Cornwall Veterinary Hospital

Owning a Rabbit

Rabbits make a nice alternative to a dog or cat. They are usually not aggressive, don't have to be walked, and usually learn to use a litterbox quite easily. Their average life span is 5-10 years old, and they reach breeding age at 6 months of age. Early spaying and neutering at 4-6 months of age is recommended to decrease both medical and behavioral problems. Rabbits are known for their easy breeding abilities; pregnancy lasts about 30 days and the average size litter is 4-10 bunnies.

Proper handling of rabbits is important. Rabbits have a lightweight skeleton compared to most animals. Their powerful back legs allow them to kick with a large amount of strength. If held improperly, a swift kick can easily cause a rabbit to break its back, resulting in euthanasia for the now paralyzed rabbit. When carrying your pet, always support its rear end. If the rabbit struggles, it should be placed down immediately, given time to quiet itself, and picked up a few minutes later. NEVER pick up your rabbit by its ears. Have your veterinarian show you the proper way to restrain and carry your rabbit.

Anatomical Interests
Rabbits have large ears, which give them an excellent sense of hearing. The ears also serve as a way for the rabbit to regulate its body temperature. The ears contain large veins, which are often used for drawing blood for diagnostic testing.

Rabbits have a digestive tract that is adapted for digesting the large amount of fiber that is required in their diets.

Rabbits have two pairs of upper incisor teeth (the second pair is hidden behind the first).

Like rodents, rabbit teeth grow throughout the pet's life and may need periodic trimming by your veterinarian. Providing your rabbit with blocks of wood to chew often prevents overgrown incisors, a common condition in pet rabbits.

Selecting your Pet
Rabbits can often be purchased at pet stores or through breeders. Ideally, select a young bunny. The eyes and nose should be clear and free of any discharge that might indicate a respiratory infection. It should be curious and inquisitive. The rabbit should not be thin and emaciated. Check for the presence of wetness around the anus, which might indicate diarrhea. Also check for the presence of parasites such as fleas and ear mites (ear mites cause the production of waxy black exudate in the ears). If possible, examine the rabbit's mouth for broken or overgrown incisors (front teeth), discolored gums (they should be light pink), and any obvious sores. Inquire as to whether the rabbit has been spayed or neutered; most have not been at the time of purchase. These operations should be performed by 4-6 months of age. Finally, inquire as to any guarantee of health the seller is offering.

The First Veterinary Visit
Your rabbit should be examined by a qualified veterinarian within 48 hours of purchase (this examination is often required by the seller or any guarantee is voided). Make sure the veterinarian has experience in treating rabbits. The doctor should discuss housing, proper diet, and appropriate toys for the rabbit. A fecal sample should be examined for parasites. Rabbits require annual physical examinations and fecal tests to check for parasites, although no annual vaccinations are required.

Vaccinations
Rabbits do not require vaccinations.

Rabbit Tooth Problems Can Be Painful

Domestic rabbits belong to a small group of animals that have continuously growing or openrooted teeth. This means that all the teeth in the mouth-including the incisors in the front of the mouth and the premolars and molars (called cheek teeth)-will continue to grow throughout the rabbit's lifetime. The reason for this is that rabbits in the wild eat a large amount of coarse, fibrous material such as dried plants and poor-quality greens. The teeth are constantly worn against each other and against the coarse diet; they would soon wear out if not constantly replaced. If a rabbit's teeth and diet are normal, then the teeth will wear down at a constant rate that is equal to the growth rate of the tooth. If, however, a rabbit's teeth do not meet correctly or the rabbit does not eat enough roughage, then dental problems can occur.

Malocclusion is the term for teeth that don't meet correctly. Because a rabbit's teeth are constantly growing, malocclusion can cause small points to grow on the teeth from uneven wear. These points can irritate the tongue or cheek and cause eating to be a painful experience. Overgrown incisors can actually grow into the opposing jaw or lip. Malocclusion of the incisors is easy to see if you take the time to look carefully at your pet's front teeth. If you see that one incisor (left or right) is longer than the other, you should contact your veterinarian. It is normal for the upper incisors to be about twice as long as the lower incisors. Without specialized equipment, it is impossible to view the cheek teeth of a rabbit, so your veterinarian will have to do that for you. It should be part of your rabbit's yearly physical exam.

Signs (depend on the teeth involved and the severity of the overgrowth):

• decreased appetite
• dropping food from mouth after chewing it
• approaching food, seemingly interested in eating, but not actually eating or swallowing the food

Signs (depend on the teeth involved and the severity of the overgrowth):

Treatment (depends on the teeth that are affected and the cause of the malocclusion):

Periodic Trimming:
• Incisor malocclusions may be trimmed periodically with a dental drill or other cutting device. This usually requires anesthesia and should probably be performed by a clinician. The teeth usually need to be trimmed every 3-4 months.
• Cheek teeth can be trimmed periodically, but must be done under sedation using specialized tools. This cannot be performed easily at home.

Surgery:
• Incisors can be removed surgically. Most rabbits do very well. Check with your veterinarian.
• Cheek teeth are more difficult and are rarely removed unless there is a tooth root abscess or other severe problem.