Rabbit Acting Unusual? Signs of an Emergency

🚨 Recognizing a Rabbit Emergency

Certain symptoms in rabbits are red flags, indicating a potential emergency. These signs should never be ignored, and prompt action is essential. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of the following:

• Anorexia (Loss of Appetite): A rabbit refusing to eat for 12 hours or more is a serious concern. Rabbits need a constant supply of food to keep their digestive system functioning properly.
• Lethargy: A normally active rabbit that suddenly becomes listless and unresponsive needs immediate attention. This could indicate a severe underlying health problem.
• Difficulty Breathing: Labored breathing, rapid breathing, or open-mouth breathing are all signs of respiratory distress. These symptoms require immediate veterinary intervention.
• Seizures: Any seizure activity in a rabbit is an emergency. Seizures can be caused by various factors, including poisoning, head trauma, or neurological disorders.
• Paralysis or Weakness: Sudden paralysis or weakness in the limbs can indicate a spinal injury, stroke, or other neurological issue. Prompt veterinary care is crucial.
• Severe Bleeding: Any uncontrolled bleeding should be considered an emergency. Apply direct pressure to the wound while transporting your rabbit to the vet.
• Prolapse: A prolapsed rectum or uterus requires immediate veterinary attention. Keep the area clean and moist with saline solution until you reach the vet.
• Hypothermia or Hyperthermia: Rabbits are susceptible to both heatstroke and hypothermia. If your rabbit is shivering excessively or panting heavily, seek veterinary care immediately.
• Bloat: A distended and painful abdomen can indicate bloat, a life-threatening condition. Bloat requires immediate veterinary intervention to relieve the pressure and restore normal digestion.
• Inability to Urinate or Defecate: If your rabbit is straining to urinate or defecate without success, this could indicate a urinary blockage or gastrointestinal stasis.

🩺 Common Illnesses Presenting as Emergencies

Several common rabbit illnesses can quickly escalate into emergencies if left untreated. Understanding these conditions can help you recognize the early warning signs and seek timely veterinary care.

Gastrointestinal Stasis (GI Stasis)

GI stasis is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in rabbits. It occurs when the normal movement of the digestive system slows down or stops. This can lead to a buildup of gas and bacteria in the gut, causing pain, discomfort, and anorexia.

• Symptoms: Decreased appetite, small or absent fecal pellets, lethargy, abdominal bloating, and teeth grinding.
• Why it’s an emergency: GI stasis can quickly lead to dehydration, liver damage, and death if left untreated.

Dental Disease

Dental problems are common in rabbits, especially those fed an improper diet. Overgrown teeth can cause pain, difficulty eating, and abscesses.

• Symptoms: Drooling, decreased appetite, weight loss, facial swelling, and teeth grinding.
• Why it’s an emergency: Severe dental disease can prevent a rabbit from eating, leading to GI stasis and other complications.

Respiratory Infections

Rabbits are susceptible to various respiratory infections, including pneumonia and snuffles. These infections can cause inflammation of the airways and difficulty breathing.

• Symptoms: Nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, labored breathing, and lethargy.
• Why it’s an emergency: Respiratory infections can quickly progress to pneumonia and respiratory failure if left untreated.

Uterine Cancer (in Female Rabbits)

Uterine cancer is a common condition in unspayed female rabbits. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including vaginal bleeding, weight loss, and abdominal enlargement.

• Symptoms: Vaginal bleeding, lethargy, decreased appetite, and abdominal swelling.
• Why it’s an emergency: Uterine cancer can spread to other organs, leading to life-threatening complications.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi)

E. cuniculi is a microscopic parasite that can infect rabbits and cause a variety of neurological and kidney problems.

• Symptoms: Head tilt, loss of balance, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and kidney failure.
• Why it’s an emergency: E. cuniculi can cause permanent neurological damage and death if left untreated.

🔎 Subtle Signs to Watch For

Sometimes, a rabbit emergency isn’t immediately obvious. Subtle changes in behavior or appearance can be early warning signs of a developing problem. Pay close attention to your rabbit’s daily routine and note any deviations.

• Changes in Fecal Output: A decrease in the size or number of fecal pellets can indicate GI stasis or other digestive problems.
• Changes in Urine Output: Straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or a change in urine color can indicate urinary tract problems.
• Changes in Grooming Habits: A rabbit that stops grooming itself may be feeling unwell or in pain.
• Hiding More Than Usual: While rabbits naturally hide, excessive hiding can indicate that something is wrong.
• Aggression or Irritability: A normally docile rabbit that suddenly becomes aggressive or irritable may be experiencing pain or discomfort.

📞 What to Do in a Rabbit Emergency

If you suspect your rabbit is experiencing an emergency, take the following steps:

1. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately: Explain the symptoms you are observing and ask for guidance.
2. Provide a Safe and Comfortable Environment: Place your rabbit in a quiet, dimly lit area.
3. Offer Food and Water: Even if your rabbit is not eating, offer fresh hay, pellets, and water.
4. Keep Your Rabbit Warm: If your rabbit is cold, provide a warm blanket or heating pad.
5. Transport Your Rabbit Carefully: Use a secure carrier lined with soft bedding.