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Do Rabbits Need to See a Veterinarian Every Year?

Yes! As prey animals rabbits instinctively hide signs of illness and do so very well. They should get a wellness exam, with blood work, every year with an experienced exotic veterinarian even if they “seem healthy.” This way illnesses can be caught and treated in the early stage. By the time symptoms become obvious it may be too late or much more difficult to treat; requiring more advanced and costly treatments. You should never ignore symptoms or try to treat rabbits at home yourself. “Home remedies” are no substitute for veterinary care and are often dangerous.

When rabbits are six years old they are considered senior pets and should visit an exotic vet twice a year. X-rays determine if arthritis is present and lifelong pain management may be advised.

Cost of Veterinary Care for Rabbits

A physical exam with an experienced exotic veterinarian may cost $75-$105 in Florida. During a typical physical exam the veterinarian will document the weight and vital signs (temperature, heart and respiratory rates), listen to the heart and lungs, use a scope to look at the eyes and nose and inside the mouth and ears, etc. It is important that the veterinarian is experienced with properly handling exotic animals like rabbits because they have  fragile spines and are difficult to keep calm and safely restrain. Improper handling can lead to stress and spinal injuries.

Because rabbits hide signs of illness, blood work should be performed every year to check the functioning of internal organs, this can be an additional $150-$300. In the case of a suspected injury or illness, veterinarians may need to perform diagnostic x-rays which can cost $250-$450. If surgery is needed, depending on the length and complexity it may range from $900 – $1600 or more.

The average cost of a spay/neuter surgery in Florida is $400-$600.

It is recommended to have a medical savings account of $1000 per rabbit for emergencies.

Another option is to GET PET INSURANCE WITH NATIONWIDE or APPLY FOR CARE CREDIT to get 6 months interest free financing for unexpected costs.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis

GI stasis can be caused by:

  • Improper Diet: Insufficient dietary fiber, not eating enough hay, and high carbohydrate intake can disrupt normal GI motility.
  • Obstruction and Blockages: Not enough grooming can lead to hair ingestion, contributing to blockages. Blockages due to hairballs or foreign objects can block digestive functions.
  • Lack of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyle due to restricted space or lack of interaction can slow down the digestive system.
  • Stress: Environmental stressors such as changes in habitat, loss of a companion, or loud noises can cause rabbits to stop eating.
  • Pain: Pain from dental disease, urinary tract infections, or other underlying medical conditions can lead to decreased appetite and subsequent GI stasis.
  • Dehydration: Inadequate water intake can lead to dry, impacted feces, hindering normal gut movements.

Symptoms:

GI Stasis is often referred to as the “silent killer” because the symptoms can be very subtle. Keep an eye out for any changes in appetite, fecal output, energy level and behavior as these can indicate there is a underlying health issue.

  • Anorexia: Inappetence, refusal to eat or a significant decrease in appetite
  • Lack of or Abnormal Fecal Production: Presence of small, dark, hard fecal pellets. Little to no fecal output for 8 hours or more.
  • Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding is a sign of pain, it is different then teeth purring.
  • Lethargy or Hiding: General sluggishness, decrease in usual activity or hiding behavior can indicate discomfort or pain.
  • Signs of Discomfort: Pressing their belly to the floor or frequency shifting positions as if they cannot get comfortable

Diagnosis:

A veterinarian will be able to determine if your rabbit is in stasis by palpating their abdomen. They will need to perform further testing, usually blood-work and x-rays, to be able to determine the exact cause.

  • Physical Examination: Palpation of the abdomen to determine if there is an obstruction or other underlying medical condition causing inappetence.
  • Blood Tests: To evaluate overall health and identify potential underlying conditions.
  • Medical History: Inquiry into the rabbit’s diet, environment, and recent changes or stressors.
  • Imaging: X-ray imaging or ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract.

 

Treatment:

Treatment aims to restore normal GI motility while addressing underlying causes.

  • Analgesics: Pain relief to address discomfort and encourage normal eating behaviors.
  • Fluid Therapy: To rehydrate the rabbit and soften impacted feces.
  • Motility drugs: Medications to stimulate gut motility.
  • Nutritional Support: Providing critical care formulas or syringe feeding to ensure adequate caloric intake.
  • Environmental and Dietary Management: Stress reduction, increased dietary fiber, and proper hydration are crucial for recovery and prevention.

Prognosis & Prevention:

The prognosis for rabbits with GI stasis depends on how quickly it is caught and treated as well as the underlying cause. Early intervention typically results in a favorable outcome, while delayed treatment can lead to severe complications such as gut perforation, sepsis, and death.

Preventative measures include:

  • Diet: Ensuring a high-fiber diet primarily consisting of hay, with limited pellets and fresh vegetables. Monitoring and ensuring that rabbits are eating and monitoring fecal output.
  • Grooming: Routine grooming to limit hair ingestion.
  • Exercise: Providing ample space and opportunities for physical activity.
  • Stress Reduction: Minimizing environmental stressors and providing a stable, quiet home.
  • Routine Health Checks: Annual veterinary exam with an experienced exotic veterinarian to catch and treat any health issues promptly.

A Guide to Rabbit Poop

Healthy “Golden Poop”

Uniform in size and well-formed, yellow – brown in color, hay visible. Soft. These poops indicate the rabbit is eating the appropriate amount of hay, is hydrated and the digestion is working well.

Healthy Cecotrope

You will not usually see these as rabbits will eat them.  Dark brown, sticky.  Uneaten cecotropes or cecals stuck to a rabbits butt may be a sign of an underlying medical issue.

Too dark, too small, hard

Can indicate dehydration, pain, GI stasis, parasites or too much greens, protein or sugar in the diet.  Decrease or eliminate greens, increase hay and soak green in water.

Garland

Visible fur in poop or poop is strung together with fur.  Not enough fiber (hay) in diet, not enough grooming / brushing. Increase hay and frequency of brushing.

Irregular shape

Poops that drastically vary in size and color can be an indication of megacolon (see below)

Diarrhea

Contact the vet right away, this is an emergency!

What Is Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV II)?

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a calcivirus that specially affects rabbits. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted amongst both wild and domestic rabbits. The virus is transmitted through the urine, feces, and respiratory secretions of rabbits that are infected, or those that survive for up to 2 months. It can also be brought inside the home on dirt, leaves, flowers, or insects that have come in contact with an infected rabbit’s fur, feces or urine.

There is no cure and if contracted the fatality rate is as high as 70-90%. Death occurs within just 3-5 days of contracting the virus.

The virus traveled from Europe to the United States in 2020 and it is considered an epidemic. All states now offers annual vaccines for RHDV. Vaccinating your rabbit, keeping them strictly indoors and taking your shoes off by the door are important ways to keep your rabbit safe from this deadly disease.

Dental Disease (Malocclusion)

Dental disease, commonly referred to as malocclusion, occurs when a rabbit’s teeth do not align or wear down properly. Rabbits have open-rooted teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. Normal chewing, especially on hay, is necessary to keep teeth worn to an appropriate length.

When teeth do not wear evenly, they can overgrow or develop sharp points, spurs, or abnormal curves. These changes can cause painful injuries to the tongue, cheeks, jaw, and surrounding tissues. Dental disease is a frequent underlying cause of reduced appetite and gastrointestinal stasis.

Because rabbits are prey animals, signs of dental pain are often subtle and may not be obvious until the condition has progressed.

Common Causes:

  • Genetics: Some rabbits are predisposed to malocclusion due to skull shape or inherited dental alignment issues.

  • Improper Diet: Diets low in fiber, especially insufficient hay intake, prevent normal tooth wear.

  • Trauma or Injury: Falls or accidents can damage teeth or alter alignment.

  • Age-Related Changes: Wear patterns and jaw strength can change as rabbits age.

Symptoms:

  • Dropping food or eating more slowly than usual

  • Favoring soft foods or greens over hay

  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat

  • Weight loss

  • Drooling or a wet chin

  • Eye or nasal discharge

  • Smaller, misshapen, or reduced fecal output

  • Behavioral changes such as lethargy, hiding, or teeth grinding

 

Diagnosis:

  • Oral examination, often requiring sedation to fully visualize the molars

  • Skull X-rays or imaging to assess tooth roots and jaw structure

  • Medical history review, including diet and eating habits

 

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of the dental disease.

  • Dental trimming or burring performed by a veterinarian

  • Pain management to improve comfort and appetite

  • Treatment of infections or abscesses, if present

  • Dietary adjustments to support ongoing tooth wear

  • Long-term management, as many rabbits with dental disease require ongoing care

Dental disease is not corrected by chew toys alone and should never be managed without veterinary guidance.

Prognosis & Prevention:

Many rabbits with dental disease can live comfortable lives with proper management, especially when the condition is identified early.

  • Unlimited access to high-quality hay

  • Balanced diet with appropriate pellets and fresh greens

  • Routine wellness exams with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian

  • Monitoring eating habits and fecal output daily