Rabbit Care

Vaccinations

Rabbits are vaccinated against calicivirus at 6-8 weeks of age. A booster is then given at 12 weeks of age and then twice yearly to maintain immunity throughout life. Calicivirus and Myxomatosis are diseases that have been introduced in Australia to help control the wild rabbit population. Whilst there are no vaccines available to prevent myxomatosis, rabbits should be vaccinated against calicivirus. For more information on vaccinations at Spearwood Veterinary Hospital click here.

Parasite Prevention

Rabbits can be infected with either fur mites or ear mites. Fur mites usually cause a dandruff type skin condition.It is normally not itchy. Rabbits with ear mites frequently scratch at their ears and earwax may be visible. If your bunny has any of these signs a vet should examine him/her so the condition can be treated and your pet made more comfortable. Rabbits can attract dog fleas. There are some excellent, easy to use flea control products available including Advantage and Revolution.

Desexing

If you are not planning to breed from your rabbit, desexing is recommended. It ensures a calm temperament and reduces the likelihood of some serious diseases. Male and female rabbits should be desexed between 4-6 months of age. The main reason for desexing female rabbits is the prevention of uterine cancer (it’s reported that 60-80% of rabbits may develop uterine cancer if left entire).

Diet

A rabbits diet should consist of 80% grass/hay/pellets and 20% leafy green vegies. Rabbits groom themselves like cats and can therefore develop hairballs – a healthy diet can prevent hairballs becoming a problem.

Additional Health Care

Rabbits have continuously growing nails that need to be trimmed regularly.

Rabbits have teeth that continually grow and can develop overgrown incisors (front teeth) and molars (cheek teeth.). We often see rabbits with overgrown teeth due to poor diet or hereditary factors. Our veterinary health care team can provide you with a solution for preventing and treating dental conditions.