A monthly health check up can help identify issues early and ensure your rabbit lives a long and healthy life. Rabbits are delicate and sensitive animals that require consistent care to stay healthy and happy. While regular veterinary visits are important, monthly home health check-ups are just as crucial for catching early signs of illness or discomfort. Rabbits are experts at hiding pain, making it essential for owners to routinely check for subtle changes in behavior, appetite, and physical condition. By making monthly health checks a habit, you can detect potential health issues early and ensure your bunny lives a long, vibrant life.
The Monthly Health Check Up
Learn by observation. Keep a mental note, or even a written record, of what they eat (including the quantity of hay) and how much water they drink, , what their normal poops look like as well as the quantity of output, their normal urine color and in general overall activity each day. If you have a spunky playful bunny that starts to sleep, or a bunny who poops a lot of golden nuggets that suddenly turn small or non-existent, then something is definitely wrong and you will need to see an exotic vet.
While monthly assessments are valuable, it’s also essential to have an established relationship with a veterinarian who specializes in rabbit care. Your vet can give you hands on training ahead of time on what to look for when conducting your monthly exam. Annual veterinary check-ups are also crucial for comprehensive health care, as they can provide vaccinations, discuss diet and nutrition, and address any specific health concerns unique to your rabbit’s breed or age.
Reasons for a Monthly Health Check Up
A regular monthly health check up can provide peace of mind knowing that you are taking proactive steps to keep your rabbit healthy and address any potential issues promptly. Rabbits are prone to digestive problems, such as gastrointestinal stasis. Regular monitoring can help you identify early signs like reduced appetite, changes in stool quality, bloating, possible weight issues or dental problems. As rabbits age, their healthcare needs can change. Regular health assessments help you adapt their care routine to their changing needs, ensuring they age gracefully and comfortably.
Early Detection of Health Issues
Rabbits are prey animals by nature, which means they often mask symptoms of illness to avoid appearing vulnerable. Regular home check-ups allow you to notice subtle changes in behavior, appetite, or physical condition that might indicate underlying health problems. Catching these issues early can prevent more serious conditions, ensure timely veterinary care and will be less expensive to treat.
Monitoring Weight and Body Condition
Fluctuations in weight can signal various health concerns, from dental problems to digestive issues. Obesity is a common problem in pet rabbits and can lead to various health issues. A monthly weight check helps you ensure they maintain a healthy weight, catch any unusual weight loss or gain and help you manage their diet. Feeling along the spine and ribs can also provide insight into whether your rabbit is maintaining a healthy body condition.
Dental Health Awareness
Dental issues are common in rabbits. Their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Without proper wear from chewing, overgrown teeth can lead to painful dental disease. Monthly checks of your rabbit’s teeth can help you spot signs of overgrowth, misalignment, or sores in the mouth, allowing you to address dental problems early.
Skin and Fur Inspections
Your rabbit’s skin and coat can reveal a lot about their overall health. During monthly check-ups, examine your rabbit’s fur for signs of external parasites like mites or fleas, ( which can spread to other rabbits) as well as skin irritations or bald patches. Checking for lumps, bumps, or wounds ensures that any abnormalities are caught and treated quickly.
Ear and Eye Health
Rabbits are prone to ear mites and infections, especially lop-eared breeds. Performing a regular health check of your rabbit’s ears for redness, discharge, or excessive scratching can help prevent serious ear conditions. Similarly, examining the eyes for cloudiness, discharge, or swelling can help you detect eye infections or injuries early on.
Strengthening the Bond with Your Rabbit
Routine handling during a health check-up not only keeps your rabbit healthy but also strengthens your bond by building trust between you . Gentle, positive interactions help your rabbit become more comfortable with being touched and examined, making future check-ups and even vet visits less stressful for both of you.
Steps for a Monthly Health Check Up
Perform your rabbit’s monthly health check up when he or she is in a sleepy relaxed state. Don’t do an exam at the peak of your bunny’s active times as it will be harder to contain them. You can find the items needed for a monthly health check up in the Mercantile!
Gather Your Supplies: Before you begin your health check up, you’ll want to gather supplies.
- Rabbit-safe treats or vegetables for positive reinforcement.
- A towel or blanket to gently restrain the rabbit.
- Disposable Gloves
- Heavy duty gloves if you have a biter
- A well-lit, quiet, and comfortable area for the examination. (I do mine on the floor)
- A notepad and pen to record your observations.
Prepare Your Environment: Ensure the room is quiet and free from distractions. Set up a comfortable, non-slip surface for your rabbit to sit on.
Approach Calmly: Approach your rabbit calmly and quietly to avoid causing stress. Use treats or vegetables to lure your rabbit into position.
General Observation: Begin by observing your rabbit’s overall appearance, posture, and behavior. Look for any signs of distress, lethargy, or abnormal behavior.
Check the Fur and Skin: Examine the fur for cleanliness, matting, or signs of parasites like fleas or mites. Gently part the fur and inspect the skin for any lumps, bumps, or wounds.
Check the Eyes: Check around the perimeter of the eye for any bumps which could be a sign of abscess. Check the eyes for any discharge, redness, cloudiness, or signs of injury. They should be clear and bright.
Examine the Ears: Check the ears for dirt, discharge, or signs of ear mites. They should be clean and free from crust or excessive wax with no odor.
Inspect the Nose: The nose should be dry, clean, and free from discharge or crust.
Check the Mouth & Teeth: Gently lift your rabbit’s lips to examine the front teeth (incisors). They should be straight and well-aligned. Gums should be a nice pink color. Check for overgrown, chipped or broken teeth which may require veterinary attention.
Look at the Nails, Toes, Legs and Hocks: Inspect the nails for length, signs of overgrowth and tearing. Check the toes to make sure they are straight. Look at the hocks to make sure they are covered in fur and free of any abrasions. Check each leg and foot to see that they are straight and moving properly. Make sure they are walking without limping or weakness.
Palpate the Body: Gently run your hands over your rabbit’s body to check for any lumps, bumps, or signs of pain. Pay special attention to the abdomen, where you might feel any unusual masses or gurgling gassy sounds.
Check the Tail and Genital Area: Examine the tail for cleanliness and any signs of injury. Inspect the genital area for signs of infection or discharge, including the scent glands.
Monitor Breathing and Heart Rate: Watch your rabbit’s breathing for any rapid or labored breathing, which can indicate respiratory issues. Average normal respirations for a rabbit are between 30-60/ minute. Listen to your rabbits heartbeat. The average is between 120-150 beats/minute.
Weigh Your Rabbit: Regularly weigh your rabbit to monitor for changes in weight, which can be an early sign of health issues.
Final Thoughts…
A monthly home health check up is a simple yet powerful way to safeguard your rabbit’s health. By taking time each month to observe and gently examine your rabbit, you can detect health issues early, prevent serious conditions, and provide the best care possible. This proactive approach not only extends your rabbit’s life but also deepens the loving bond you share with your furry friend.
If you notice any abnormalities during the health exam or if you have concerns about your rabbit’s health, consult your veterinarian immediately. Problems treated early have a better chance of being resolved as well as keeping your bunny from suffering.
Sources:
- Faulkner, Brian RCVS “7 Rabbit Health Checks To Do At Home” March 4, 2021 Petplan
- Hess, Tara & Griffler, Mckenzee “How To Conduct A Rabbit Health Check” April 19, 2024 Open Santuary
- Bishops Stortford Veterinary Hospital “Giving Your Rabbit A Health Check”
- The Rabbit Haven “Rabbit Home Health Check-Ups”
