Practical and Medical Procedures to Prevent Death in Domestic Rabbits

1. Introduction

Rabbits are popular as companion animals in many homes. They are unique from other pets in that they have not been subject to centuries of selective breeding for human companionship, yet they can form strong bonds with their owners. The essence of 'rabbitness' is based on an understanding of their natural behaviors, and an undertaking on the part of their owner to respect their social needs as prey animals, as well as their requirements as a domestic pet. Domestic rabbits are no less unique. Different breeds were developed for different purposes in the initial stages, and then with the rise of rabbit showing as a hobby, there are breeds still valued for these purposes as well as those suited primarily as pets. Rabbit breeds vary in size, body shape, coat, personality, exercise, and nutritional needs.

Rabbits are prolific breeders, with litters averaging five to six kits. Breeding can be brought on during the spring months, and replenishment in the same estrus cycle is not uncommon in the domestic situation. Therefore, many owners have opted to desex their pet rabbits to avoid unwanted pregnancies, reduce fighting between same-sex pairs, and reduce dominance-related problems between owner and pet during sexual maturity. It is important to understand that correct care and husbandry can prevent many problems from occurring in the first place. A suitable diet, exercise, and living conditions are vital for a long, healthy, and disease-free life. Rabbits are prey animals; therefore, ill rabbits will often hide signs of being unwell. Understanding the normal behavior of these species and their unique anatomy and biology will help owners to recognize a problem before it becomes fatal. The discussion of death prevention in rabbits must therefore link the care of these species with their health and welfare – indeed, all these aspects are interconnected.

2. Understanding Common Causes of Death in Domestic Rabbits

Rabbits are prey animals, and their survival strategy is to hide signs of illness or pain. This means that if your rabbit gets sick and you don't catch it, they can die quickly and quietly. So, we need to know the signs of the common problems that occur in rabbits and the ways that they can be managed so if they occur, they don't lead to death. Generally, if you catch a problem early, you can manage it by changing a rabbit's diet, reducing their stress, and/or providing supportive care. Some of the most common things we can prevent and manage in rabbits include:

- Gastrointestinal stasis

Gastrointestinal stasis, also called ileus, is the second most common cause of rabbit death after respiratory infections. This condition is painful and it reduces overall quality of life if not quickly addressed. As the stomach fills with gas and food without being able to empty, a rabbit can develop a gut torsion or rupture, which leads to sepsis and death. When recognized quickly and managed appropriately, though, most rabbits can usually recover from the acute symptoms of gastrointestinal stasis. Ninety percent of rabbits with gastrointestinal stasis can recover from this syndrome with proper management at home, whereas about 50% of rabbits with a gut torsion or rupture will survive with surgery.

The most common signs of respiratory infection are clear or white nasal discharge and loud, snorting breathing. Most respiratory infections are caused by bacteria, and antibiotics are not always necessary for all of these. Treatment is always helpful and can improve the chance of recovery. Vaccination is also preventative. Dental problems affect most older rabbits. When your rabbit doesn't eat, you need to consider an overgrown or maloccluded tooth. Heat stroke in rabbits is very dangerous and is usually fatal after the rabbit lies too long in the heat. Always find a way for our rabbits to keep cool during hot weather and to be extra mindful of heat stroke signs when traveling with them. Ectoparasites such as fur mites and ear mites can cause a lot of pain and suffering to a rabbit. Periodic retreatment can help to prevent this potentially life-threatening condition.

In conclusion, the five most common causes of rabbit illness and death are gastrointestinal stasis, respiratory infections, dental problems, heat stroke, and ectoparasites. When you have rabbits, it is important to monitor for these problems and to take prompt preventative action when necessary to prevent their development or worsening.

2.1. Gastrointestinal Stasis

Gastrointestinal stasis is, without a doubt, one of the most common health issues. It consists of some alterations of the normal pattern and velocity of movement of the peristalsis in some stretches of the cardiac and, more often, in some stretch of the stomach and intestines. Gastrointestinal stasis has a wide variety of possible causes, such as stress, dietary factors, often too much solid food or too little fluid, that induce dehydration and stasis. Therefore, metabolic factors can play a role as primary or secondary reasons that we need to address to get the correct therapy for it. For example, gas can influence peristalsis, but with gastric stasis having a dilation of the blocked viscera, it can further deteriorate to a point where a possible cure could become a higher risk for the patient by inducing cardiac arrhythmias or circulatory collapse. The first symptoms are likely to be a reduced appetite, and sometimes no consumption of dry food, but still release of soft and fragmented stool: a tendency to lassitude and lethargy, and lack of willingness to eat treats and food in general, indicating that the animals are in a very bad mood. It is very important to recognize the clinical signs of stasis as soon as possible. Gastrointestinal stasis, as abdominal stasis, can be complicated by gastric dilation and gastric torsion, and in the last case, the treatment options are no longer similar to treatments for only idiopathic dilation or torsion. The most important point is that it is mandatory to treat these rabbits with a veterinarian, so this leads to preventive medicine and new treatments, although the chances of recovery are lower compared to the former case because you need to ensure proper therapy. Surgery can save the life of a rabbit in ileus, but it is always important to ensure the therapy with the recommended diet and treatments to avoid relapses.

2.2. Respiratory Infections

Introduction Respiratory infections are some of the most common causes of poor health in domestic rabbits. However, rabbits often mask signs of poor health; hence, when the first signs appear, the animal is often in severe pain. They usually manifest through one or more of these signs: sniffling, sneezing, nasal discharge, coughs, and even blowing bubbles through the nose. Many things contribute to it; in general, they result from infection by bacteria and viruses. Rabbits also tend to have a 'sensitive nose', particularly lop-eared breeds. Although these signs may go away without treatment, they can also show several problems down the line; hence, it is recommended that the rabbit be checked by a competent veterinarian.

Causes and Management An identical list to those for conjunctivitis above could be composed to show what causes rabbits this form of respiratory sign. There are several treatments to give at home. Catching the problem early will greatly improve the rabbit's chance of getting better. These rabbits might need a week of prescription antibiotics, orally or by injection; they will bring home a bottle of oral antibiotics to give for 1 to 6 weeks following the veterinary consultation. These rabbits also need to stay at home where they can be housed, such as bronchitis rabbits. Supportive care consists of changing the water and bedding frequently, keeping the rabbit warm in cold weather, increasing fiber, providing rough foods, giving a diet high in vitamin C (such as grass, hay, and dandelions), and if necessary, syringe feeding. Much more important is stopping the rabbit from getting sick in the first place. Rabbits subjected to stresses from poor ventilation and air quality, such as being left in a cold, damp barn, or indoors near a window that does not open fully, might develop such signs. Clinical signs of rabbit respiratory disease should be treated properly.

2.3. Dental Problems

Dental problems are fundamentally significant in domestic rabbits. The anatomy and physiology of rabbit teeth, which continuously grow throughout their lives, being hypsodonts and elodonts, are the leading causes of this. Friction between the upper and lower teeth during grinding is necessary not only to maintain the occlusal surface but also to ensure teeth wear for uniform growth of incisors and cheek teeth. Overgrowth of teeth during their ever-growing phases results in a lack of wear and subsequently malocclusion. Common dental problems with varying percentages include malocclusion, broken or elongated incisors, lacerations or ulcers of the molar table, and root elongation and elongated arcades.

Among different dental problems, malocclusion and periodontal disease are key to developing life-threatening health issues. This is because it lines the sinuses with delicate turbinate bones, and any damage to them causes rhinitis, middle ear effusion, and various craniofacial lesions. Impaction of overgrown cheek teeth in the maxillary and/or mandibular gum line requires the application of space-occupying material. Unworn pointed areas of teeth due to malocclusion or laceration of the cheeks are hallmarks of malocclusion and impulse. Dietary problems are attributed to malocclusion when rabbits pick and choose relatively painless food compared to the more frequent options due to movement and grinding of the jaw. Rabbits are very good at displaying oral pain behaviors, and possible signs of dental diseases include un-mutilated appearance, attenuated cecal pellet caecotrophy, producing less saliva, drooling, having a sore mouth, loose stools, dropping weight for no clear reason, behavioral changes, and difficulty in picking or cropping feed. To mitigate these effects and address these common dental problems, which are significantly responsible for the same, it is advisable to seek a veterinarian’s advice at regular intervals to identify dental issues earlier.

2.4. Heat Stroke

Signs and symptoms: A rabbit’s normal body temperature ranges from 101°F to 104°F. Rabbits are highly susceptible to overheating and can suffer heat stroke very quickly. They may exhibit excessive panting, have very warm ears, and are generally lethargic, inappetent, and may sit in a hunched position. The hind feet may present as splayed out behind the rabbit. Seizures, coma, and sudden death can follow if the condition is not alleviated.

Immediate response: When signs of heat stress are noticed in rabbits, try to move them to a cooler location. Spritz and gently soak the rabbit in cool water. A fan can be directed at the soaking rabbit to increase the cooling effect. Encourage the rabbit to drink cool water. There is also a risk of hypothermia in rabbits that are already suffering from heat stress, so monitor the core body temperature or discontinue the soaking when the body temperature reaches a normal level.

Prevention: During hot weather, it is best to keep the rabbit indoors where it can be kept in air conditioning. But if the rabbit must be kept outside, provide a cool, shaded location to help limit heat exposure. Provide a fan outside the rabbit hutch or cage if possible. Since rabbits tend to seek out warmth and are most active at dawn and dusk, avoid exercising rabbits outdoors during the peak heat of the day. Make sure that the rabbit has access to fresh water and can consume as much as it needs. Awareness: It is worth monitoring the temperature and humidity of the housing environment on a regular basis.

2.5. Parasitic Infections

Hosts commonly include mites, lice, fleas, and hairworms, which are parasites that can be seen with the naked eye and/or through direct examination of the rabbit's body. Ear mites cause intense itching, and the resulting head shaking in rabbits usually leads to the development of haematomas or hematomas. Ear mites in rabbits are highly contagious among rabbits and are transmitted by direct contact. Rabbits with ear mites often bury each other for warmth and comfort and can also inhale the mites when they are close to the infected rabbit with their ears in proximity. Clinical signs of ear mites include scratching, dandruff, a crusty or waxy discharge around the external ear canal, head tilt, walking in circles, a change in behavior, hearing loss, and eventually, head shaking. Other pathogens, such as bacteria and yeasts, typically also colonize an ear canal infested with ear mites, as it can mask the otoscopic identification of the parasites. Other parasitic infections often do not produce symptoms as obvious as those caused by mites. This is because the adult forms of these parasites are generally located inside the gastrointestinal tract. This is why internal parasitic infections are hard to diagnose in the absence of a fecal examination. All internal parasites affect the rabbit's general health, growth, and reproduction to various degrees. Exceptions are the adult worm forms, which may not cause visible symptoms at all, as is the case for tapeworm infections and the non-pathogenic nematodes, such as the pinworms. These parasites are particularly common when the rabbit is infested with mites, which can stress the rabbit sufficiently to increase the number of pinworms present.

3. Best Practices for Preventing Death in Domestic Rabbits

Rabbit owners interested in reducing rabbit deaths are recommended to adopt these strategies: provide a diet that follows the nutritional needs of the rabbit; provide preventive care with a licensed veterinarian; house rabbits on flooring that provides them with good grip and comfort; provide a safe, hazard-free home that is either predator-proof or has safety measures in place to protect rabbits from death or injury; slowly and safely socialize rabbits, ensure they are housed in a pair or group, provide them with a large comfortable and engaging environment that has feeding and watering stations, resting sites, and landings so that all animals have easy access to alternative behaviors. When considering "preventable causes" of rabbit death, it is important to consider known practical approaches that both prevent the development and reduce the severity of pathology. These recommendations are made on the best available evidence and current expert opinion. Once rabbits are affected by disease, there is a significant risk of mortality even in the presence of expert veterinary care. The five freedoms are international principles protecting the welfare of all animals. Rabbits should be provided with a balanced diet; regular access to fresh water; safe housing; companionship; suitable drinkers; a health check by a veterinarian; a safe environment; social contact with compatible rabbits; suitable bedding and hiding areas. The provision of preventative care, adequate husbandry, handling, and habitat are important components of animal welfare management. These are the gold standard strategies that support companion animal well-being and reduce the risk of death from a number of common rabbit diseases as far as possible. Ongoing education both into the factors that prevent disease expression and reduce the death rate of affected animals should underpin veterinary rabbit-keeping advice.

3.1. Proper Diet and Nutrition

TOPIC: How to prevent your pet rabbit from dying.

Rabbits are uniquely adapted to a high-fiber diet; they are hindgut fermenters, which means that they practically only require fiber to live. A constant supply of hay is the most important ingredient in any rabbit's diet. This hay calorie source should be equal to one handful of hay per rabbit per day. Fresh vegetables of many flavors, shapes, and colors give rabbits all the vitamins they need. They behave more normally when fed a diet high in fresh vegetables like kale, dandelion greens, spinach, escarole, collard greens, or fresh herbs. If the diet is varied, a rabbit should receive at least four types of vegetables per day on a rotating basis. Fresh fruit deserves a bit of caution, as it has a high calorie value.

Too much fruit in a rabbit's diet can cause obesity and liver problems. Rabbits should also drink water freely from a bowl or bottle. Sweeter food tastes are preferred by large commercial rabbits. For this reason, these rabbits have been taught to eat several pellets before feeling full. Obesity in rabbits can lead to many problems such as heart disease, decreased mobility, and urinary issues. Most of the rabbits alive today have been receiving sweetened pellets, and it is a problem that rabbits have learned to manipulate. Weigh your rabbit at least once a month and adjust the diet to keep the rabbit at the appropriate weight. As with any pet, the more you know about their usual treatment and health, the better the care of your rabbit will be. The best-kept rabbits are fed a constant diet consisting mainly of various types of hay and fresh vegetables.

3.2. Regular Veterinary Check-ups

One indispensable element of the preventive care of domestic rabbits is establishing a good relationship with a veterinarian knowledgeable about rabbit care. If something goes wrong, visits to the vet are much more likely to be stressful for the animal and expensive for the owner if a rabbit has never seen a vet before. How often you should get your rabbit's health checked depends on the individual's age and any pre-existing health problems. In general, whatever their age, any rabbit that is unwell should be taken to the vet immediately once potential problems are noticed. Healthy rabbits should see a vet at least once a year. Young rabbits and those that are recovering from health issues should see a vet more often. Your vet is likely to ask to see your rabbit and perform a basic health check before deciding how often they should be checked.

At a vet check-up, a rabbit will generally receive a full physical examination, and a full health check should include time devoted to looking at the rabbit's oral cavity. Vaccinations for life-threatening diseases may be offered at this time, and they can significantly reduce the likelihood of death. Finally, owners should be aware of the importance of spaying or neutering their pet rabbit to help prevent health problems that might otherwise reduce lifespan, including uterine cancer and pregnancy-related complications in unneutered females. Underlying general ill health is easier to spot when a baseline of good health is established. If any changes are noted at any time, it's helpful to have a data set from previous check-ups, including detailed daily health checks and thorough monthly health checks, to refer back to. Your vet may be able to provide oral recordings of check-ups, and you should certainly keep a written record yourself. A vet that is familiar with your rabbits can also provide advice on how to manage feeding, housing, grooming, and other aspects of caring for your pet. These have a significant impact on health.

3.3. Environmental Considerations

Environmental considerations are vital, as they both directly and indirectly impact the psychological and physical welfare of domestic rabbits. The external environment refers to the immediate surroundings of the rabbit and the indirect effects from issues such as transport. Indoor pet rabbits are ideally kept in a safe and secure hutch or living quarters that is escape-proof and provides a safe space. Hutches should provide shelter from rain, wind, and sun. Doors should be locked to prevent unwanted intrusions and enable the prevention of escapes. Rules and regulations in both urban and rural areas may dictate specific requirements for hutch construction and management. This subsection provides general guidelines, but owners should also ensure that they comply with local regulations.

Rabbits require different amounts of space to accommodate their needs. Overcrowding can lead to stress, injuries, and reduced grooming behavior when rabbits are incompatible. Safe living spaces will minimize the risk of injury and illness caused by common structural hutch components and potential toxic agents. Rabbits should always have access to an appropriately sized exercise run to supply environmental enrichment for the pet, as well as a place to explore, play, hop, and engage in fecal and urine marking behaviors. A lack of exercise and environmental exploration can result in long-term health problems, from musculoskeletal issues to obesity-related diseases. Enrichment can take many forms, from inanimate objects to living or non-living companionship. Ideally, provide rabbits with a companion that has been desexed or neutered, as they are social animals and can suffer from loneliness when kept alone. Hygiene is critical to assist with the prevention of disease. Temperature regulation and the ability to provide both sources of warmth during cold weather and cool areas for rabbits in the heat are essential.

3.4. Handling and Socialization

Handling is fundamental to the human-animal relationship and helps establish trust between pet rabbits and their owners. Regular socialization can prevent fearfulness and aggression, and increase the pet status of a rabbit in the household. Initial socialization should begin in early life, from 2 to 7 weeks of age, when rabbits are most open to new experiences and least afraid of unfamiliar stimuli. Socialization must extend to individual humans, as rabbits are less capable of generalizing fear across a range of people compared to more proximal fear-inducing stimuli. It is also beneficial to introduce a domestic rabbit to other pets before they become potential prey or territorial, as this reduces the likelihood of dangerous pet interactions and aggression. It's important to maintain handling and touching after the initial socialization period, including regular, safe exposure to children and other household members, for the life of the rabbits so that fearful behavior does not escalate.

It is important to remember that each rabbit is an individual with its own needs. Rabbits may become fearful and show gestures according to their previous experiences. Negative experiences with handling may not only jeopardize the relationship between the owner and the rabbit but may also lead to the impending danger of some sort of aggression being targeted at children. It is important not to mishandle rabbits, as this can lead to injury, causing hypoxia, death, or escape. Forced handling and other stressful procedures are also associated with adrenal activity and trajectories of behavioral responses indicating that the rabbit is threatened, whereas gentle handling is associated with a trajectory that rabbits could perform when taken out of their hutch and used to being handled. In studies, rabbits in pet shops are reported less often to be curious toward human strangers, not to be licking and sniffing in response to humans, nor to be approached by a human. It is important to accept the size and shape of the rabbit and observe its body language through its physiological response; it is also important to read the rabbits' body language. Behavior problems are related to stressful and inadequate environments, such as husbandry, living alone, poor socialization with humans, fear-related behavior, and reproduction. The frequency of owner-directed aggression might be explained by the fact that dry feces were associated with the onset of owner-directed aggression. Most aggressive rabbits have killed a conspecific.

The amount of socialization, desensitization, or operant training in rabbits is mostly anecdotal, with operant training used in laboratories and in behavioral responses from an ethical perspective, and main daily activities with pet rabbits centering around occupational therapy. Grouping rabbits may also not be beneficial during acute, sub-chronic, and chronic stress periods, due to the onset of domestic rabbit deaths and aggression during this time. Passive objects for rabbits to play with and chew, such as large plastic balls, cardboard rolls, or free willow sticks, should be provided so that if bored, the rabbits do not target aggression towards the handler. Research shows that the bodies of rabbits categorize handling procedures in a study that is urgently needed to differentiate the effect of reproductive and sex hormones from handling socialization.

4. Medical Interventions for Common Health Issues

It is important to understand that medical procedures should be performed by or under the guidance of a professional veterinarian. The optimal method for several of the following medical procedures is a flexible issue, so always consult a current resource or your veterinarian for the best methods of intervention. Below is a list of potential treatments that can be used to manage common health afflictions. The doses and potential indications of the medication provided are only estimates, and this information should be confirmed to be current by professionals.

A. Medical Interventions for Common Health Issues

1. Oral medications
2. Injectable medications
B. Surgical Procedures for Specific Conditions
1. Neuter/ovary ablation
2. Retrobulbar abscess
C. Emergency First Aid
1. Diarrhea
2. Gastrointestinal stasis
3. Fly strike
4. Open wounds
5. Displaced limb(s)
6. Agonal breathing or shock signs
4.1. Administration of Medications

Rabbits become ill under many different circumstances, from interacting or living with other animals to underlying genetic causes. In many situations, the cause of illness is not obvious or does not regularly provoke signs until late in the course of sickness. Therefore, all rabbit owners must make active observations about their pet’s behavior, appearance, and excretion patterns and inform their veterinarian about the suddenness or worsening of any changes. All diseases or problems can become emergency situations, but some generally recognized critical situations demand immediate medical attention.

Rabbits are commonly prescribed medications in a number of forms (topical, oral, and injectable). For all of these forms, it is important that the rabbit owner (along with any other carer) administers the medication as directed. This includes the amount of medication to be given and also how often and for how long. To give a medication correctly and ensure the benefit is maximized and risks are minimized, it is essential that the directions of the rabbit’s veterinarian are followed. Furthermore, if a carer has any doubt about why, when, or how they should administer a medication, they should consult the rabbit’s veterinarian or their agent responsible for the rabbit's care. If there are any side effects from the medication or a carer cannot give the medication, the veterinarian should be contacted as soon as possible to discuss the situation and possible alternatives.

Oral medications are the most common way of giving a rabbit medication. A rabbit may be given liquid medication such as oral antibiotics, pain relief, parasite control, or subcutaneous fluids. Oral antibiotics may also be available as small tablets or other special solid formulations. Also, there are relatively new hay-based medication balls that are very palatable and useful for giving certain types of medication. As most rabbits are highly strung animals that do not like to be held, it can be very difficult to give an oral medication. However, there are lots of tricks to give medications to your rabbit. A carer should, therefore, ask their veterinarian or their agents responsible for the rabbit’s care for advice on the best way to give a particular medication. For many medications, if the liquid medication is given by mouth, the simplest method is to mix the medication with the rabbit’s usual food so that the rabbit eats it by itself. There are a number of palatable syrups and pastes on the market that can help to disguise the taste of bitter medications and encourage a rabbit to eat it.

Injectable medications have to be given carefully by injection by the rabbit’s veterinarian or their agent. Injectable medications can be given in different places such as under the skin or into the muscle. Topical treatments mean the medication is applied and absorbed through the skin. The medication can come in the form of a liquid, cream, ointment, gel, or powder. Powdered treatments such as shampoos and powders are usually diluted in water before being applied. For both topical and injectable medications, some medications can burn when they are applied to the skin or injected into the muscle, and some rabbits can be allergic. Also, anything that is put onto a habitual groomer of a rabbit will likely be ingested. This is important as there can be all sorts of health risks associated with ingesting chemicals. So, any irritation signs such as grooming the site excessively or redness, swelling, and pain need to be reported to a veterinarian straight away. Keeping a close monitor for any skin changes can also be helpful.

A carer should also handle and keep all medications (both human and veterinary), poisons, and other chemicals in a locked cupboard away from young children, other pets such as cats and dogs, and the rabbits. If any of those items are not locked away, they should be put in a high-level place that rabbits cannot access but any children can. The instructions on the labels should always be read before any medication is given or used, and they should not be put where the rabbit can reach it.

4.2. Surgical Procedures

Surgery may be performed on domestic rabbits for a variety of reasons. Ovariohysterectomy is recommended in female rabbits due to the high incidence of uterine cancer. Castration is recommended in males, as it eliminates the risk of developing tumors of the reproductive system. Surgery for dental problems is common, as domestic rabbits do not tolerate the sedation necessary for a complete oral examination. Surgical extraction of deciduous teeth is occasionally needed. Other surgeries, such as surgical repair for deep abscesses, mass removal, and limb amputations, face challenges with the use of long-term pain control medications, or have problematic or uncertain outcomes. Preoperative evaluation is mandatory before any surgical procedure. The patient's health, including hydration status, body condition score, and any concurrent medical problems, is assessed. Surgical procedures in rabbits are performed under general anesthesia. Assessment of a patient's medical history and results of a physical examination are combined to determine risk and support anesthetic choices. Blood tests or imaging may be needed to further assess anesthetic risk. Any anesthetic procedure should be guided by a veterinary clinician. The clinician should know when to take charge of the patient's condition and when to modify the anesthetic, surgical, or perioperative process in response to the patient's condition. After surgery, the rabbit should be carefully monitored. It should be checked for any immediate developing problems, compromised appetite, pain, or illness. Knowledge about these potential post-operative complications is critical. Risks of surgery and advanced surgical techniques in rabbits are recognized. After these points are considered, the decision to perform a surgical procedure is made. Rabbit owners often worry about surgical decisions. It is important to educate them about these risks and benefits. Owners can follow guidelines before surgery, such as fasting before anesthesia. Recommending a high-fiber diet may be more beneficial than having a patient fast too long, particularly to avoid potential ileus, for rabbits who need food deprivation for a short time before anesthesia. Owners will be informed about post-surgical care, including pain management strategies for their rabbits.

4.3. Emergency First Aid Techniques

There are many potential medical or practical problems that could arise in day-to-day life with rabbits, many of which have been discussed previously. The following are the most common emergencies and can generally be categorized as: wounds, injury, illness, heat stroke, being cold, and choking. Whatever the emergency, it is always important to try to remain as composed as possible. Give yourself 30 seconds to perhaps a couple of minutes just to take a good look at what is happening and lay the rabbit down on a secure surface. During this time, try to gauge exactly what has happened to the best of your ability and think if there is anything that you can do immediately to help the rabbit until specialized medical attention or advice can be sought.

The most common way people are hurt when helping an animal in an emergency is from a cage mate as the rabbit comes out of the cage. Whatever you do, when trying to help an injured rabbit, always try to split cage mates before touching the rabbit. Sometimes, one way to catch a rabbit is to allow it to escape and then catch it as it tries to come through the door. This is best used when trying to get an injured rabbit out of a lawn. It is the least stressful way of getting a rabbit into your hands. Wound care, transport, and trying to stabilize the situation are some of the things that you might need to do, and once complete, it is important that you get to your veterinarian as quickly and calmly as possible so that you get specialized advice. You should be prepared and organized, thus obtaining a first aid kit that will help you through all small emergencies.

I believe that anyone with pets should have basic training in first aid, that you should also have regular refreshers just to remind yourself of what can be done in an emergency, and possibly being reminded of this could make the difference in saving or not saving your pet. Far too many people lose their pet simply because they got stressed and then, in turn, got hurt and ended up in an emergency hospital, rather than the pet being in the emergency hospital where it should have been. None of the following takes the place of veterinary advice, and to be constantly referring to a manual in emergency situations can cause distress to the animal concerned. Therefore, all first aid treatment should be under the direction of your veterinarian and should only be utilized if it is going to benefit your pet and not cause them more problems. If you are new to rabbits, the basics of first aid training can be a valuable asset.

5. Recognizing Signs of Illness and Injury

Regarding healthcare, it is important for rabbit owners to know what is normal and what are normal health concerns for rabbits. The list of illnesses that domestic rabbits are prone to is long, but a few example symptoms to look for in your rabbit include any changes in their appetite, any changes in bowel and bladder activity, or any changes (both positive and negative) in mental state. Decreased appetite and lack of appetite are common symptoms of many rabbit illnesses, as is refusal to eat certain types of food, and oral discomfort often presents as reduced interest in food. Some "appetizing" people foods that rabbits have been taught to eat have properties that are problematic for rabbits and should be limited in any case, but especially when rabbits are not feeling well. Diarrhea can be caused by many factors, including potentially dangerous toxins excreted by a few common bacteria to which adult rabbits are sometimes immune, and may require veterinary attention depending on the cause. Unusually small, hard fecal pellets are a nonspecific symptom that is common in two directions: rabbits who are ill and in pain may suddenly seem to feel fine and cheerful, while others who are generally healthy, even if slightly under the weather, may seem cranky and grumpy. Litter box habits are also important to keep track of; any changes in frequency or spot chosen to go to the bathroom can provide important clues to general and urinary health.

Respiratory diseases can be incredibly complex and difficult to diagnose and manage, so owner observation is important to keeping a rabbit in top health. Any difficulty in breathing is an emergency, as well as any tearing, sneezing, or gasping. Any rabbit with a history of breathing difficulty requires regular veterinary check-ups. Rabbits have very strong, quickly growing teeth to support a significant amount of chewing and grinding as they eat every day. Ineffective attempts to eat food that the animal manages to pick up may be a sign of oral pain. Finally, any change in your rabbit’s activity level or personality warrants a vet visit if it cannot be explained by a change in your pet’s daily schedule. Rabbits are experts at hiding pain and discomfort to protect themselves from predators, so understanding what is normal behavior.

6. Emergency Response and CPR for Rabbits

Emergency response and CPR for rabbits is a critical skill, as many catastrophic situations require immediate intervention or the animal will perish. Cardiac arrests can occur during restraint due to stress, severe shock, or dislocation. Rabbits that are also suffering from hypovolemic shock due to heavy internal or external bleeding are in critical condition, as well as those with severe trauma. A rabbit owner or caretaker should monitor any critical patient closely and be prepared to make the decision to attempt resuscitation. Rabbits are prey species and tend to hide severe weakness until they are unable to any longer; by this time, they are often near death. If not breathing, or agonal breathing without chest movement is detected, the animal should be rushed for emergency veterinary care while rescue breathing is being done using a closed mouth technique. It is important in an emergency to check for vital signs before doing anything, as first aid is actually emergency medicine. A responsive rabbit that becomes overheated, cold, in pain, frightened, or goes into shock can die. Methods for emergency cooling and/or protection from trauma have to be taken while not injuring the responsive rabbit. The basic steps to evaluate how critical a rabbit's condition is the same as for any species. First, check for responsiveness. Observe breathing, if any. Determine if the animal can take a deep breath on its own. Do basic CPR if necessary. Keep in mind that unless you obtain advanced pet first aid, the first aid steps are for immediate help in a life-threatening situation before you can get them to someone who has more advanced medical training. A little bit of extra time may save a life while helping in an accident or emergency situation. Make pregnancy or poison helplines available to your veterinarian, family, and sitters. Take a pet first aid course, including CPR for pet rabbits, and practice on your most tolerant rabbit. The parts of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were adapted from various educational resources. The first step in checking for responsiveness is to call the rabbit by its name. If there is no response, check for breathing: place your hand on the chest, close to where the upper foreleg joints meet the chest. If the heart is thundering or the ribcage seems sucked in, those are pretty good signs that the rabbit is not dead yet. If the heart is so quick that each tap of your hand on the chest starts a roar of wheezing and not too much air is exchanged, this backs up the preliminary suspicions. Alternatively, using a tissue or another soft object, hold it at the rabbit's nostrils to see if there is any stream of air while breathing in and out. If nothing works, you can also kneel down and place your ear near the ribs as the chest rises and falls. Carefully check for any rhythmic flow of air or puffing sounds. Spend 15 to 20 seconds doing all the above tests before assuming excessive shallow breaths are not the result of an impending sudden shock, hypothermia, or some other medical problem. The ability to breathe in a distressed animal can suffer randomly or gradually. For example, dehydration is a common medical condition that hinders breathing. When overheated, the rabbit breathes faster, but not as much if the dog or game is stressed. Anxious rabbits pant faster, often for long periods, than do healthy rabbits. Only if breathing shows zero response or if you do not hear anything, as mentioned above, should you catch the rabbit to get out of earshot and security as soon as possible.

7. Understanding Euthanasia and End-of-Life Care

Understanding euthanasia and end-of-life care can be one of the most fraught topics for rabbit owners. Unlike with cats and dogs, the pet, companion, or family member is a prey animal. A rabbit’s entrance into a household can transform the house into a home. As rabbits have lifespans lasting from 8 to 12 years, even longer in some cases, caring for rabbits will present opportunities to discuss end-of-life care. For the practical-minded, it can be defined under two scenarios: how to end a rabbit’s life easily and without undue pain if end-of-life circumstances present themselves, and how to economically prepare for the services leading up to and after euthanasia in advance. The more general question for most people is the evaluation of the seriousness of the rabbit’s health, and the direct question to that is, “How can the rabbit be evaluated for euthanasia?” Note that the ethical questions of euthanasia are addressed prior to the procedure being made, and that the recommendation would not change from euthanasia to euthanasia. It is in this spirit that this guide was produced, and it is our hope that rabbit healthcare professionals feel more at ease discussing the end-of-life scenarios involving rabbits.

Euthanasia can be performed in an animal hospital or at home. In-clinic euthanasia can be arranged in two ways: by having another veterinarian perform the procedure, or by having the veterinarian come to your house and perform the procedure at your home. If you opt for home euthanasia, be sure to choose a time when your rabbit is most comfortable. Many veterinarians are willing to provide at-home euthanasia, even if their practice doesn’t have a service specifically advertised for that. Regardless of where your rabbit is euthanized, positive pain management before euthanasia can make the procedure more comfortable. Post-euthanasia, there are several body care options: cremation. Your body is cremated and your ashes are returned to you. Private cremation. Your body is cremated and your ashes are returned to you in a specific urn. Cremation with no return of ashes. Inexpensive burial. You can also take your body home and bury it. There are a number of businesses that make burial supplies, since most pet owners are unaccustomed to the process. Environmentally friendly burial is available from several green burial organizations, where the body is not preserved by chemicals and does not take up space inside a traditional cemetery. Even if you are considering euthanasia, having buddy cremation is conventional. When a buddy is present, the company organizes and performs the euthanasia, then takes both bodies to the crematory for a cremation where only the ashes can be returned. Even if you feel prepared for these options, it is important for you and your family members to discuss aftercare in advance, as people respond in different ways when faced with the reality of their rabbit’s death. The process begins with the patient with the physiological ability to complete euthanasia. In many cases, the urethra is catheterized to provide a path from abdominal pressure to the affected agent. The doctor will provide sympathetic psycho-education that includes the euthanasia plan and the selection of supportive safety-net counseling (away from the crowded lobby if possible). Following euthanasia, the veterinarian is responsible for providing the client with the recorded method of the rabbit’s death, and to work with the client on progressive candor if the rabbit is expected to pass. If the client is clearly unprepared, suggestions for further coping and assistance may mitigate the severity of the sudden loss on their life and health. Grief counseling suggestions to offer: local professionals, online resources. The most important aspect is openly and directly expressing compassion and sympathy, regardless of whether the client visibly appears in grief. As with other major events in life, grief is highly variable and may present unpredictably.

8. Resources and Support for Rabbit Owners

The House Rabbit Society can connect you with local chapters, spay/neuter clinics, and veterinarians who are rabbit savvy. We can also tell you about national organizations, rabbit rescue groups, online forums, and diagnosis/treatment referrals. If you have a question about rabbit care or behavior, you can find a lot of resources. Books and veterinary references contain lots of rabbit information. Check with your state to learn about any rabbit rescue groups; many groups are not yet large enough to have a presence, but they may be able to connect you with other local rabbit owners. The Animal Adoption Education Network offers education about adopting, caring for, and learning the biology and behavior of rabbits. Influential veterinarians offered companion animal management workshops, and a few have produced rabbit care handouts in Spanish. A highly educated rabbit community is the best preventative medicine of all. Don't stop learning after you adopt a rabbit! If you can't make it to the veterinary conference, try attending a rabbit dating service or an educational event. All conferences and most other events are open to the public and cover topics from basic bunny information to hands-on activities. Join the House Rabbit Society to learn from other members. Keep track of our chapters and events to see whether the society is coming your way. Find and join various rabbit groups on social networking sites. You may also find local volunteer postings for your needs.

References:

McMahon, S. A. & Wigham, E., 2020. 'All Ears': a questionnaire of 1516 owner perceptions of the mental abilities of pet rabbits, subsequent resource provision, and the effect on welfare. Animals. mdpi.com

Marín-García, P. J. & Llobat, L., 2021. What Are the Keys to the Adaptive Success of European Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the Iberian Peninsula?. Animals. mdpi.com

Benedek, I., Altbӓcker, V., Zsolnai, A., & Molnár, T., 2020. Exploring the genetic background of the differences in nest-building behavior in European rabbit. Animals. mdpi.com

Ballan, M., Bovo, S., Schiavo, G., Schiavitto, M., Negrini, R. and Fontanesi, L., 2022. Genomic diversity and signatures of selection in meat and fancy rabbit breeds based on high-density marker data. Genetics Selection Evolution, 54(1), p.3. springer.com

González-Mariscal, G., Hoy, S. and Hoffman, K.L., 2022. Rabbit maternal behavior: A perspective from behavioral neuroendocrinology, animal production, and psychobiology. In Patterns of Parental Behavior: From Animal Science to Comparative Ethology and Neuroscience (pp. 131-176). Cham: Springer International Publishing. [HTML]