Rabbits are animals that naturally tend to hide their illness. Thus, the most important factor for maintaining the health of pet rabbits is to recognize and pay attention to clues to their condition. If you can observe the rabbit's condition, you can take him to the vet. While there aren't always available veterinarians who can treat illnesses in rabbits, there are a number of things you can do to temporarily treat your rabbit.
Step
Part 1 of 5: Recognizing Disease
Step 1. Observe the rabbit's behavior change
Granted, not all rabbits are friendly. However, if your pet rabbit usually jumps up and down and approaches, and suddenly breaks the habit, there may be something wrong. Watch for signs of a rabbit's decreased agility, such as if it bends or wobbles while jumping.
Step 2. Pay attention to his diet
If your rabbit isn't eating normally, it may be sick. Pay attention to the last of the leftovers. Also, pay attention to the dirt. If there is no rabbit droppings in the box, this may indicate that the rabbit is not eating. Pay attention to the size and shape of the rabbit droppings. Ideally, rabbit droppings should be large and round in shape. If they are small, irregular in shape, or even runny, your rabbit may be sick.
Step 3. Listen to the sound of the rabbit's teeth grinding
Rabbits often make a low rattling sound with their teeth when they are excited. However, if the sound is louder than usual, this is a bad sign. Often times, this sound is a sign that the rabbit is in pain.
Step 4. Check for signs of disease
Start by giving the rabbit his favorite food. If he refuses to eat, chances are he is sick. Continue by checking the rabbit's temperature. If he is healthy, his body temperature should be in the range of 38.3⁰C-39.5⁰C.
- You should ask your vet to show you how to take your rabbit's temperature. If you're able to take your rabbit's temperature before he shows signs of illness, you'll be ready to take his temperature in an emergency.
- To take your rabbit's temperature, you should place him on his back, either on a pillow or on your lap. Hold the rabbit's head and shoulders against your belly so it doesn't curl up into a "C" shape. Hold the rabbit's hind legs so they don't kick. After he calms down, insert a plastic thermometer that has been lubricated no more than 2.5 cm into his rectum. Be sure to hold the rabbit well so it doesn't move during the temperature measurement.
- Do your best to lower the rabbit's temperature when he has a high fever by placing a cold object in his ear, until his body temperature drops below 39.5 degrees Celsius.
Part 2 of 5: Treatment for Toothache
Step 1. Recognize toothache in rabbits
Dental disease can be caused by misplaced teeth or damaged teeth. This situation may be dangerous. Toothache can stop your rabbit from eating, thus endangering his health.
- Signs of a toothache include decreased appetite, hair loss on the chin and neck, and excessive salivation. Rabbits may still want to eat, but cannot eat. Maybe he was still approaching his food, or even picking it up, but then turned around and dropped his food.
- If you believe your rabbit has a toothache, rub its cheek. The discomfort the rabbit shows indicates a problem with his teeth.
Step 2. Feed the rabbit soft food
Until you can take your rabbit to the vet, try to force your rabbit to eat canned pumpkin, baby food, or vegetables. You can buy a feeding syringe from a pet supply store, and use it to put the liquid directly into the rabbit's mouth.
- Before feeding your rabbit with a syringe, wrap it in a towel, and lift its head by pushing your index finger from below, at the base of its skull.
- Insert the syringe into the gap between the incisors and the molars. Start by adding no more than 0.2–0.5 ml of food, and never add more than 1 ml of food. Putting in too much food risks choking the rabbit. Add the food slowly, then repeat with 5-10 ml of water.
Step 3. Take the rabbit to the vet
Ultimately, rabbits need veterinary help, as different dental problems require different treatments. If you've never had your rabbit's teeth checked, start having them checked every year to prevent future problems.
Part 3 of 5: Treatment for Gas Pain
Step 1. Watch for signs of gas pain
Just like other problems, this disease will also reduce the rabbit's appetite. The difference is the rumbling sound that comes out of the rabbit's stomach. Rabbits may also appear stretched as they press their belly to the floor.
- Gastrointestinal problems are usually accompanied by a drastic reduction in stool production, and sometimes even a complete stop. Keep your rabbit comfortable and well-hydrated until you can take him to the vet.
- Gas pain usually causes the rabbit's body temperature to drop below normal. If the rabbit's body temperature is below 38.3 C, it is likely that he is experiencing gas pains.
Step 2. Warm the rabbit's body
You should try to deal with the rabbit's temperature drop. Try putting your rabbit on a warm (but not hot) pillow or giving it a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. You can also keep your rabbit warm by holding it against your body for an hour or more.
Step 3. Massage your rabbit
Gentle massage of the rabbit's stomach can help relieve gas pressure. So, give your rabbit a 10 or 15 minute massage often. Lift the rabbit's hindquarters during some massage sessions.
Part 4 of 5: Treatment for Head Extension
Step 1. Get to know the head extension
Head extension, also known as torticollis ("back neck") is a dangerous problem. This problem is usually caused by an inner ear infection. The rabbit will lose its balance, appear dizzy, and stagger. His head looked like it was twisted, and his eyes would quickly shift from one direction to another.
Step 2. Protect your rabbit
There is nothing you can do to reduce the impact of head extensions at home. However, you should still do your best to keep your rabbit from injuring himself. Prepare a box with a pad or other soft object. Be sure to minimize the impact if the rabbit falls or jumps over the walls of the box as much as possible.
If the rabbit appears unable to eat, feed it with a syringe as described in the steps above
Step 3. Take the rabbit to a vet who treats rabbits
The back neck is a difficult condition to cure, often for several months. Some vets who have no experience with this condition may recommend euthanasia for your rabbit. However, if you don't give up, the condition can often be overcome.
Part 5 of 5: Injury Treatment
Step 1. Treat a broken or bleeding nail
Wrap the rabbit's paw with a clean towel, then press. Stop pressing when the bleeding stops. Then, keep the broken nail clean. Clean the litter box and floor of the rabbit's cage repeatedly to prevent bacteria from getting into the wound.
You can also apply styptic powder, flour, or bar soap to the tips of your nails to help stop bleeding
Step 2. Provide treatment for fractures
There's not much you can do to repair a broken bone. Take your rabbit to the vet immediately if he has a broken bone. If your vet doesn't practice, take your rabbit to an emergency veterinary clinic. Until the injury is treated by a veterinarian, try to prevent the rabbit from moving.
Place food and water nearby in an enclosed space. That way, the rabbit doesn't have to move around a lot to eat and drink
Step 3. Take your rabbit to the vet if he has an eye injury
It may be tempting to give your rabbit eye drops, but this can actually cause serious problems. The only treatment you can give before going to the vet is to moisten a cotton ball with warm water, then gently rub it over the rabbit's eyes to clean it.
Step 4. Treat the bite wound
Rabbits often bite each other. Although they don't look dangerous, these bite wounds often carry harmful bacteria. You should see your vet if your rabbit has a bite wound. While waiting, try to stop the bleeding and prevent infection of the wound.
- Press the wound with a towel or bandage to stop the bleeding.
- After the bleeding has stopped, clean the bite wound with Nolvasan. Then apply the antibiotic Neosporin, do not use Neosporin Plus.
Tips
- Keep the power cord away from the rabbit, as some rabbits like to chew on objects, and an exposed power cord can shock them.
- Make sure your vet is experienced with rabbits.
- If your rabbit chews on electrical cords, furniture, or other objects that are harmful to him, rub some balm on those items. Rabbits do not like the taste and smell of balsam. Also, if your bunny tugs at the carpet with his teeth, try sprinkling a little pepper, or if that doesn't work, a little chili powder will do the trick to keep the rabbit away from the carpet.
