Symptoms to watch for

[Whiterabbitrage]

Hi, I'm a first time rabbit owner and I'd really be grateful for some input on symptoms to watch for. So far I know to call a vet if there is
* trouble breathing
* runny nose/ eyes
* not eating/ drinking
And also see a vet for head shaking or ear crushing or too much scratching....

I guess I'm just afraid because I see on this forum people's rabbits getting GI stasis and other medical emergencies and sometimes dying, and people on this forum know much more than I do, and I'm honestly afraid of something like that happening to my rabbit. I keep reading about more and more diseases, many incurable, that effect rabbits. I had planned to take my rabbit outside on a leash and let her out in an outdoor play area but now I'm too cautious to do either.

Can some experts out there please tell me any secrets to keep my bunny healthy? I'm so afraid of making a mistake.

 

[ladysown]

Call a vet if
1. not pooping
2. not eating longer than 24 hours.
3. not drinking but first check that water isn't contaminated or that water bottle is working properly
4. not breathing properly

distantly
5. runny nose/eyes
6. ear crusts (ear mites are EASILY managed by owners)
7. head shaking... depends on why it is shaking the head

Things to worry on
Fungal infections - take to vet
Broken leg (bone visible take to vet, bone not visible and below the ankle, just confine at home will heal on it's own, above ankle take to vet)

 

[BlazeBunnies]

I will pm you a bunny medications list that me and some trusty breeders use it's great for everything!

 

[Bville]

I think feeding them a good quality pellet, one with Timothy hay as the first ingredient, and unlimited hay is the best way to prevent GI problems. I also try to keep my bunnies brushed when they are molting so they don't ingest too much fur when they're cleaning themselves. I give them lots of rabbit-safe twigs to chew on too. I have had 3 bunnies for 2 years now and I have only had one get sick. He had an eye infection and then stopped eating. It took a couple of vet visits, some treatments, and hand feeding for a couple of weeks, but he bounced back. I let them out in the grass in exercise pens in the summer so I use Revolution to prevent fleas and ticks.