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Teeth
Some of the commonest health problems which afflict rabbits concern their
teeth. Overgrown incisor teeth, overgrown molars, abscesses around the
face and chronic eye discharges may all be related problems. Rabbits have
teeth which grow continually throughout their lives. This enables them
to cope with a diet of grasses and hay which need a great deal of chewing.
If a rabbit suffers from malocclusion, poor alignment of the teeth, then
those teeth will not be worn down evenly. The front, incisor teeth become
very long whilst the molars develop sharp spikes which make chewing uncomfortable
and may cut into the tongue. The roots of a rabbit's teeth are long and
if they are abnormal, or if the bone of the rabbits skull is of poor quality,
they may grow beyond their sockets causing abscesses or eye problems.
Recent research has shown that many pet rabbits eat a diet poor in calcium,
and are also short of vitamin D. Comparison with wild rabbits shows that
the wild animals suffer far fewer dental problems, and the bone of their
skulls is far thicker and better calcified. Reasons for this include better
diet, more exposure to sunlight (important for vitamin D synthesis), natural
selection of wild rabbits and lack of selection of pet rabbit stock.
Most pet rabbits eat dry food mixes as a high proportion of their diet.
The research confirms that they tend to pick and choose the ingredients
which they like to eat, and the favourite items are those with a poor
calcium content. Items such as pellets and alfalfa, which are richer in
minerals, are left to last. Many rabbits donŐt get enough hay or fresh
grass which are other sources of calcium and vitamin D. Dandelions and
clover are good sources of calcium. Many rabbits are also deprived of
direct sunlight during the winter months in a well-meaning but unnecessary
attempt to spare them from harsh weather. Acclimatised rabbits are quite
capable of withstanding cold weather, and in fact enjoy being outside
for a period each day, as long as they have shelter from wind and rain.
Supplementing rabbits' diets with calcium and vitamin D can be helpful,
but rabbits are actually very efficient at absorbing calcium from their
diet, so that it is easy to overdo the supplements. This will lead to
the formation of bladder stones.
In summary, to help minimise dental problems:
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Ensure that rabbits don't eat only selected items from their dry
food by giving smaller portions and ensuring that all the portion
is eaten before refilling the pot. |
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Give a vitamin and mineral supplement to selective feeders, or rabbits
showing signs of calcium deficiency, such as dental problems or ribbing
of the enamel of the upper incisors. |
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Feed good quality hay ad lib as a source of vitamin D and fibre
in the winter, and grass in the summer. If a rabbit isn't eating its
hay, reduce its dry food ration |
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Feed moderate amounts of greenstuff daily. Dandelions and clover
are good sources of calcium. |
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Allow rabbits access to natural daylight every day, even during
the winter. |
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Check the incisor teeth for overgrowth. Affected rabbits should
be brought to the surgery for teeth trimming. If a rabbit appears
to be off its food, or dribbling at all, it should have its molar
teeth examine by a vet. |
Other Disorders
| Fly-strike |
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Flies are quick to lay eggs in any soiled areas around a rabbit's
rear end. These rapidly hatch into maggots which cause deep wounds.
Avoid this by checking rabbits regularly (daily in the summer) for
soiling. Clean out hutches often to discourage flies. If a rabbit
is affected seek urgent veterinary attention |
| Mites |
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In particular a mite called Cheyletiella which causes itching and
copious quantities of dandruff. People may also be affected by bites
from the mites. The condition is easily diagnosed by a vet, and there
is very effective treatment. |
| Snuffles |
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This is a common term which describes a chronic respiratory infection
which may affect some rabbits. The signs are sniffing and snuffling,
and a white discharge from the nostrils. Veterinary attention should
be sought as the infection may become more severe. The longer it is
present the harder it is to clear up, and it is common for a rabbit
to become chronically affected. |
| Overgrown claws |
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Because many pet rabbits don't get the opportunity to dig, their
claws donŐt wear down and naturally become rather long. As they grow
the tend to twist and corkscrew and so become uncomfortable. We are
quite happy to trim claws, and can also show you how to carry this
out safely. |
| Myxomatosis |
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This unpleasant disease is still very common in the wild population.
It is caused by a virus which is spread by insect vectors, such as
fleas and mosquitoes. Thus even pet rabbits which cannot come into
contact with wild ones are still at risk. The signs of myxomatosis
are respiratory symptoms, swollen eyelids and swollen genitals. All
pet rabbits should be vaccinated at least annually against the disease. |
| Viral haemorrhagic disease |
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A recent arrival in this country, VHD is caused by a calicivirus.
It usually presents as an acutely ill rabbit which soon dies. As yet
it hasnŐt been identified in Newbury. However, efforts to confine
the disease have failed and it has been found in wild rabbits to the
west and east of our region. An annual vaccine is available. Although
we donŐt count the vaccine as essential yet, it may be advisable to
take advantage of it. |
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