Caring for your Rabbit
Vaccination
Did you know that unless they are regularly vaccinated, rabbits are at risk from two potentially fatal infectious diseases? Mysomatosis is a very distressing viral disease spread by blood sucking insects such as mosquitoes or rabbit fleas. The disease causes puffy swellings around the eyes usually leading to blindness. Affected animals become very ill, often suffering from pneumonia, and even with medication and nursing care most will die as a result of the disease.
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD)
A very contagious viral disease, spreading easily between rabbits or via contaminated hutches, bedding or food. It can also be inadvertently transported by people or birds. Affected rabbits may show a range of symptoms including loss of appetite, lethargy and nose bleeds. Sadly most will die. Happily, we can now offer vaccinations against both of these distressing diseases.
Fly Strike
A really big problem in rabbits during the warmer months. Rabbit rear ends often become damp and this moist area attracts flies, which lay their eggs there. These eggs hatch out into maggots, which are capable of burrowing through the rabbit's skin and into the underlying flesh.
This is a very painful and serious condition, which frequently can be fatal. Throughout the summer months, rabbit rear ends should be inspected daily for fly eggs and maggots. Soiled bedding should also be removed on a daily basis to minimise flies being attracted to the hutch. Fly repellents are also very helpful.
Feeding
Their ideal diet includes plenty of good quality hay, together with a selection of fresh food and a small amount of good quality commercial rabbit food. This type of diet encourages tooth wear (reducing the incidence of dental disease), reduces the chance of obesity and keeps them occupied for several hours each day! Commercial rabbit foods are now also available as compounded pellets and this helps to avoid the problem of selective feeding - leaving all the vitamins and minerals uneaten.
So, as you can see, there is a lot you can to do keep your rabbit health! If you would like any further information on any of the topics covered, or for that matter on other issues such as neutering or dental care - please just ask!
Pet Household Hazards...
Did you know that many everyday items arount the house can be lethal to your pets?
Here we look at a few of the more common ones.
Chocolate is probably the number one hazard for dogs, particularly at Christmas and Easter when there may be more lying around the home. The toxic component is called theobromine, which is present in variable concentrations - the higher the cocoa content, the more dangerous the chocolate.
Turning to cats - most varieties of lily pose a significant risk, although it is only recently that awareness of this has been raised. All parts of the plant including the flowers and the pollen are poisonous.
So what other foodstuffs present a danger? There are now several reports confirming that dogs eating even fairly small quantities of grapes, raisins or sultanas can develop renal failure. Additional items such as fruitcake (which contains sultanas and raisins) will also pose a risk.
Turning to vegetables, onions are also a hazard to dogs, with all parts of the plant being considered toxic, whether cooked or raw. Other members of the onion family - such as garlic, leeks and chives, may also pose some risk.
So - don't panic, do remember that lilies are toxic to cats, and in terms of feeding, the best bet is always to feed diets and treats specifically formulated for pets.
Article written for Spring 2008 issue by
Dacre House Veterinary Clinic
91 Powder Mill Lane
Southborough
Tunbridge Wells
Kent TN4 9ED
Tel: 01892 546000
