Rabbits have a natural inclination to hide disease. The most important attitude to preserve a rabbit's health is knowing how to identify and be aware of signs that indicate a disease. If you notice such evidence, you need to take him to the veterinarian, but rabbit veterinarians are not always available. However, there are a few ways to help your pet in the meantime.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Recognizing an Illness
Step 1. Observe behavior changes
Not all rabbits are friendly. But if yours is in the habit of welcoming you with leaps and greetings and this behavior suddenly ceases, that is an indication that something may be wrong. Watch for signs that the rabbit is standing more still than usual, such as bending over or limping.
Step 2. Observe eating habits
If the rabbit is not eating as usual, it may be that it is sick. Pay attention to leftover food whenever he eats. Also, monitor the stool. If there is no droppings in the litter box, this indicates that he has not eaten. Pay attention to the size and shape of the stool. Ideally, they should be big and round. If they are small, lumpy or runny, it is possible that the rabbit is sick.
Step 3. Listen for teeth grinding
The rabbit usually makes a soft grinding sound when it is happy. However, if this sound is louder than normal, this could be a bad sign. This is usually an indication that he is in pain.
Step 4. Test for signs of illness
Start by offering him his favorite snack. If he refuses to eat the treat, he could be sick. Check the temperature, which should be between 38, 3 °C to 39, 4 °C.
- You should ask the veterinarian to demonstrate how to measure a rabbit's temperature. If you know how to do this at the onset of any signs of illness, you will be prepared in the event of an emergency.
- To take the rabbit's temperature, you'll need to place it on its back on a soft surface or in your lap. Hold the rabbit's head and shoulders against your belly so that its back forms a "C". Secure his hind legs so he doesn't kick you. Once you have calmed down, gently insert a lubricated plastic thermometer into the animal's rectum, not exceeding the first 2.5 cm. He needs to be very secure and must not be able to move while taking the temperature.
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Do your best to lower the rabbit's high fever by placing icy objects close to its ears until the temperature drops below 39.4°C.
Part 2 of 5: Treating Dental Problems
Step 1. Identify dental problems
They can be caused by a misalignment of the teeth or by the wear of one of them. This situation can be dangerous. Dental problems can cause the rabbit to stop eating, putting its health at risk.
- Some signs of dental disease are: loss of appetite, loss of hair on the chin and neck, salivation and drooling. The rabbit may still show that it is hungry, but not be able to eat. Maybe he circles the food and even tries to get it, before giving up, leaving it right there.
- If you think the rabbit might have a dental problem, rub its cheeks. Any evidence of discomfort can confirm the suspicion.
Step 2. Feed him soft food
Until he can be seen by a veterinarian, have him feed on boiled pumpkin, baby food, or softened vegetables. You can buy a syringe for food at a pet store. It can be used to insert liquefied food into the pet's mouth.
- Before feeding him with the syringe, wrap him in a towel and hold his head between your index finger and thumb, under the back of his head.
- Place the syringe in the space between the incisors and molars. Start by giving no more than 0.2ml to 0.5ml of food and never exceed 1ml. Too much food at once can make the rabbit suffocate. Go slow. Then repeat the same steps, giving between 5 to 10 ml of water.
Step 3. Take the rabbit to the vet
Ultimately, the rabbit will need professional help. There is a wide range of possible dental problems, so treatment varies. If you haven't already adopted this habit, you should start having annual dental exams to ensure there are no complications in the future.
Part 3 of 5: Treating Gas and Colic
Step 1. Notice signs of gas or colic
As in the case of many other disorders, colic caused by gas can suppress your appetite. However, what will help identify colic is a loud, bubbly sound in the bowel. The rabbit may still stretch, as if it were pressing its belly against the ground.
- Gastrointestinal problems are usually accompanied by a drastic – sometimes complete – decrease in stool production. Keep him comfortable and hydrated until he gets to the vet.
- Colic generated by the gases tends to lower the average body temperature. If the rabbit's temperature is below 38, 3°C, it may be suffering from gas.
Step 2. Warm up your rabbit
You should try to combat the drop in temperature. Try placing it on a warm (not hot) thermal pad or using a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. It is also possible to warm it with your own body heat, holding it close to you for an hour or more.
Step 3. Massage the rabbit
A gentle belly massage can relieve the pressure of gas. Massage it every ten to fifteen minutes, with some frequency. You should keep his back elevated for at least part of this period.
Part 4 of 5: Treating stiff necks
Step 1. Identify a stiff neck
Torticollis in rabbits is a frightening disease, also known as a crooked neck, usually caused by an ear infection. The bunny will lose its sense of balance, looking dizzy and uncoordinated. Your head will turn and your eyes can quickly dart from side to side.
Step 2. Protect the rabbit
There is nothing you can do at home to reduce the consequences of stiff neck. But you must do your best to prevent him from getting hurt. Make a well-padded box with towels or other soft items. It is necessary to ensure that the rabbit suffers as little as possible in case it falls or bumps into the wall when jumping.
If the rabbit appears physically unable to eat, feed it with a syringe as described above
Step 3. Take him to a rabbit specialist veterinarian
A torticollis can be a long-lasting problem that usually persists for several months. Some inexperienced veterinarians may even recommend that you euthanize the rabbit. However, if you insist, this condition can often be treatable.
Part 5 of 5: Treating Injuries
Step 1. Treat a broken or bleeding nail
Wrap the animal's paw in a clean towel and apply pressure. Stop pressing when the bleeding stops. Then keep the broken nail clean. Clean the litter box and cage bottom several times so that bacteria do not enter the wound.
You can also rub an anti-bleeding powder, flour without additives, or soap on the tip of the nail to help stop the bleeding
Step 2. Treat a broken bone
There is little that can be done to correct a broken bone. Take the rabbit to the vet immediately if he has broken a bone. If a veterinarian is not available, take him to an animal emergency room. Try to keep it immobile until the wound is evaluated by a professional veterinarian.
Place food and water next to him in an enclosed space. That way, he won't have to travel far to take care of himself
Step 3. Take him to the vet if he has an eye injury
It is tempting to drip eye drops into the rabbit's eyes, but this can cause considerable damage. All you can do before going to the vet is to carefully clean his eyes with a cotton ball dipped in warm water to remove secretions.
Step 4. Treat bite wounds
Rabbits often bite each other. Even though the wounds don't look serious, they are often filled with bacteria, which can become a dangerous situation. You must go to a veterinarian after a bite wound. In the meantime, try to stop the bleeding to prevent an infection.
- Apply pressure to the site with a towel or gauze to stop bleeding.
- Once the bleeding stops, wash the area with chlorhexidine gluconate. Then apply Neosporin, a triple antibiotic ointment. Do not use Neosporin Plus.
Tips
- Keep the aviary away from electrical wires, as some rabbits like to chew on objects and if yours chews on a wire, they can be electrocuted.
- Make sure your veterinarian specializes in rabbits.