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Rabbit Care

Rabbits are one of the most common exotic species we see at Cat Care and we are happy to offer full services for them including routine visits, diagnostics, integrative and holistic services, surgery, and boarding.

Wellness Visits

We recommend bi-annual wellness check ups for rabbits as they age faster than many of our common household pets. The average life expectancy for a rabbit is 7-9 years but many can live longer. We offer vaccines, nail trims, teeth trims, sanitary clean-ups, and scent gland cleanings for your bunny.

Nutritional Guidance & Dental Care

Rabbits' teeth never stop growing. This means, their diet must be effective at wearing down their teeth. Dental issues are one of the most common health issues of rabbits and it is often due to improper diet.  Click here for more resources.

Sick Visits

It is critical to act fast when your bunny is not feeling well. Exotics do not handle pain well and something minor can turn major fast. If your rabbit is sick or eating less, we recommend them be seen as soon as possible.

Explore our services and give your rabbits the care they deserve.

The Rabbit

Basic Information

  • Species Classification: Lagamorph

  • Life Expectancy: 7-10 years

  • Pregnancy: 4 weeks (can breed at 5 months)

  • Quick facts:

    • Rabbits need ample exercise and moving space. A small cage or hutch is not sufficient. Your rabbit ideally should have a pen, room, or access to such space daily.

    • Rabbits need hay available at all times. It is important that their gut stay active

    • Rabbits can litter box train and many of our rabbit patients actually free roam in their homes!

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Vaccinations

RHDV2 

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) is a foreign, contagious disease that affects all lagamorph species (wild rabbits, domestic rabbits, and hares). This virus is new to the US and even newer to Georgia, but that have been confirmed cases now on the east coast. Vaccination is considered highly effective at protecting rabbits against the virus if in contact.

 

FAQ Questions about RHDV2 and the RHDV2 Vaccine
 

How is RHDV-2 Virus spread? This virus persists in the environment and is very contagious, so much so that it can be spread by contact of fomites (equipment, tools, shoes), insects, other pets in the household, or direct contact. This means that even if your bunny doesn't go outside, they are at risk if wild rabbits enter your yard. 

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What are the symptoms of RHDV? Lack of appetite, difficulty breathing, sudden weight loss, internal bleeding, bleeding from the nose, and sudden death.

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How can I prevent RHD in my bunny? Unfortunately, there is no cure for this virus and once infected, it is fatal. Vaccination is key but proper biosecurity is important as well. This includes keeping non-vaccinated rabbits indoors, protecting outdoor rabbits/rabbits with outside time against the vaccine, and disinfecting cages after any sort of travel.

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What does vaccine protocol look like? The RDHV-2 vaccine is a 2-dose regime in which the booster is given 3 weeks after the initial. Then, rabbits need one booster annually (unless in a high-risk situation ie outdoor hutches, show rabbits in which a bi-annual vaccine is recommended).

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How young can my baby rabbit/kit receive the vaccine? 7 weeks of age

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Are there any side effects associated with the vaccine?  There are no major observed side effects but any injection can cause swelling at the site, a temporary fever, or lethargy for a few hours.

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Is there anything else I should know? Since RDHV is a reportable-disease, it is required that all rabbits receiving this vaccine be microchipped which can be administered here at Cat Care of Fayette. 

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