Unfortunately at some point in time, your rabbit may require medications for various health conditions or even vaccines. If your bun becomes sick or injured, you may not be in the right frame of mind to take in everything when consulting with your vet about treatment plans. Being educated ahead of time about various medications that may be prescribed will allow you the ability to ask informative questions. One website I have found to be extremely helpful is MediRabbit.com. This page not only has a list of safe drugs, but links to further information on each one.
When Winter became ill, we came home from the vet with a bag full of medications, many of which I had never heard of. The vet was wonderful explaining what they all were, but I was in such a state of panic and disbelief, that the information he was saying went in one ear and right out the other. I now understand the importance of not only knowing the different medications, but learning and understanding the different diseases and conditions that can befall a pet rabbit.
Vet Prescribed Medications
Several medications (both oral or injected) used for rabbits must be administered and/or prescribed by a veterinarian due to factors such as precise dosing requirements, potential side effects, and the need for proper diagnosis and monitoring.
Antibiotics: Enrofloxacin (Baytril), trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol and metronidazole are commonly used medications to treat bacterial infections. These require careful dosing and monitoring by a veterinarian to ensure effective treatment and to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance or adverse effects. Other safe antibiotics are: doxycycline, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin. Probiotics such as Bene-Bac or Nutri-Rescue are often prescribed in conjunction with antibiotics to help keep the digestive track moving.
Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam or carprofen may be prescribed by a vet to manage pain and inflammation in rabbits, particularly in cases of arthritis or postoperative pain. Opioids such as oxymorphone or hydromorphone may also be used. Dosages must be carefully calibrated and monitored for potential side effects like gastrointestinal irritation and to avoid toxicity.
Gastrointestinal Medications: Drugs like metoclopramide or cisapride may be prescribed to stimulate gut motility and treat conditions like gastrointestinal stasis or other digestive issues.
Antiparasitic Medications: Prescription drugs such as ivermectin or fenbendazole may be used to treat internal parasites like coccidia, giardia, or worms in rabbits. Veterinarians can provide accurate dosing based on the rabbit’s weight and specific parasite infection.
Anesthesia and Pain Management: Rabbits may require anesthesia for surgical procedures or dental treatments. Drugs such as isoflurane or sevoflurane are commonly used in veterinary practice and require specialized training to administer safely. Additionally, analgesics (pain relievers) like opioids may be used for pain management, but these require careful monitoring and administration by a veterinarian.
Critical Care Medications: In cases of severe illness or injury, rabbits may require specialized critical care medications such as fluid therapy, nutritional support, or medications to support cardiovascular or respiratory function. These treatments are typically administered by veterinarians in a clinical setting.
Antifungals: For fungal infections such as ringworm, your veterinarian might prescribe antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole.
Eye and Ear Medications: Rabbits may develop eye or ear infections, for which medications like antibiotic eye drops (Ofloxacin) or ear drops (Baytril) may be prescribed. For severe pain management, opioids such as buprenorphine might be used, but these are typically used in more serious cases and under veterinary supervision.
Fluids: subcutaneous fluids may be administered for any number of reasons including dehydration or stimulating gut motility.
Vitamins and Supplements: Sometimes, rabbits may require additional vitamins or supplements to support their health, particularly in cases of deficiencies.
Vaccines
So what is a vaccine? It is a biological drug (either a weak live form of the virus or bacteria or a dead form) that stimulates the body’s immune system against a specific disease. They are essential for preventing infectious diseases in rabbits such as RHDV2 and Myxomatosis. Vaccination protocols for rabbits can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, the rabbit’s lifestyle, and individual health considerations.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) Vaccine: RHDV is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects rabbits. There are different strains of RHDV, and vaccines are available to protect against specific strains prevalent in different regions. This vaccine is especially important for rabbits kept outdoors or in areas where RHDV is known to be present.
Myxomatosis Vaccine: Myxomatosis is a viral disease that affects rabbits and is transmitted by insects such as mosquitoes and fleas. Vaccination against Myxomatosis is recommended for rabbits at high risk of exposure, particularly those kept outdoors or in areas where Myxomatosis is prevalent. Although cases of this disease have been noted in a few states in the US, there currently is no vaccine for Myxomatosis unlike Europe and the UK.
Combination Vaccines: Some vaccines may offer protection against both RHDV and Myxomatosis in a single injection, simplifying the vaccination process for pet owners.
Over The Counter Medications
While there are some over-the-counter (OTC) medications that might be considered safe for rabbits under certain circumstances, it’s crucial to emphasize that rabbits have unique physiological characteristics and sensitivities. Always ask your vet prior to giving your rabbit any over the counter medication as some can be toxic to rabbits. Some of these OTC’s can be kept in your bunny first aid kit (make sure to check expiration dates for meds kept on hand).
Simethicone (baby gas drops): This is occasionally recommended for rabbits experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort. However, the dosage and frequency should be determined by a veterinarian.
Artificial Tears: Rabbits may develop eye problems or dry eye, and in some cases, a veterinarian might recommend using artificial tears to help lubricate the eyes. Make sure to use a product specifically formulated for use in rabbits and follow your vet’s instructions carefully.
Meclizine: This OTC drug is used for motion sickness. It helps in rabbits that have developed head tilt and circle or roll.
Electrolyte Solutions: In cases of dehydration or illness, a veterinarian might recommend providing electrolyte solutions designed for infants or small animals to help replenish fluids and electrolytes. Only give to your rabbit if prescribed by your vet.
Preventative Medications
Feeding your rabbit according to the food pyramid, along with monthly home check-ups and annual or bi-annual vet check-ups, a rabbit should not need preventative medications. Natural untreated herbs, flowers, weeds and woods offered as part of their diet or as treats can have some preventative effects. There are some rabbits however that may be prone to stasis or have conditions like arthritis that can benefit from a little extra help.
Probiotics: Certain probiotic supplements, such as Bene-Bac, Nutri-rescue and Nutri-recovery may be recommended by a veterinarian to help support gut health in rabbits, particularly during or after antibiotic treatment.
Joint Support: Older and arthritic rabbits may benefit from natural joint support tablets or liquids specially formulated to aid in combating inflammation.
Side Effects of Medications
Not only can medications have side effects, but there can be unfavorable interactions between drugs. This includes over the counter medications.
Final Thoughts
First and foremost, always consult with a veterinarian experienced in rabbit medicine for diagnosis, treatment, and management of any health concerns. Medications require veterinary oversight due to the complexity of rabbit physiology and the potential risks associated with improper use.
