Difference between revisions of "Rabbit Care"

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=Rabbit Care=
= Rabbit Care =


==Baseline Vitals==
== Baseline Vitals ==
Normal:
* Normal temperature: 100.5–102.5 °F 
Temperature: normal range 100.5f-102.5f ,
* Does about to give birth may have a drop to as low as 98 °F 
          Does about to give birth may have a drop to as low as 98f
* Capillary refill: < 2 seconds 


Capillary Refill : less than 2 secs.
== Anatomy ==
''Main article: Anatomy of the Rabbit'' 


== Physical Warning Signs ==
=== Nose ===
* Bloody nose 
* Thick white mucus 
* Labored or mouth breathing 


==Anatomy==
=== Fecal Abnormalities ===
[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Anatomy Anatomy of the Rabbit]
* '''Normal''': round, dark brown or black, ~6 mm (1/4 in), firm but slightly moist, breaks apart when squeezed. 
* Light-colored “golden” feces: excess dietary fiber. 
* Long, oddly shaped, soft and sticky feces. 
* Stringy feces. 
* White or clear mucus.
* Diarrhea.


=== Urine ===
* Normal rabbit urine ranges from nearly clear to dark yellow, red, or white. 
* Red urine: typically linked to red vegetables; not necessarily pathological. 
* White urine: may indicate bladder sludge or high-calcium diet. Occasional excretion is normal due to rabbit calcium metabolism. 
* Risk arises in rabbits with narrowed urethra or poor mobility; such animals may benefit from lower-calcium diets and mobility support. 


please use the formatting  that follows for all condition  articles
=== Coat Texture ===
* ==Etiology (cause)==
* Dry, brittle coat. 
* ==Clinical Signs==
* Oily coat. 
* ==Treatment, Prevention, and Control==


=== Eyes ===
Healthy eyes should be clear, bright, and alert. Warning signs include: 
* Squinted eyes (“ouchie face” → may indicate pain, gastric issues, or bloat). 
* Weepy eyes: allergy or irritation. 
* White mucus/pus: possible infection (eye, sinus, tooth, or ear). 
* Blood from eyes: injury or Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2). 
* White/cloudy corneal film: conjunctivitis, scratched cornea, entropion. 
* White/cloudy film inside pupil: *Encephalitozoon cuniculi*, cataracts, or juvenile cataracts. 


https://cals.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/2021-12/rabbit_decatholon_senior_remediated.pdf
== Diseases and Treatments ==
''See also: [[Rabbit Diseases and Disorders]]'' 


=Physical Warning Signs =
=== Medicine Cabinet ===
Essential emergency supplies. Antibiotics shown in '''red'''. 
Based on ''Exotic Animal Formulary'' (Carpenter, 4th ed.), rabbits section begins p. 537. 


==== By Use ====
* Antimicrobial agents used in rabbits. 


==Nose==
==== Alphabetical ====
*Bloody Nose
* 4x4 Gauze 
*Thick White Mucus
* '''Baytril (Enrofloxacin)''' 
*labored or mouth breathing
* '''Draxxin (Tulathromycin)''' 
* '''LA-200 (Oxytetracycline)''' 
* '''LA-300 (Oxytetracycline)''' 
* '''Toltrazuril 5%''' 
* '''Baycox''' 
* '''SafeGuard (Fenbendazole)''' 
* '''Ivermectin''' 
* Simethicone (baby gas drops) 
* Electrolyte powder 
* Iron 100 injectable 
* B-complex injectable 
* Red Cell 
* Wonder Dust 
* [Full A–Z list retained from original draft; should be expanded into table form for clarity] 


==Fecal Abnormalities ==
=== Bacterial ===
* Abscess 
* Blue Breast 
* Conjunctivitis 
* Enterotoxaemia 
* Pasteurellosis (“Snuffles”) 
* Tyzzer’s Disease 
* Weepy Eye 
* Wry Neck 
''(Each to be expanded with Etiology, Clinical Signs, Treatment format)'' 


*Normal Poo: Rabbit poo should be round, dark brown or Black  approx. 1/4 in diameter,  and should have a very firm, but slightly moist consistency, it should break apart when squeezed, but not crumble.
=== Viral ===
*Light colored "Golden" poo : GoldenPoo is a sign of a rabbit getting TOO MUCH FIBER .
* Myxomatosis  
*Long oddly shaped Soft  and sticky poo.
* Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV1, RHDV2)  
*Stringy Poo
*White or Clear Mucus
*Diarrhea


==Urine==
=== Fungal ===
Rabbits do pee rainbows so colored urine is not always an issue, but some colors do flag possible issues.
* Dermatophytosis (Ringworm) 


*Normal Rabbit Urine ranges in colors from almost clear, to a dark Yellow, Red, and White.
=== Parasitic ===
==== External Parasites ====
* Warbles (botfly larvae) 
* Fleas 
* Fly strike 
* Fur mites 
* Mange mites 
* Ear mites / ear canker 


*red urine (They should only pee red when fed red veggies)
==== Internal Parasites ====
* Pinworms 
* Tapeworms 
* Whipworms 
* *Nosema* 
* *E. cuniculi* 
* Coccidiosis (intestinal and hepatic)
* Liver flukes 


*white urine, may be a sign of balder sludge, but this is not necessarily abnormal or means your rabbit is sick. White Urine if only occasionally may mean that  your feed is high in calcium. Normal Rabbit Physiology is set up to process excess calcium, and even bladder sludge. this will become an issue if your rabbit has a genetic predisposition to narrow urethra, or poor mobility. If Your rabbit has poor mobility you will want to switch it to a lower calcium Diet, and add supplements to help mitigate bladder sludge.
=== Non-Infectious Conditions ===
==== Cancer ====
* Various neoplasias (to be expanded)  


https://www.dvm360.com/view/rabbit-calcium-metabolism-bladder-sludge-and-urolithiasis-proceedings
==== Gastrointestinal ====
* GI stasis 
* Hair/wool block 
* Diarrhea (non-specific) 
* Fatty liver 


https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11310&catId=33767&id=4516322&ind=155&objTypeID=17
==== Reproductive Issues ====
* Cannibalism 
* Pregnancy toxemia 
* Mastitis 
* “Young Doe Death Syndrome” 
* Ketosis 
* Orphaned kits 
* Dystocia 


==== Injury or Self-Inflicted ====
* Fighting wounds 
* Fur chewing 
* Wet dewlap (predisposes to *Pseudomonas*) 
* Sore hocks / ulcerated footpads 


https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1094919407000679?via%3Dihub
==== Dental ====
* Malocclusion 
* Tooth abscess 
* “Slobbers” 


==Coat Texture==
==== Genetic Abnormalities ====
*Dry, Brittle Coat
* Fetal giantism 
*Oily coat
* Microcardia 
* Malocclusion (hereditary) 


==Eyes==
== Housing ==
Wire-floored cages can be suitable for most breeds if the correct wire gauge is used. 


Healthy eyes should be clear, Bright , and alert.
== References ==
Warning signs that your rabbit may be sick are:
* Cornell University. (2021). ''Rabbit Decathlon: Senior Division Study Guide''.
* Squinted eyes, " Ouchie Face" this is an out ward indication your rabbit may be in pain, often a sign of bloat or gastric issues.
* Reusch, B. C. (2007). Calcium metabolism, bladder sludge, and urolithiasis in rabbits. *Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine*, 16(3), 168–176. doi:[10.1053/j.jepm.2007.06.001](https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2007.06.001) 
* Weepy eyes, can be a sign of allergy or eye irritations.
* DVM360. (2011). Rabbit calcium metabolism, bladder sludge, and urolithiasis. [Online resource].
* White mucus/puss coming from the  corner of the eye, several warnings: including eye infection, Pasteurella, Sinus, tooth or ear infection.
* Carpenter, J. W. (2012). ''Exotic Animal Formulary'', 4th ed. Elsevier.   
* Blood coming from eyes, examine for a physical injury, or RHDv2.
* FAO (1997). ''Diseases of Domestic Rabbits''. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper 78.
* White or cloudy film ON the surface of the  cornea, eye infection, conjunctivitis, scratched cornea, entropion eyelid.
* White or Cloudy film INSIDE the pupal, E.C., Parasites, Cataracts or Juvenile Cataracts.
 
=Diseases and Treatments=
 
 
 
https://www.fao.org/3/t0756e/T0756E09.htm
 
 
 
the following are links to in-depth pages on each item, as well as lists of topics you can peruse.
 
 
 
 
 
==Medicine Cabinet==
 
You should keep these Emergency items in your medicine cabinet. Antibiotics highlighted in red
  [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JRR3XzP3XKT_tFOTJ6_wFDURolGPWtpa/view?usp=share_link Exotic Animal Formulary -_by James W Carpenter 4th ed]  Rabbits starts on page 537 
 
===By Use===
[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Antimicrobial_Agents Antimicrobial Agents Used in Rabbits.]
 
===Alphabetically:===
 
#
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=4x4_Gauze: 4x4 Gauze]
 
A
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Apple_cider_vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Athletes_Foot_Cream: Athletes Foot Cream ]
 
B
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=B-Complex_vit_injectable: B-Complex Injectable]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Baby_Gas_Drops: Baby Gas Drops]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Baby_wipes: Baby Wipes]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Bleach: Bleach]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Blue_kote: Blue Kote]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Toltrazuril5 Baycox]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Baytril Baytril]
 
C
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Corid: Corid ]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Corn_Syrup: Corn Syrup]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Cotton_Balls: Cotton Balls]
 
D
* <span style="color:red">[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Draxxin Draxxin]</span>
 
E
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Elm_bark : Elm Bark]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Electrolyte_powder: Electrolyte Powder]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Exam_gloves: Exam Gloves]
*<span style="color:red">[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Baytril Enrofloxacin]</span>
F
 
G
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Grip_eWater: Gripe Water ]
 
H
 
I
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=ImodiumAD: Imodium AD]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Iodine: Iodine]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Iron100injectable: Iron 100 injectable]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Ivermectin: Ivermectin]
 
J
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=JumpstartPaste: Jumpstart Paste]
 
K
 
L
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Lighter: Lighter]
* <span style="color:red">LA 200 , Liquamycin </span>
* <span style="color:red">LA 300 , Noromycin </span> ** harder to dose for rabbits due to concentration
 
M
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Mineral_oil: Mineral oil]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Molasses: Molasses]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Monistat_7: Monistat 7]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Mylicon: Mylicon]
 
N
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=needles: Needles]
 
O
*oxytetracycline (LA 200) (LA 300)
 
P
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Peroxide: Peroxide ]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=PreparationH: Preparation H]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=ProbioticPowder: Probiotic Powder]
*
 
Q
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Q-tips: Q-tips]
 
R
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Redcell: Red cell]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Rubbingalcohol: Rubbing alcohol]
 
S
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=SafeGuard: SafeGuard ]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=slave: Slave]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Simethicone: Simethicone]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Selenium-EpasteGel: Selenium-E paste/Gel]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Sweetoil: Sweet oil]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Syringes: Syringes]
 
T
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Toltrazuril5 Toltrazuril 5%]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=TripleAntibioticOintment : Triple Antibiotic Ointment]
*
 
U
 
V
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Vaseline: Vaseline]
 
W
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=WonderDust: Wonder Dust]
 
X
 
Y
 
Z
 
==Bacterial==
 
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Abscess&action=edit&redlink=1 Abscess]
*Blue Breast
*Conjunctivitis
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/E.Coli E.Coli ]
*Enteritis Complex
*Enterotoxaemia
*Foot Abscess
*Hemorrhagic Septicemia
*Listeria
*Listerious
*Mastitis
*Metritis
*Mucoid Enteritis
*Nest Box Eye
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Pasteurella Pasteurella ]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Pasteurella Pasteurelosis]
*Pneumonia
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Pseudomonas Pseudomonas]
*Rabbit Syphilis
*Salmonella
*Salmonellosis
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Pasteurella Snuffles]
*Sore Eye
*Tyzzer's Disease
*Vent Disease
*Weaning Enteritis
*Weepy Eye
*Wry Neck
 
==Viral==
 
*Infectious Myxomatosis
*Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease 1 and 2
*Myxomatosis
 
==Fungal==
 
*Dermatophytosis
*Ring Worm
 
==Parasitic==
 
===External Parasites===
*Warbles
*Bot Fly
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Flea Fleas ]
*Fly strike
*Fur Mites
*Mange Mite
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Ear_mites Ear Mites]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Ear_mites Ear Canker]
 
===Internal Parasites ===
 
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Worms Pin Worms]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Worms Tape Worms]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Worms Whip Worms]
*Nosema
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/E.Cuniculi E.Cuniculi]
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Coccidia Coccidia]
**Intestinal
** Hepatic
 
*[https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Liver_Flukes Liver Flukes]
 
==Non-Infectious Conditions==
===Cancer===
* [https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Cancer Cancer]
===Gastrointestinal===
* [https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/GI_stasis#Treatment%2C_Prevention%2C_and_Control GI stasis]
 
===Reproductive Issues===
* Cannibalism
* Ketosis
* Heat sterilization : Ginger added to the feed stopped the heat sterilization  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32819074/
* Pregnancy Toxemia
* Caked Breast
* "Young Doe Death Syndrome"
* Orphaned Kits
* Scattering Young
* Early Nest Box Fatalities
* Milk Enterotoxaemia
* [https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/De-sexing_complications de-sexing complications]
 
===Common Injury or Self-inflected===
* [https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Cancer Cancer]
* Fighting
* Fur Chewing
* Hair/Wool Block
* Wet-Dewlap* [https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Pseudomonas can lead to infectious Pseudomonas]
* Wry-Neck
* [https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Sore_Hocks Sore Hocks]
* Ulcerated Footpads
 
===Dental===
* Slobbers
* Tooth Abscess
 
===Genetic Abnormalities Birth Defects ===
* Fetal Giantism
* Microcardia
* [https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Malocclusion Malocclusion ]
* Calcium Sludge.
https://www.tiktok.com/@dominothespotcat/video/7124899522358267182?_t=8VSTtKvO62A&_r=1
* Torticollis
* Dystocia
* "Young Doe Death Syndrome"
* Enterotoxaemia
* Mastitis
* Staphylococcus sp.
* Agalactia
* Red Urine
* Paralysis of Hindquarter
* Hutch Burn/Urine scald
* Corneal Ulcer
* Keratitis
* Glaucoma
* Heat Prostration
* Coprophagy
* Non-Specific Diarrhea
* [https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php/Porcelain_Gallbladder Porcelain Gallbladder]
* Fatty Liver
 
[https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/B9780124095274000109?token=DD76077F427AB1151870A718E5C06BF8DD659A1EED297CF29E4A260F08B9C03747109794F2CDDC1A497EB31C08937A01&originRegion=us-east-1&originCreation=20220102154434]
 
=Housing=
 
Wire floored cages are fine  for most breeds of rabbits as long as the correct wire is used .

Revision as of 18:32, 17 August 2025

Rabbit Care

Baseline Vitals

  • Normal temperature: 100.5–102.5 °F
  • Does about to give birth may have a drop to as low as 98 °F
  • Capillary refill: < 2 seconds

Anatomy

Main article: Anatomy of the Rabbit

Physical Warning Signs

Nose

  • Bloody nose
  • Thick white mucus
  • Labored or mouth breathing

Fecal Abnormalities

  • Normal: round, dark brown or black, ~6 mm (1/4 in), firm but slightly moist, breaks apart when squeezed.
  • Light-colored “golden” feces: excess dietary fiber.
  • Long, oddly shaped, soft and sticky feces.
  • Stringy feces.
  • White or clear mucus.
  • Diarrhea.

Urine

  • Normal rabbit urine ranges from nearly clear to dark yellow, red, or white.
  • Red urine: typically linked to red vegetables; not necessarily pathological.
  • White urine: may indicate bladder sludge or high-calcium diet. Occasional excretion is normal due to rabbit calcium metabolism.
  • Risk arises in rabbits with narrowed urethra or poor mobility; such animals may benefit from lower-calcium diets and mobility support.

Coat Texture

  • Dry, brittle coat.
  • Oily coat.

Eyes

Healthy eyes should be clear, bright, and alert. Warning signs include:

  • Squinted eyes (“ouchie face” → may indicate pain, gastric issues, or bloat).
  • Weepy eyes: allergy or irritation.
  • White mucus/pus: possible infection (eye, sinus, tooth, or ear).
  • Blood from eyes: injury or Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2).
  • White/cloudy corneal film: conjunctivitis, scratched cornea, entropion.
  • White/cloudy film inside pupil: *Encephalitozoon cuniculi*, cataracts, or juvenile cataracts.

Diseases and Treatments

See also: Rabbit Diseases and Disorders

Medicine Cabinet

Essential emergency supplies. Antibiotics shown in red. Based on Exotic Animal Formulary (Carpenter, 4th ed.), rabbits section begins p. 537.

By Use

  • Antimicrobial agents used in rabbits.

Alphabetical

  • 4x4 Gauze
  • Baytril (Enrofloxacin)
  • Draxxin (Tulathromycin)
  • LA-200 (Oxytetracycline)
  • LA-300 (Oxytetracycline)
  • Toltrazuril 5%
  • Baycox
  • SafeGuard (Fenbendazole)
  • Ivermectin
  • Simethicone (baby gas drops)
  • Electrolyte powder
  • Iron 100 injectable
  • B-complex injectable
  • Red Cell
  • Wonder Dust
  • [Full A–Z list retained from original draft; should be expanded into table form for clarity]

Bacterial

  • Abscess
  • Blue Breast
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Enterotoxaemia
  • Pasteurellosis (“Snuffles”)
  • Tyzzer’s Disease
  • Weepy Eye
  • Wry Neck

(Each to be expanded with Etiology, Clinical Signs, Treatment format)

Viral

  • Myxomatosis
  • Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV1, RHDV2)

Fungal

  • Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)

Parasitic

External Parasites

  • Warbles (botfly larvae)
  • Fleas
  • Fly strike
  • Fur mites
  • Mange mites
  • Ear mites / ear canker

Internal Parasites

  • Pinworms
  • Tapeworms
  • Whipworms
  • *Nosema*
  • *E. cuniculi*
  • Coccidiosis (intestinal and hepatic)
  • Liver flukes

Non-Infectious Conditions

Cancer

  • Various neoplasias (to be expanded)

Gastrointestinal

  • GI stasis
  • Hair/wool block
  • Diarrhea (non-specific)
  • Fatty liver

Reproductive Issues

  • Cannibalism
  • Pregnancy toxemia
  • Mastitis
  • “Young Doe Death Syndrome”
  • Ketosis
  • Orphaned kits
  • Dystocia

Injury or Self-Inflicted

  • Fighting wounds
  • Fur chewing
  • Wet dewlap (predisposes to *Pseudomonas*)
  • Sore hocks / ulcerated footpads

Dental

  • Malocclusion
  • Tooth abscess
  • “Slobbers”

Genetic Abnormalities

  • Fetal giantism
  • Microcardia
  • Malocclusion (hereditary)

Housing

Wire-floored cages can be suitable for most breeds if the correct wire gauge is used.

References

  • Cornell University. (2021). Rabbit Decathlon: Senior Division Study Guide.
  • Reusch, B. C. (2007). Calcium metabolism, bladder sludge, and urolithiasis in rabbits. *Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine*, 16(3), 168–176. doi:[10.1053/j.jepm.2007.06.001](https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2007.06.001)
  • DVM360. (2011). Rabbit calcium metabolism, bladder sludge, and urolithiasis. [Online resource].
  • Carpenter, J. W. (2012). Exotic Animal Formulary, 4th ed. Elsevier.
  • FAO (1997). Diseases of Domestic Rabbits. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper 78.
Retrieved from "https://mmcrabbits.com/BCWiki/index.php?title=Rabbit_Care&oldid=46596"