Veterinary Care for Rabbits
With proper care, a domestic rabbit can live up to 15 years. However, like other animals, your furry friend might get injured or sick and need medical attention. Rabbits need at least one comprehensive annual vet care session. Unlike cats and dogs, your pet rabbit must be checked by an exotic animal vet, because rabbits need specialized care. Rabbits have unique behaviors, digestive systems, and responses to various medications. Our veterinarian at Juniata Veterinary Clinic provides quality care for pet rabbits to residents of Lewistown and Mifflintown, PA.
Signs Your Rabbit Needs Veterinary Care
Being prey animals makes rabbits experts at hiding signs and symptoms of ailments. Pet owners need to be vigilant enough regarding their pet’s eating patterns and habits. Something could be wrong if your rabbit:
- Loses its appetite
- Has diarrhea or stops pooping
- Starts panting with its mouth open
- Is sneezing and drooling
- Has trouble breathing
- Is limping
- Becomes sluggish
- Has swollen/red skin
- Has nasal and eye discharge
Common Rabbit Illnesses
- Dental Diseases: Rabbits’ teeth are continuously growing and need constant trimming to maintain optimal health. Broken, misaligned, and infected teeth can damage the inside of your rabbit’s mouth, causing infections to the tongue and cheeks.
- Abscesses: These appear as knots under the skin of the feet, jaw, or under the eyes.
- Gastrointestinal Stasis: This is a potentially fatal condition characterized by severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and dry fecal balls, among other symptoms.
- Respiratory Infections: These involve sneezing, loss of appetite, runny eyes, and nasal discharge. The illness requires immediate medical diagnosis and treatment.
- Parasites: These include skin and GI tract parasites.
- Cheyletiellosis: This is a fur mite that causes ‘walking dandruff’, or an infection that causes itchy and flaky skin in your rabbit.
Veterinary Care for Rabbits
Our veterinarian is trained and experienced in caring for rabbits and other exotic pets. Given that rabbits react differently to various medications, it takes a specialist to examine, diagnose, and prescribe safe drugs for your pet rabbit. Our veterinarian at Juniata Veterinary Clinic knows bunnies well and is dedicated to providing quality health care to your four-legged friend.
Our vet clinic provides primary and emergency health care for your rabbit, including:
- Comprehensive annual exams
- Nutrition and maintenance consultation
- Nail trimming
- Dental checkups, filings, and clippings
- Routine care consultation
- Spaying and neutering