Extreme Breeds: Why cute is costly
As many people know, rabbits come in all different shapes and sizes, and are sometimes selectively bred to produced desirable characteristics such as size, snout length and coat type. However, these selected traits do not come without issues, therefore need to be carefully considered before any commitment is made when selecting a rabbit for rehoming.
Whilst we inform new owners of any pre-existing conditions prior to adoption, people should always be aware that extreme breeds are statistically more likely to develop certain issues later in life.
Whilst we inform new owners of any pre-existing conditions prior to adoption, people should always be aware that extreme breeds are statistically more likely to develop certain issues later in life.
Giants Breeds
Osteoarthritis – In giant breeds osteoarthritis is very common in the hips and limbs, and can be a very painful condition. This is generally caused by the excessive weight put on their joints as they age. Due to rabbits commonly hiding their pain, arthritis can be frequently missed, and rabbits can be in constant pain for a long time before it is recognised. It is important that mobility is checked at annual veterinary check ups, and a treatment plan put in place as needed, commonly including pain relief and physiotherapy.
Heart Issues- Heart issues such as cardiomyopathy is very common in larger breeds of rabbits. The heart becomes enlarged and weakened and inefficient at pumping blood effectively around the body. It is one of the most common causes of sudden death in giant rabbits, however if caught early enough can be medically managed.
Eye Issues – In many giant breeds, the nictitating membrane (third eyelid) is protruding. This can sometimes be a cause for concern due to being a symptom of several health conditions. The most common being heart problems. Other causes can be respiratory distress due to excessive pressure on the lungs due to body size; bacterial infection promoted by inflammation of the ocular tissue or foreign body; neurological causes such as E. Cuniculi; and squamous cell carcinoma of the third eyelid. Any eye issues should be promptly checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Most causes can be controlled by medications.
Pododermatitis – Giant rabbits are prone to Pododermatitis (sore hocks) due to their vast size, which is turn causes pressure on the hock. If these are not found early, they can cause severe problems such as infection, immobility and severe pain. Once a rabbit has sore hocks, the likelihood of this healing completely is unlikely, and will have to be managed with mediation (pain relief, antibiotics and topical treatment), hygiene and specific husbandry (soft, deep bedding).
Osteoarthritis – In giant breeds osteoarthritis is very common in the hips and limbs, and can be a very painful condition. This is generally caused by the excessive weight put on their joints as they age. Due to rabbits commonly hiding their pain, arthritis can be frequently missed, and rabbits can be in constant pain for a long time before it is recognised. It is important that mobility is checked at annual veterinary check ups, and a treatment plan put in place as needed, commonly including pain relief and physiotherapy.
Heart Issues- Heart issues such as cardiomyopathy is very common in larger breeds of rabbits. The heart becomes enlarged and weakened and inefficient at pumping blood effectively around the body. It is one of the most common causes of sudden death in giant rabbits, however if caught early enough can be medically managed.
Eye Issues – In many giant breeds, the nictitating membrane (third eyelid) is protruding. This can sometimes be a cause for concern due to being a symptom of several health conditions. The most common being heart problems. Other causes can be respiratory distress due to excessive pressure on the lungs due to body size; bacterial infection promoted by inflammation of the ocular tissue or foreign body; neurological causes such as E. Cuniculi; and squamous cell carcinoma of the third eyelid. Any eye issues should be promptly checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Most causes can be controlled by medications.
Pododermatitis – Giant rabbits are prone to Pododermatitis (sore hocks) due to their vast size, which is turn causes pressure on the hock. If these are not found early, they can cause severe problems such as infection, immobility and severe pain. Once a rabbit has sore hocks, the likelihood of this healing completely is unlikely, and will have to be managed with mediation (pain relief, antibiotics and topical treatment), hygiene and specific husbandry (soft, deep bedding).
Lops
Ear Issues – Lop eared rabbits are prone to ear issues such as narrow ear canals, excessive build up of wax and ear pain caused by irritation or infection. Due to the position of their ears being folded, lop rabbits struggle to drain debris out of them which in turn can cause compaction or serious infection. If these are left untreated, ear infections can then spread to the respiratory tract, or cause encapsulated ear abscesses.
Lop rabbits also suffer more readily with a condition called Stenosis (narrowing of the ear canal). This can cause the canal to become clogged with debris, leading to infection or hearing loss.
Ear abscesses are also common in lop rabbits. Studies have found that 99% of ear abscess rabbits are lop breeds. Ear abscesses may need medical intervention, such as surgical ablation (removal of the abscess, leaving a drainage hole), or can sometimes be monitored and managed dependant on if there is rapid growth of infection. It is important to get any ear condition checked by a veterinarian, monitored and managed.
Dental Issues - Dental disease in rabbits occurs when their teeth grow in the wrong direction or grow abnormally long. Congenital dental issue are hereditary aspects passed from their parents. These are common in breeds that are bred to have shorter faces such as lops, leading to their teeth being crowded within the mouth, increasing the likelihood of teeth growing abnormally. Dental issues need to be monitored regularly, and in most cases regular burring of incisors and molars is needed, as well as regular xrays to maintain the condition to prevent pain and further issues.
In particular, mini lops are also prone to skeletal issues such as spondylitis and are more likely to have trouble keeping themselves clean than many other breeds thus making them more prone to flystrike.
Ear Issues – Lop eared rabbits are prone to ear issues such as narrow ear canals, excessive build up of wax and ear pain caused by irritation or infection. Due to the position of their ears being folded, lop rabbits struggle to drain debris out of them which in turn can cause compaction or serious infection. If these are left untreated, ear infections can then spread to the respiratory tract, or cause encapsulated ear abscesses.
Lop rabbits also suffer more readily with a condition called Stenosis (narrowing of the ear canal). This can cause the canal to become clogged with debris, leading to infection or hearing loss.
Ear abscesses are also common in lop rabbits. Studies have found that 99% of ear abscess rabbits are lop breeds. Ear abscesses may need medical intervention, such as surgical ablation (removal of the abscess, leaving a drainage hole), or can sometimes be monitored and managed dependant on if there is rapid growth of infection. It is important to get any ear condition checked by a veterinarian, monitored and managed.
Dental Issues - Dental disease in rabbits occurs when their teeth grow in the wrong direction or grow abnormally long. Congenital dental issue are hereditary aspects passed from their parents. These are common in breeds that are bred to have shorter faces such as lops, leading to their teeth being crowded within the mouth, increasing the likelihood of teeth growing abnormally. Dental issues need to be monitored regularly, and in most cases regular burring of incisors and molars is needed, as well as regular xrays to maintain the condition to prevent pain and further issues.
In particular, mini lops are also prone to skeletal issues such as spondylitis and are more likely to have trouble keeping themselves clean than many other breeds thus making them more prone to flystrike.
Rex
Eye Issues – Due to intensive breeding, Rex rabbits are bred to have no guard hairs for the benefit of presenting a soft, velvet like coat. However this in turn comes with its own health issues. Without guard hairs, Rex rabbits do not have eye lashes, which serve the purpose to keep debris from entering the eye. Without these, Rex rabbits are subject to extensive eye trauma, such as abscesses, abrasions and ulcers. Any changes in the eye should be promptly checked by a veterinarian. In some cases as a preventative, eye drops may be prescribed long term to help manage a condition.
Pododermatitis – ulcerative pododermatitis in Rex rabbits is caused by the lack of guard fur present on the hocks of the back feet. In most rabbits the fur present protects the skin from ulcerating and breaking, however this is not so in Rex rabbits. This can be a very painful condition and once obtained, it is very difficult to treat. The broken skin is usually managed with antibiotics and pain relief. Once the skin is healed it is managed with topical cream, and good hygiene and husbandry (soft, deep bedding).
Eye Issues – Due to intensive breeding, Rex rabbits are bred to have no guard hairs for the benefit of presenting a soft, velvet like coat. However this in turn comes with its own health issues. Without guard hairs, Rex rabbits do not have eye lashes, which serve the purpose to keep debris from entering the eye. Without these, Rex rabbits are subject to extensive eye trauma, such as abscesses, abrasions and ulcers. Any changes in the eye should be promptly checked by a veterinarian. In some cases as a preventative, eye drops may be prescribed long term to help manage a condition.
Pododermatitis – ulcerative pododermatitis in Rex rabbits is caused by the lack of guard fur present on the hocks of the back feet. In most rabbits the fur present protects the skin from ulcerating and breaking, however this is not so in Rex rabbits. This can be a very painful condition and once obtained, it is very difficult to treat. The broken skin is usually managed with antibiotics and pain relief. Once the skin is healed it is managed with topical cream, and good hygiene and husbandry (soft, deep bedding).
Flat Faced Breeds
Dental Issues – Due to intensive breeding for the aesthetically flat face and skull shape, extensive dental issues are found in flat faces rabbit breeds such as lops, dwarfs and angoras. Due to the flatter skull, the mouth is overcrowded with teeth, causing misalignment of molars and overgrowth of the incisors. If incisors are not lined up correctly, they will grow unmanageable and uneven, which can lead to pain and unwillingness to eat. Molar spurs can cause ulcers within the mouth and difficulty eating, therefore can lead to other problems such as gastrointestinal stasis, and extreme pain. If dental problems are not amended with veterinary intervention, other serious health problems can occur such as fractures and abscesses. Both incisors and molars must regularly be checked, and burred as necessary to prevent pain.
Tooth root and tear duct abscesses –dental abscesses are commonly caused by a bacterial infection in the tooth root or tear duct. The most common cause of tooth root abscesses is tooth elongation. This is a chronic and common condition as rabbit’s teeth constantly grow about half an inch every 28 days. The cheek teeth can become decayed through the formation of spurs, gradually wearing down the soft tissue surrounding the teeth, allowing bacteria to enter the gums. Tear duct abscesses can be the result of an elongated upper incisor tooth root blocking the tear duct. The fluid in the tear duct is perfect for bacteria to grow, and in turn easily forming an abscess. Because they are serious and often difficult to treat, it’s important to consult with an experienced veterinarian if you feel any facial growths forming.
Dental Issues – Due to intensive breeding for the aesthetically flat face and skull shape, extensive dental issues are found in flat faces rabbit breeds such as lops, dwarfs and angoras. Due to the flatter skull, the mouth is overcrowded with teeth, causing misalignment of molars and overgrowth of the incisors. If incisors are not lined up correctly, they will grow unmanageable and uneven, which can lead to pain and unwillingness to eat. Molar spurs can cause ulcers within the mouth and difficulty eating, therefore can lead to other problems such as gastrointestinal stasis, and extreme pain. If dental problems are not amended with veterinary intervention, other serious health problems can occur such as fractures and abscesses. Both incisors and molars must regularly be checked, and burred as necessary to prevent pain.
Tooth root and tear duct abscesses –dental abscesses are commonly caused by a bacterial infection in the tooth root or tear duct. The most common cause of tooth root abscesses is tooth elongation. This is a chronic and common condition as rabbit’s teeth constantly grow about half an inch every 28 days. The cheek teeth can become decayed through the formation of spurs, gradually wearing down the soft tissue surrounding the teeth, allowing bacteria to enter the gums. Tear duct abscesses can be the result of an elongated upper incisor tooth root blocking the tear duct. The fluid in the tear duct is perfect for bacteria to grow, and in turn easily forming an abscess. Because they are serious and often difficult to treat, it’s important to consult with an experienced veterinarian if you feel any facial growths forming.
Long Coated Breeds
Matting and skin issues – Long coated rabbits are unable to groom themselves adequately, therefore are prone to matting. This can in turn lead to skin conditions and other health problems. Long coated rabbits require a lot of maintenance and a lot of time to ensure they are properly cared for. Daily grooming is needed to prevent matting and to eliminate excess fur. If mattes are left ungroomed, skin can become sore and irritated underneath leading to dermatitis issues, and skin infections.
Urine scald – Urine scald happens when a rabbits fur gets soaked in urine, leading to irritation of the skin around the legs, tail and genitals. It is very common in long coated rabbits as they cannot adequately groom themselves. It is important to check daily for any signs of urine or faeces on the fur, and groom and clip this as necessary to prevent urine scald and fly strike.
Fly strike – due to their inability to groom themselves adequately, there is an increased risk of fly strike. Flies are attracted to soiled or damp fur, usually around the anus. Each fly can lay several hundreds of eggs, which can hatch in just a few hours. These maggots feed on the rabbits flesh and can be life threatening if not caught quickly. Rabbits should be checked twice daily for eggs, and bottoms should be groomed and cleaned as needed to help prevent urine and faeces attracting flies. If any signs of eggs are present, the rabbit should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Dental Issues – Malocclusion is commonly inherited in long coated breeds with flat faces. This prevents them eating and drinking properly therefore it is important that their teeth are checked regularly for any issues, and burring is given as needed.
Matting and skin issues – Long coated rabbits are unable to groom themselves adequately, therefore are prone to matting. This can in turn lead to skin conditions and other health problems. Long coated rabbits require a lot of maintenance and a lot of time to ensure they are properly cared for. Daily grooming is needed to prevent matting and to eliminate excess fur. If mattes are left ungroomed, skin can become sore and irritated underneath leading to dermatitis issues, and skin infections.
Urine scald – Urine scald happens when a rabbits fur gets soaked in urine, leading to irritation of the skin around the legs, tail and genitals. It is very common in long coated rabbits as they cannot adequately groom themselves. It is important to check daily for any signs of urine or faeces on the fur, and groom and clip this as necessary to prevent urine scald and fly strike.
Fly strike – due to their inability to groom themselves adequately, there is an increased risk of fly strike. Flies are attracted to soiled or damp fur, usually around the anus. Each fly can lay several hundreds of eggs, which can hatch in just a few hours. These maggots feed on the rabbits flesh and can be life threatening if not caught quickly. Rabbits should be checked twice daily for eggs, and bottoms should be groomed and cleaned as needed to help prevent urine and faeces attracting flies. If any signs of eggs are present, the rabbit should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Dental Issues – Malocclusion is commonly inherited in long coated breeds with flat faces. This prevents them eating and drinking properly therefore it is important that their teeth are checked regularly for any issues, and burring is given as needed.
So what rabbits are less likely to have breed related health issues?
The answer is simple!
A medium sized rabbit with a long nose and uppy ears that look similar to their wild relatives.
The answer is simple!
A medium sized rabbit with a long nose and uppy ears that look similar to their wild relatives.