10 Common Rabbit Health Problems Every Owner Should Know
Learn to recognize the signs of GI stasis, dental disease, and other common rabbit health issues. Early detection can save your bunny's life.
Rabbits are experts at hiding illnessâit's a survival instinct from their days as prey animals in the wild. By the time you notice something's wrong, your bunny may have been sick for a while. Understanding common health problems and their early warning signs can save your rabbit's life.
Why Rabbits Need Special Attention
According to Vets Now, rabbits mask their symptoms because showing weakness in the wild makes them targets for predators. This means:
- Subtle signs often indicate serious illness
- Conditions can worsen rapidly without prompt care
- "Wait and see" is rarely the right approach with rabbits
- You need to know what "normal" looks like for your rabbit
The 10 Most Common Rabbit Health Problems
1. Gastrointestinal (GI) Stasis
The #1 killer of pet rabbits.
GI stasis occurs when the digestive system slows down or stops completely. Food stops moving through the gut, gas builds up, and harmful bacteria multiply.
Causes:
- Insufficient fiber (hay) in diet
- Stress or fear
- Dehydration
- Pain from other conditions
- Dental problems preventing eating
Warning Signs:
- Not eating (if your rabbit refuses food for 12+ hours, it's an emergency)
- Few or no fecal pellets
- Small, misshapen, or mucus-covered droppings
- Bloated, hard belly
- Teeth grinding from pain
- Hunched posture
- Lethargy
What to Do: GI stasis is a medical emergency. Contact your exotic vet immediately. Treatment typically includes:
- Fluid therapy
- Pain medication
- Gut motility drugs
- Critical care feeding
- Identifying and treating underlying causes
Prevention:
- Unlimited timothy hay (80-90% of diet)
- Always have fresh water available
- Minimize stress
- Regular exercise
- Annual vet checkups
2. Dental Disease
According to VCA Hospitals, dental disease is the most common health problem in pet rabbits.
The Problem: Rabbit teeth grow continuously (4-5 inches per year!). Without proper wear, teeth become overgrown, causing:
- Sharp points that cut cheeks and tongue
- Misaligned bite (malocclusion)
- Tooth root abscesses
- Inability to eat
Warning Signs:
- Drooling or wet chin
- Dropping food while eating
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Facial swelling
- Eye discharge (tooth roots can affect tear ducts)
- Teeth grinding
Prevention:
- Unlimited hay - the chewing motion wears teeth naturally
- Wooden chew toys
- Regular dental checkups
- Avoid soft-food-only diets
Treatment: Your vet may need to file or trim teeth under sedation. Some rabbits with chronic dental disease need regular (every 4-8 weeks) dental work.
3. Snuffles (Pasteurellosis)
"Snuffles" is a common upper respiratory infection, usually caused by the bacteria Pasteurella multocida.
Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge (clear to thick white/yellow)
- Eye discharge
- Matted fur on front paws (from wiping nose)
- Labored breathing
- Tilted head (if infection spreads)
Important: Many rabbits carry Pasteurella without symptoms. Stress, another illness, or a weakened immune system can trigger an outbreak.
Treatment:
- Long-term antibiotics (often 4-6 weeks)
- May never fully clear the bacteria
- Stress reduction essential
4. Ear Mites
Everypaw notes that ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) are very common in domestic rabbits.
Symptoms:
- Head shaking and ear scratching
- Crusting and scabs inside ears
- Brown, waxy debris
- Hair loss around ears
- Head tilt (if severe/untreated)
Treatment:
- Vet-prescribed antiparasitic medication
- Never try to remove crusts yourselfâvery painful
- All rabbits in household should be treated
5. Uterine Cancer
Up to 80% of unspayed female rabbits develop uterine cancer by age 5, according to PDSA.
Warning Signs:
- Blood in urine
- Bloody vaginal discharge
- Aggressive behavior changes
- Mammary gland lumps
- Decreased appetite
Prevention: Spay your female rabbit. This completely eliminates the risk. Most vets recommend spaying at 4-6 months of age.
6. Bladder Sludge and Stones
Rabbits process calcium differently than other animals, making urinary issues common.
Risk Factors:
- High-calcium diet (too many pellets, alfalfa hay in adults)
- Not drinking enough water
- Lack of exercise
- Genetics
Symptoms:
- Thick, gritty, or bloody urine
- Straining to urinate
- Urinating outside litter box
- Hunched posture
- Decreased appetite
Prevention:
- Fresh water always available
- Timothy hay instead of alfalfa for adults
- Limited pellets
- Plenty of exercise
7. Flystrike (Myiasis)
Flystrike is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit's skin, and the hatching maggots eat into the flesh.
High-Risk Rabbits:
- Overweight rabbits unable to groom properly
- Rabbits with dirty bottoms
- Older or arthritic rabbits
- Rabbits with urinary issues
- Outdoor rabbits in warm weather
Prevention:
- Check your rabbit's bottom daily in warm months
- Keep living area clean
- Maintain healthy weight
- Address any causes of dirty bottom (diarrhea, arthritis)
If You Spot Maggots: This is an immediate emergency. Get to a vet within hoursâflystrike can be fatal within 24-48 hours.
8. Head Tilt (Torticollis)
A rabbit holding their head at an angle is showing a neurological symptom with several possible causes:
Causes:
- Inner ear infection
- E. cuniculi (parasitic infection)
- Head trauma
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
Symptoms:
- Head tilted to one side
- Rolling
- Loss of balance
- Rapid eye movement (nystagmus)
- Difficulty eating/drinking
Treatment: Depends on cause. Many cases can be managed with medication, though some tilt may remain permanently. With proper support, many rabbits adapt and live happy lives.
9. Sore Hocks (Pododermatitis)
Painful sores on the bottom of the feet, often caused by:
- Wire-bottom cages
- Rough or wet flooring
- Obesity
- Lack of fur on feet (Rex breeds)
- Inactivity
Symptoms:
- Hair loss on feet
- Redness, calluses, or open sores
- Reluctance to move
- Shifting weight frequently
Prevention:
- Solid flooring with soft bedding
- Keep enclosure clean and dry
- Regular nail trims
- Maintain healthy weight
10. Heatstroke
Rabbits are extremely sensitive to heat. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, temperatures above 80°F (27°C) can be dangerous.
Symptoms:
- Rapid, open-mouth breathing
- Drooling
- Reddened ears (trying to release heat)
- Weakness, lethargy
- Confusion
- Seizures
Emergency Response:
- Move to cool area immediately
- Apply cool (not cold) water to ears
- Offer water but don't force drinking
- Contact vet immediately
- Never submerge in cold water (causes shock)
Prevention:
- Keep indoor temperature below 75°F
- Provide frozen water bottles to lay against
- Never leave in direct sun
- Ensure adequate ventilation
- Fresh, cool water always available
When to Seek Emergency Care
Some situations require immediate veterinary attention:
| Emergency Sign | Action |
|---|---|
| Not eating 12+ hours | Call vet immediately |
| No fecal pellets | Emergency visit |
| Open-mouth breathing | Emergency - go now |
| Blood in urine/stool | Same-day appointment |
| Flystrike/maggots | Immediate emergency |
| Head tilt onset | Same-day appointment |
| Collapse or seizures | Emergency - go now |
| Severe injury | Emergency - go now |
Finding a Rabbit-Savvy Vet
Not all veterinarians have experience with rabbits. Look for:
- Exotic animal specialist
- Membership in Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians
- Experience with rabbit surgeries (especially spay/neuter)
- House Rabbit Society vet listings
Establish a relationship with a rabbit vet before you have an emergency!
The Bottom Line
Knowing these common health issues and their warning signs can help you catch problems early when they're most treatable. Trust your instinctsâif something seems "off" with your rabbit, it probably is.
Calculate your rabbit's age and life stage with our Rabbit Age Calculator to ensure you're providing age-appropriate care.
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