Tips on Performing
Rabbit Health Screening
VC = warrants vet check
Eyes
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Discharge may indicate infection or tooth problem VC
Cloudy eyes may mean severe eye disease VC
Closed eye may be a sign of pain VC
Ears
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Red-brown crusty debris may indicate ear mites. Do NOT clean topically. Ivermectin
or Revolution will clear them up well.
Odorous white discharge usually means infection VC
Normal wax is yellow to tan and has no odor
Skin
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Bite wounds need veterinary attention VC
Flea dirt looks like small black dots or commas; carbarmate flea powder, Advantage,
or Revolution is safe for rabbits. FRONTLINE KILLS RABBITS.
Excessive white flaking with hair loss can mean fur mites. Treat with flea powder or
Ivermectin.
Messy rear end (stool or urine) can be spot cleaned using cotton balls soaked in
warm water and gentle soap. Towel dry. VC
Hair plucking (chest and belly) is common in unspayed females and in pregnant does
about to give birth. It can also indicate a false pregnancy brought on by stress.
Undersides of back feet sometimes have sores. If they are cracked and bleeding,
then a vet check is needed. Otherwise, simply provide soft, dry bedding, such as
fleece. Topical ointment may also be used. Calluses are normal
Mouth
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Drooling may indicate a tooth problem VC
Overgrown front teeth are easily trimmed with a drummel
Droppings and Urine
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Normal urine may be white and creamy (with crystals), yellow or bright orange. If
you suspect blood in the urine, pour some hydrogen peroxide on it and see if it
bubbles. If it does, it is blood. VC
Stools should be plentiful (at least 50 per day), round firm and plump.
Overfed rabbits may have soft mushy stools.
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