Vaccinations

There are two important diseases that can be prevented by vaccination:

• Myxomatosis
• Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD)

Myxomatosis was introduced deliberately into the UK to control the numbers of wild rabbits, this awful and fatal disease causes the development of tumours over the whole of the rabbit's body. The disease normally starts as puffy swellings of the eyelids, which eventually go on to involve the rest of the face. It eventually makes the animal so miserable that they are unable to eat or drink and die of starvation and dehydration.

Most cases seem to occur in the autumn in this area, so we normally advise annual vaccinations in the summer.

Viral Haemorrhagic Disease is another fatal infection of rabbits. In contrast to myxomatosis, it causes the sudden death of previously healthy rabbits. It is caused by a virus that is able to live on the ground for some time after being passed and can therefore be carried on clothing and footwear.

Annual vaccination is advised; the injection cannot be given on the same day as a myxomatosis vaccination but must instead be given at least two weeks later.

Worming

Worming rabbits is NOT normally required.

Neutering

We recommend that all male and female rabbits are neutered, unless they are to be used for breeding

Male rabbits, or bucks, are sexually mature from four months of age so we normally recommend neutering from this age onwards. The operation, called castration, involves a general anaesthetic to remove both testicles via two small skin wounds. The wounds are normally left un-sutured to heal naturally. Pain relief is provided pre and post-operatively.

Female rabbits, or does, are sexually mature from five months of age so we normally recommend neutering from this age onwards. Neutering will often make does easier to handle. In later life, does are commonly affected by a uterine (womb) tumour which can cause severe problems; neutering at an early age will ensure that this tumour cannot occur. The operation, called spaying, involves a general anaesthetic to remove both ovaries and the womb through a small midline incision. We usually use staples to close the skin wound as rabbits are inclined to remove conventional sutures prematurely!

Dental care

Regular dental inspections are very important for rabbits; the photos below show how excessive tooth growth can result in sharp points developing, which rub the gums causing pain and poor appetite.