How to Care for a Sick Rabbit

Rabbits are prey animals and will hide their illnesses, so subtle changes in your rabbit’s behavior can indicate a major problem. Being aware of the nuances of your rabbit’s behavior when he’s healthy can help you detect an illness early and increase his chances of recovering dramatically.

Having a good vet that specializes in rabbits is key to keeping your bunny healthy. Have your rabbit get a yearly check up so you and your bunny can become more comfortable with the vet. Almost all rabbit illnesses require a visit to the vet. Here are some common rabbit illnesses and information on what you should do about them.

Snuffles

This is a very cute name for an illness that can become life threatening. The snuffles is like a common cold in humans, but rabbits rarely get over it without antibiotics. The snuffles is a very contagious illness, so separate a sick rabbit from other rabbits. The most common symptoms are sneezing and a runny nose. Take your bunny to the vet right away if you see these symptoms because he will probably need antibiotics. If left untreated, snuffles can turn into pneumonia and cause death.

Heatstroke

Rabbits are very sensitive to temperature and it doesn’t take an excessive amount of heat to cause a heat stroke. Symptoms include excessive lethargy, panting, floppiness, and raised temperature. Heatstroke can be fatal if left untreated so get your rabbit to the vet right away.

GI Stasis

GI stasis occurs when the digestive system slows down or stops completely causing painful bloating and ultimately death if left untreated. It’s usually caused by an improper diet, stress, lack of exercise, or pain from another underlying issue. Symptoms include small malformed fecal pellets, no fecal pellets, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Your rabbit will need to be seen by a vet right away.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is most often caused by e-coli bacteria, certain antibiotics, hairballs, or improper diet. Make sure you offer your rabbit plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration and take him to the vet. The vet can determine the cause of the diarrhea and start the proper treatment.

Head Tilt

Head tilt is also known as wry neck. It’s usually caused by an ear infection, but it can also be caused by head trauma, a brain tumor, stroke, or parasites. Eye rolling and loss balance typically accompany head tilt. Your rabbit will need to be seen by the vet to determine the cause and treatment.

Once you’ve taken your rabbit to the vet and started treatment, there are a few things you can do to help care for your sick bunny while he’s recovering. Make sure your bunny has food and water close by. Encourage your rabbit to eat with his favorite leafy green vegetables.

Give your bunny a nice warm place to rest and feel safe. Put towels or blankets in an enclosed area. Block any cold drafts. Warm your bunny with a hot water bottle or a warm heat pack. Be careful not to make your rabbit too hot or burn him.

You may need to separate your sick bunny from other animals. You want to avoid spreading contagious illnesses and sick rabbits usually want to be alone. Other animals and children may disturb a sick rabbit and cause stress, so keep their contact with your bunny to a minimum.

Your bunny may not be able to move away from his resting spot to use a litter box, so gently wipe urine and feces from your rabbit with a damp cloth. Change his bedding often to help with the odor and keep him clean.

Sources:
http://www.rabbitsforpets.com/rabbit-illnesses/

http://www.fuzzy-rabbit.com/sick.htm