breathing, weakness, disorientation, and collapse. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms on a hot day, take them to a cool and well-ventilated room and offer them fresh, cool water. If you’re concerned that your pooch is too hot or you can’t cool them down, call your vet right away.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Americans Are Taking Their Pets to Mexico for Vet Care - Here's Why

The rising costs of veterinary care in the U.S. have spurred a growing number of pet parents to turn to Mexico for more affordable veterinary care for their pets. Valerie Silva of Indio, California, estimates that she saved hundreds of dollars on veterinary bills for her two dogs, Paco and Sunny, in one year. The first time she visited a Mexican veterinary clinic was in 2022, when her Chihuahua mix, Sunny, needed vaccines. Unable to schedule an appointment for Sunny at any of the local veterinary clinics, Valerie has found a pet hospital near her grandparents’ house in Mexicali. She was pleased with the service enough to come back to get Sunny spayed and have her other dog, Paco, vaccinated. Overall, she paid $80 for the spaying procedure and around $200 for eight shots for both dogs.“The price difference is insane,” Silva told USA TODAY. “It’s just so much easier being able to go in there and not have to worry about it being like $70, $100 for a shot.” The huge savings and easy access to affordable pet care have made traveling to Mexico attractive to many pet parents like Silva. Miguel Lazcano of New York City was in a difficult situation when one of his three dogs, a longhaired Dachshund named Henry, needed dental care. “We noticed some of his teeth were loose and his breath was getting worse,” said Lazcano. “They mentioned there was at least four extractions and the cost on the high end was around $5,000. And on the low end, was around $3,500.”Without pet insurance to cover the cost, Lazcano has already paid around $700 for Henry’s bloodwork. After getting Henry’s dental surgery estimate, Lazcano decided to research more affordable veterinary care in Mexico.Lazcano came across MaxiVet Express, a pet courier service that would take his dog to Tijuana, Mexico, for veterinary treatment at a fraction of the price. The owner of MaxiVet Express, Anna Ginsky, started her company after taking her dog to Mexico for dental treatment. Ginsky said she saved over $1,600 on her dog’s procedure in Mexico. “Mexican vets are definitely targeting U.S. pet owners to become their clients. They are making announcements in English. They are advertising more on the internet,” explained Ginsky.Ginsky’s clients travel from all over the country and then her team accompany the pets to Mexico while their owners stay stateside. Most veterinary treatments are finished within a day. Most pet parents opt to take their pets to Mexico for dental care and simple surgeries. The Mexican veterinarians Ginsky works with also offer follow-up appointments, wellness checks, and chemotherapy treatments. “It makes me really fulfilled to be able to offer a service like this. We have people cry when they learn what our prices are going to be and how affordable it’s going to be for them.” Henry, the longhaired Dachshund, traveled around 3,000 miles for his first veterinary appointment in Mexico. The vet performed an echocardiogram to ensure Henry could tolerate anesthesia before moving on with teeth cleaning and extractions.Ginsky called Lazcano regularly to keep him updated about his pooch. This is a standard procedure for Ginsky, who believes pet parents should be kept informed throughout the day, regardless of whether they are first-time clients or have used her services before. “Everybody loves their pet just the same. And they want to make sure that their pet’s doing OK,” she said.Ronald Richards, the owner of the clinic where Henry had his dental work done explained that the main reason veterinary prices are lower in Mexico is because labor costs less. “The doctors just don’t make as much money as they do in the United States. We don’t have medical malpractice insurance or anything like that. So here in Mexico, it’s really kind of buyers beware in regards to when you go to someone’s clinic for service.”Despite all the potential risks, Lazcano is comfortable with his decision and confident that Henry got the best veterinary care. Henry has made a full recovery after his surgery, and his breath is now fresh.  After spending only a third of what he would have to pay a vet in New York, Lozcano is now considering taking his other two dogs for veterinary treatments in Mexico. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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