Summer is just around the corner so this is a great time to remind rabbit owners about some potential hazards for their pets.

Rabbits make great pets and our understanding of their requirements has improved greatly over recent years. It wasn’t long ago that many pet rabbits were kept in small hutches all year round with minimal opportunity for exercise, social interaction or normal behaviour.

rabbits under umbrella at Bicester Vets

There is a far greater emphasis these days on welfare, nutrition and health for our furry companions.

Thankfully many rabbits are now given much larger accommodation with runs to allow exercise, fresh grass grazing and some digging as well – all important normal behaviours of rabbits. The gut of a rabbit is highly specialised to allow digestion of grass and hay – a diet high in fibre and low in nutritional content.

Fibre is essential for normal digestion in rabbits; it helps to maintain normal motility as well as providing the environment for good bacteria to thrive and produce essential nutrients for the rabbit to use.

Excessive amounts of minerals in the diet eg from lots of vegetables, can lead to dental problems, bladder stones and ill health. For these reasons, we recommend a high fibre diet (grass and hay) with minimal amounts of pellets or vegetables.

Vaccination
We routinely vaccinate rabbits once a year against:
• Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Type 1 (RHD 1)
• Myxomatosis

rabbitThese diseases are prevalent in the local area and can be transmitted to pet rabbits without direct contact with an infected individual so all rabbits need to be protected.

Last year a second strain of RHD appeared from Europe and sadly the standard vaccination doesn’t provide protection against this version (Type 2).

Read about the new variant of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease

RHD2 – Luckily there is now a vaccination available to protect against this strain as well and we would strongly recommend adding this protection.

The vaccination can be given 2 weeks after the standard vaccination and gives protection for 6-12 months. Speak to one of our vets about the risks from this virus which has been recognised in the Bicester area.

Flystrike?
Rabbits who get dirty around their bottoms can attract flies which will lay their eggs only to hatch out into maggots. These larvae will start to feed on the secretions of the skin and very quickly will eat through the skin causing a painful and life-threatening illness. This process can progress very quickly and within a day a rabbit can be dead from this condition.

Prevention is about keeping your rabbit healthy and clean – good health, good teeth and good digestion all play a part. A sponge on maggot inhibitor can prevent development of flystrike and twice daily checking of rabbit’s bottoms during the warmer months is essential.

Bicester Vets Healthy Pets

Rabbits who are on our Bicester Vets Healthy Pets – preventative healthcare plan get a number of great benefits included in their monthly payment plan:

starThe standard vaccination for Myxomatosis & RHD1 is included in the plan
star50% discount off the new RHD2 vaccination
starFree microchipping – if this hasn’t already been done
starOne bottle of the Rearguard sponge-on product is included in the plan. This should be applied in Spring as the weather warms up and the risk of flies increases. Gives about 10 weeks’ protection. N.B if the fly season extends due to prolonged warmer weather then a second bottle can be purchased at a 25% discount off the normal price
starThe plan also includes a 6 month veterinary health check
star10% off any food purchases for BVHP rabbits

All this and your payments spread over 12 months – call in to reception to complete your quick application and we’ll do the rest!

For any other information or advice please give us a call or ask the vet or nurse at your next visit

Building Plans for 2024

Building Plans for 2024

We have also commenced a major construction project externally which will add significantly to the facilities we can offer to our patients

Hip Hip Hooray for Ava

Hip Hip Hooray for Ava

Ava is now seven months on from her surgery. She is very lively and is behaving like a puppy again!