What are the main diseases of rabbits?

Rabbits are wonderful pets . They are very tender, sweet, and loyal pets, especially for children who spend a lot of time at home and need to bond. These pets adapt perfectly to any environment —both indoors and outdoors—and can also coexist perfectly with young children since they are not aggressive and are small in size. Rabbits are very pleasant, docile, and friendly . There are also many rabbit breeds with different personalities and lifestyles, making them a perfect match for what you're looking for. You shouldn't forget that these pets are naturally very smart and clean, as they love to groom themselves all day long—so it's hard for them to smell bad or get too dirty.

Now, rabbits, like other animals and pets, also tend to get sick. Rabbit diseases can be quite aggressive for pets, so it's important to pay special attention to their symptoms and treat them as quickly as possible or prevent them before they occur. In this article, we explain the main rabbit diseases—such as eye diseases in rabbits or ear diseases in rabbits—and how to tell if my rabbit has a cold, as well as the treatments. Read on for more information.

Rabbit Diseases: Which are the most dangerous?

Rabbits are very delicate animals because they have a weaker immune system than other pets. Therefore, some diseases can be very harmful to their health if not prevented in time, especially viral diseases. These are the two most dangerous rabbit diseases, and to date, there is no treatment.

Myxomatosis in rabbits

Myxomatosis in rabbits is a disease caused by a virus known as poxvirus. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of arthropod insects, such as fleas, mosquitoes, or flies, although it can also be transmitted through infections caused by contact with other animals with the same disease. It is an eye disease in rabbits that directly affects their eyelids, causing swelling and conjunctivitis. Myxomatosis also inflames pets' genitals and causes skin lesions. It can also cause ear infections and pneumonia . This disease causes a high mortality rate in pets , specifically between 8 and 15 days after the first symptom appears, so it must be prevented before the animal can become infected. The disease cannot be transmitted to humans.

Viral hemorrhage in rabbits or Viral Hemorrhagic Disease

Also known as Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) , this is another of the most serious diseases that our furry friends can suffer from. This one, like the previous one, is spread by the action of a virus known as calicivirus . This is one of the most feared rabbit diseases due to the high number of sudden deaths it causes. Its symptoms are usually identified when the rabbit has a lack of appetite, restlessness, fever, or difficulty breathing . Viral hemorrhagic disease in rabbits can be acquired from other infected rabbits, contaminated food and bedding, insects, the air, and even people. This disease has no treatment and causes the mortality of approximately 90% of young rabbits, being more common in wild rabbits. This disease is also not contagious to people.

How do I know if my rabbit has a cold?

There are several diseases that can cause colds in rabbits. These are caused by the action of several different germs, which then cause the rabbit to get sick with the flu. Some of the most common diseases that attack the animal's respiratory system are:

• Colds in rabbits : This is one of the most common diseases in young rabbits. Symptoms include sneezing, mucous membrane irritation, loss of appetite, discharge, and listlessness. It is treated with medication.
• Pneumonia : Another disease that affects rabbits with the flu. It is transmitted by a pneumococcus bacterium that reaches the lungs. Its symptoms are similar to those of a cold, although it is more serious. Antibiotics are used to treat it.
• Pasteurellosis : Pasteurellosis is transmitted through inhalation of the bacteria Pasteurella and Bordetella. Its most notable symptoms are sneezing and runny nose, very similar to those of a rabbit with the flu. To prevent it, keep the cage in good condition and avoid stressing your pet to prevent its immune system from weakening. This disease is treated with antibiotics.

Other diseases that affect rabbits

Rabbits can suffer from other diseases, depending on the bacteria, viruses, and germs involved, as well as the affected area. Thus, we can find eye diseases, ear diseases, digestive system diseases, and skin diseases in rabbits. Some of these diseases include rabies, malocclusion, coccidiosis, coliform infection, enterotoxemia, giardiasis, rabbit ringworm, and mange. The most advisable thing, in any case—as long as you detect that your pet may be ill—is to consult a veterinarian . Specialists can determine what is happening to your pet and what the most effective solution is.

Diseases transmitted by rabbits

Another reason it's important to consult a veterinarian if your pet is sick is to determine whether the rabbit's illness can be contagious to humans. These are the most common rabbit-borne diseases:

• Tularemia : or rabbit fever. This bacterial disease is associated with both rabbits and humans. A person can become infected by touching the animal, and symptoms can include ulcers where the virus has entered—usually on the hand—as well as swollen lymph nodes. If the bacteria are inhaled, the symptoms are very similar to pneumonia.
• Cheyletiellosis : This mite causes localized or generalized dermatitis with multiple red bumps. Symptoms in humans disappear within three weeks.
• Microsporidiosis : This parasitic disease can cause brain and kidney damage.
• Sporotrichosis : This is a fungus that can be transmitted by rabbits. It causes papules that turn into pustules.

Rabbit-borne diseases, like those not transmitted, are very varied. Therefore, it's best to visit a veterinarian.

Vaccines for rabbits: When should they be given?

To prevent fatal and incurable diseases in rabbits, such as myxomatosis and viral hemorrhage, the best way to prevent them is to vaccinate them. Rabbit vaccines should be given starting at 8 weeks of age and continued with annual doses. These vaccines help rabbits acquire immunity 3 weeks after administration and for a year. Nobivac myxo-RHD Plus is part of the rabbit vaccines that protect pets against myxomatosis, RHD, and RHDV2 . Specific vaccines for each disease are also available.