RABBIT DISEASE

There are some worrying rabbit diseases that every bunny owner needs to know about. Two rabbit viruses are prevalent. There is a vaccine available for one but not the other in Australia. 

CALICIVIRUS

Fortunately, we can vaccinate against rabbit  alicivirus. Pet rabbit owners should take their bunny to a rabbit-friendly vet every 6 months for an injection of Cylap vaccine. People who own many rabbits sometimes keep a stock of the vaccine and vaccinate their own rabbits. Expertise in giving a subcutaneous vaccination is required if you wish to vaccinate your own herd of rabbits.

Purchase Cylap Vaccine

Veterinarians and those with multiple rabbits and expertise to vaccinate can purchase the Cylap vaccine for Calicivirus from Treidlia Biovet Pty Ltd. The vaccine will be delivered in a styrofoam box with a freezer block as the vaccine must be kept in the fridge.

Contact details for the Calicivirus vaccine Cylap wholesaler:

Treidlia Biovet Pty Ltd
Phone: 02 9674 1488 (let them know we sent you please:)
Unit 76 Powers Business Park, 45 Powers Rd., Seven Hills, NSW 2147

A typical rabbit death from Calicivirus is a fitting episode. The head after death is often tilted upward towards the back.

The local vet can extract the liver and send for testing to the government lab in your city. This testing is free although the vet may charge a fee for his work.

MYXOMATOSIS

There is no vaccine available in Australia. The best prevention is to keep your rabbit inside the house away from mosquitoes and flea free as both mozzies and fleas are carriers of the disease.
For more information go to the Myxomatosis website.

Rabbit Flea & Mosquito Repellant 

Advantix For Dogs can be used fortnightly to repel mozzies from pet rabbits. It also repels and kills fleas. Advantix is applied to the back of the rabbit's neck. Apply the product in 4 spots on the back of the neck. The rate of application is 0.1ml per kg. For example, a 2kg rabbit would have 0.2ml applied to back of neck. To apply Advantix use a one ml syringe. Draw up the product from the little plastic tube.

Rabbit Health

Symptoms of an overheating rabbit

A rabbit suffering from heat exhaustion will be laying still and breathy very fast. It will have hot ears. It is important to move it to a cold place which is air-conditioned e.g. a house or car with air con. Dampen his or her ears with water. Put an ice block or bag of frozen peas under the rabbit with a tea towel over the block. Ensure there is a bowl of drinking water within reach with a couple of ice blocks in it to make it cool.
An air-conditioned room is best for an overheated rabbit to bring his/her temperature down fast. Ice packs wrapped in a towel also help.

Does my rabbit have a disease?

The surest way to know if your rabbit is sick is if he or she is not eating or pooing. If this happens head off to your rabbit friendly vet immediately. Other symptoms to watch out for are swollen eyes or reddening around the eyes, hot ears which could mean your bunny has a temperature, wet fur or rash caused by urine around back legs, sloppy poos, sneezing or noisy breathing. A 6 monthly vet check is advised and also have your rabbit vaccinated every 6 months.
Most common rabbit diseases
Ecuniculi or EC which is caused by a protozoan parasite and can affect various organs often causing paralysis of limbs, neck (head tilt) or total body paralysis.
Panacur 100

Are rabbit diseases contagious to humans
Rabbit Vets

Find our Rabbit Sanctuary Veterinarians and have your rabbit treated by the best!