Why veterinary monitoring is essential for your rabbit's health

Their well-being depends largely on the vigilance of their owners, but also on appropriate medical support . Regular health monitoring helps prevent illness and ensure a long, healthy life for your rabbit .

Here's why veterinary monitoring of your rabbit is essential, particularly in terms of vaccinations , management of age-related diseases and dental care .

Vaccination: Protecting your rabbit from serious diseases

It is essential to protect your rabbit against certain potentially fatal viral diseases , including myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD) .

Why vaccinate?

Rabbits are vulnerable to both of these diseases , which are incurable once contracted. They are transmitted by insects such as mosquitoes, or through direct contact with other infected rabbits, or even through their food. These diseases can cause significant suffering and are often fatal. Vaccination is the only reliable way to protect your pet .

Recommended vaccines :

• Myxomatosis : This disease manifests itself through swelling, skin lesions, and respiratory problems. Annual vaccination is strongly recommended.

• HDV (HDV1 and HDV2) : Causing sudden internal bleeding that is not visible to the naked eye, HDV can be fatal within hours. A combined vaccine against both strains is available and must be renewed annually.

We recommend that you schedule an annual booster vaccination for these vaccines to ensure the best possible protection for your rabbit.

Monitoring Older Rabbits: Anticipating Age-Related Diseases

As rabbits age, they are more prone to developing certain conditions. From the age of 4 to 6, regular veterinary monitoring is essential to prevent and treat age-related diseases .

Common illnesses in senior rabbits :

• Osteoarthritis : Joint problems , such as osteoarthritis, can limit your rabbit's movement and cause pain. Monitoring allows for tailored treatments to relieve pain.

• Cardiac and respiratory problems : Increased monitoring of cardiac and pulmonary function is necessary in older rabbits , in order to detect any signs of deterioration and intervene quickly.

• Weight and Feeding Control : With age, dietary needs change. It is crucial to adjust the rabbit's diet and regularly monitor its weight to prevent obesity or weight loss.

A regular health check-up allows you to detect these early signs and adapt your care to improve your companion's quality of life .

Dental monitoring: A fundamental aspect of rabbit health

Dental problems are one of the most common reasons for rabbits to be seen. This is because their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Excessive growth can lead to pain, infection, and even difficulty eating.

Risks of dental malocclusion :

If teeth don't wear down properly, they can become overgrown and cause injuries in the mouth. This can lead to abscesses and serious infections . Warning signs include loss of appetite , smaller stools, and excessive salivation .

The importance of diet for dental health :

A good diet of quality hay , which allows for natural tooth wear , is essential. Hay should make up the majority of your rabbit's diet , along with fresh vegetables and a small amount of specific pellets . In addition to diet, regular dental checkups at the vet are necessary to detect any problems before they become serious.

Take care of your rabbit with regular checkups

As veterinarians specializing in rabbit health , we are here to support you at every stage of your companion's life.

Proper health monitoring , including vaccinations , age-related disease control and dental monitoring , can help prevent serious complications and give your rabbit a long and fulfilling life .

👉 Make an appointment today for a personalized health assessment and advice tailored to your rabbit's needs .

We are at your disposal to ensure the best possible quality of care for your pet .