A sudden cessation of eating or a decreased amount of feces signals a problem as well. Pasteurellosis is a zoonotic disease.It is caused by infection with bacteria of the Pasteurella genus. One way to entice a hesitant rabbit is by offering the hay as part of a homemade cardboard toy. Sometimes lifestyle, not disease, is the causative factor in weight loss. Most important is free access to grass hay. >>> 1 3.1 UNIT UNIT context 1.1 Chemical reactions occur around us all the time. These bacteria may even spread from dog to dog. Weight loss can result from a reduction in muscle mass, often due to inadequate exercise caused by decreased mobility, lethargy, pain when moving, or because the rabbit is caged too much of the time. This is one reason that I recommend that grass hay be available in several widely spaced locations. In addition, an obese rabbit who is unable to hop around loses out on so many things, including the fun of exploring and following that inquisitive nose. 1331, 1332, 1343–1345 Colonization and hand transferral of pathogens acquired from pets in health-care workers’ homes represent potential sources and … For example, it may be that the rabbit’s area is too warm, another pet appears threatening, the rabbit is in a high-traffic area or, conversely, isolated away from the family, or perhaps children inadvertently mishandle the rabbit. One very general guideline is to feed the same hay as is fed to horses, not the pasture grass that is fed to ruminants (e.g., cattle, sheep). Their spread may have been enhanced through the emergence of strong crossbreeds. Registered veterinary nurses can seek to become Practice Standards Scheme assessors just like their vet surgeon counterparts after the RCVS approved the move towards greater parity between the two professions. There are many factors to consider when treating a rabbit for weight loss. Should there be any reason for surgery, an obese rabbit is at greater risk as well. Without intervention, gastrointestinal hypomotility (slowdown of transit times in the digestive system) can lead to GI stasis (shutdown). Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis for Recovery. Providing extra attention will help turn the rabbit’s focus from food to more enjoyable forms of interaction. If you get any of these symptoms while you take Ciprofloxacin tablets, call your healthcare provider right away. I suggest that caregivers divide a measured amount of pellets into two feedings (e.g., morning, evening), which often has the added benefit of encouraging the rabbit to browse hay between feedings. A high-fiber diet reduces dental and other health problems. Separating the rabbits also allows each to eat at his or her own pace. These razor-sharp lateral projections are caused by abnormal molar wear. In addition, after weight loss the rabbit’s maintenance diet can also include more leafy green vegetables. In the article “Deepening the Bond: How to Connect with Your Rabbit through Massage,” licensed massage therapist Chandra Beal advises that “laying on of hands or light fur strokes would be appropriate for showing affection and reducing stress while the bunny is dieting.” Tellington TTouch® is another form of bodywork that can benefit your rabbit. There are times when combining the expertise of both standard and alternative treatments offers the best supportive care. If either of those conditions is not met, then a rabbit must be fed pellets to ensure proper nutrition and prevention of hepatic lipidosis; this has already been addressed. Perhaps include some non-food “treats” in order to keep the emphasis on grass hay, the single most important part of the diet. A small colony of rabbits, regardless of the meat breed, can produce more than 300 pounds of just female kits per year, creating a steady supply of future breeding does. Quality hay is not always available locally or throughout the year, and quality can vary for various reasons, such as climate, soil, and the way the hay is handled and stored. For example, grass hay can be made available in several locations, spaced apart. OVERWEIGHT RABBITS. Can dogs be used to tell if someone doesn’t have COVID-19, so they can be allowed to do something or go somewhere (e.g. Depending upon the reason for the weight loss, a caregiver may notice: Being alert to potential weight loss can help prevent serious problems. If a rabbit becomes anorexic (loses his appetite) for any reason, the condition should be considered an emergency and treated before hepatic lipidosis becomes a threat. When a variety of grass hays are available, I recommend offering a mix, though caregivers should be aware that alfalfa is often in with orchard grass. Of course, other dental disorders cause hyporexia [diminished appetite], such as maloccluded incisors. This is veterinarian and author Dr. Susan Brown’s description of what a healthy rabbit looks like, although lack of exercise, poor diet, and overfeeding can drastically change that appearance. In addition, feeding too many greens will fill up a rabbit, making him less likely to eat hay, the most important part of the diet. The most rapid way to accomplish healthy weight loss is to feed a diet of quality grass hay only. A qualified veterinarian can determine whether additional health issues (e.g., arthritis, pododermatitis) are a concern. We often see localized variations in the incidence of “kennel cough” (aka canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC)), including sporadic outbreaks, but in this case there is particular concern about the number of severe infections … For example, stuff an empty plastic-wrap tube with hay. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Drs. There are, however, two very important considerations with this: the rabbit must be freely grazing hay throughout the day, and the hay must be of good quality. Utilizing the principles of behavior and training, she is teaching ways for people to live in harmony with their companion animals. Review the rabbit’s physical attributes and look the animal over thoroughly for signs of both ill health and under development. When there is difficulty locating a good source for quality hay, the local or regional rabbit rescue group can often provide assistance. The cause is typically Pasteurella multocida, but other bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Staphylococcus aureus, and pneumococci may be involved.Upper respiratory disease (snuffles, see above) is often a precursor of pneumonia. The coat of the rabbit should not show any signs of molting fur. A small rabbit colony, one that lives in only a humane 3-foot by 2-foot hutch, could ultimately produce around 960 pounds worth of kits each year. Dr. Brown, who has been an exotic animal veterinarian for over thirty years, with a special interest in rabbits, notes some of them: cardiovascular, joint, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and liver diseases. A common cause of pain, especially in rabbits who don’t eat enough hay, are molar points (spurs). After graduating in 1998, he joined the veterinary staff at For Pet’s Sake and eventually purchased the practice from Dr. Mimi Shepherd in 2006. For example, if an underweight bunny eats slowly, it may be necessary to give him uninterrupted feeding time away from the company of other animals and children. Dr. Jason Hutcheson, whose practice is devoted solely to rabbits and other exotic animals, indicates various steps in making a diagnosis: If the cause cannot be determined by a physical exam, we proceed to a full work-up, which includes a complete blood count, serum chemistries, urinalysis, and radiographs. Infectious disease, particularly upper respiratory, may make it difficult for a rabbit to smell food and thus will reduce appetite. Because it’s specially formulated for ailing rabbits, I recommend Critical Care™ but a mashed pellet slurry can also be fed. 6 Can ethanol be dangerous to your health? When a rabbit is obese, gentle touch can help comfort and also reduce stress. The rabbit’s teeth should show no signs of overgrowth and be aligned properly. Dietary considerations are addressed in the “Home Care” section below. Feeding an obese rabbit a diet of straw is potentially dangerous and can lead to fatal hepatic lipidosis. Jason Hutcheson, DVM, is the owner of For Pet’s Sake, the Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital of Atlanta. Dr. Tomáš Chlebeček discusses the impact of pain on weight loss: If the rabbit is exhibiting pain, the cause must be determined and addressed or the rabbit will rapidly decline. My sincere thanks to the veterinarians named in this article for sharing their expertise during personal interviews and in subsequent feedback. If the rabbit has a buddy (of any species), social time will become more enjoyable when the overweight rabbit is able to move more easily. Fatty foods (e.g., seeds) and high-starch/high-sugar foods can lead to serious problems and should not be fed, even as treats. Elderly rabbits sometimes present challenges, as reduced activity – perhaps due to painful arthritis – causes them to lose muscle mass. Susan Brown, DVM, is the founder and former owner of Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital (originally in Westchester, Illinois) and the current owner of Rosehaven Exotic Animal Veterinary Services and The Behavior Connection (North Aurora, Illinois).