Rabbits

Vaccinations

We strongly recommend the vaccination of all rabbits, starting as young as six weeks of age. The rabbit vaccine helps protect against myxomatosis and rabbit (viral) haemorrhagic disease. Both of these diseases are fatal and are carried by insects, so ALL rabbits are at risk – even indoor only ones!

We also recommend yearly check-ups which include a full physical examination and booster vaccines as required. This will help us spot any early signs of disease, as well as maintaining your rabbit’s immune system protection against serious infectious diseases.

Neutering

Females

Unless a rabbit is to be used for breeding we recommend that all female rabbits (does) are spayed, ideally at an age of five months (before reaching puberty).  This prevents unwanted litters.  Also, many rabbit owners are unaware, but 80% of un-neutered female rabbits over the age of 5 years develop a cancerous uterine growth which can spread within the body and can be life-threatening.  Neutered rabbits live longer than entire rabbits.

Besides preventing uterine cancer, neutered rabbits tend to make better companions for both humans and other rabbits.  In particular, aggressive behaviour is reduced.  Neutered rabbits are also said to be easier to train, for example, to use a litter tray.

The procedure involves a general anaesthetic, a midline abdominal incision and full ovariohysterectomy (removal of both ovaries and the whole uterus).  Tissue glue rather than stitches is used in the skin as rabbits are more likely to try to remove skin stitches.  Appointments will be made for 3 and 10 days after the procedure to check wound healing.

Males

The main benefits of neutering a male rabbit (buck) are prevention of unwanted behaviours, in particular urine spraying and aggressive behaviours.  As in females, neutered males make better companions, and can be easier to train.

Neutering or castration can be carried out from 5 months of age.  The procedure involves a general anaesthetic and removal of both testicles through two small incisions.  Tissue glue is used in the skin.  Appointments will be made for 3 and 10 days after the procedure to check wound healing.

Parasites

Rabbits may require regular treatment for external parasites eg. Fleas and mites. 

It is also important that owners are aware of the risk of fly strike, and how to minimise the risk. 

Please contact the clinic for individual advice.

Advice

Our clinic employs 2 veterinary nurses who are able to give free advice on a variety of topics, including:

• Worming and flea control
• Dental care
• Obesity problems
• Diet
• Basic training problems.