Working With Veterinarians Every Day

Rabbits, like other pets, should see the vet for regular checkups and for treatment if they seem under the weather in any way. Many symptoms, like eating slowly or losing some hair, indicate that you should call the vet and make an appointment in the next couple of days. But there are other situations with bunnies that indicate the need for immediate care at an animal hospital. What are those signs your bunny needs vet care right away? Take a look.

Maggots on the Skin

If you ever see maggots on your bunny — even if it's a single maggot — you need to head to the animal hospital immediately. Maggots are fly larvae, and when flies lay their eggs (which hatch into larvae) on rabbits, it results in a condition called flystrike. The maggots will literally start feeding on your rabbit's skin, which could prove deadly within a day or two. If you see one maggot, there is a good chance more will appear as soon as the other fly eggs hatch. A vet will need to physically remove the maggots, prescribe antibiotics for any infections (or to prevent infections), and watch the bunny for signs of shock and other secondary side effects of flystrike.

Lethargy

If your rabbit seems a bit less energetic than normal, that's one thing. If they are listless to the point that you can barely encourage them to move (a symptom that is known as lethargy) that is quite another matter. It's an urgent matter that demands prompt vet care since the rabbit may have a serious infection, constipation, or dehydration. Bunnies who are lethargic rarely recover on their own; so you should seek vet care immediately.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea for rabbits is a much bigger deal than it is for humans. Rabbits can easily become dehydrated, and if they are feeling ill, they won't drink to compensate for the fluids they are losing. Plus, if the diarrhea contaminates their fur, it could lead to flystrike. A vet will need to give your bunny fluids, often by injecting a large amount of fluid under the skin. They will also work on figuring out the cause of the diarrhea so they can treat it directly.

Lethargic bunnies, bunnies with diarrhea, and bunnies with maggots on their skin need to see a vet promptly. When in doubt, call the animal hospital and ask if your bunny needs care.