Even if the diet were supplemented with some pellets and leafy greens, the rabbit would likely suffer muscle problems and weakness. Most of these involve either pain that will make it difficult for the rabbit to eat or a build up of toxins in the body that affect the brain and other organs, making the rabbit feel either nauseated or not hungry. Increased weight interferes with normal activities and puts a rabbit at higher risk for many health problems. If the rabbit has a buddy (of any species), social time will become more enjoyable when the overweight rabbit is able to move more easily. The rabbit would suffer in other ways too – he would not be a happy, content bunny. He received his degree from Colorado State University in 1999 and practiced at the Makai Animal Clinic in Kailua, Hawaii, before moving to the Czech Republic. Bloating happens all over a sudden and your rabbit may die within a short time. Adjust the feed intake of your rabbit to maintain an ideal weight. As noted in the “Home Care” section below, the best diet is comprised primarily of grass hay, fed daily in unlimited quantities. The obviously easiest thing to do to help prevent obesity in rabbits is to feed an appropriate kind and amount of food and provide ample exercise. Tomáš Chlebeček, DVM, is a former aerospace engineer who became a veterinarian as a result of his association with the Colorado House Rabbit Society. After graduating in 1998, he joined the veterinary staff at For Pet’s Sake and eventually purchased the practice from Dr. Mimi Shepherd in 2006. To tell if your rabbit is lonely, pay attention when it nudges, bites, or digs on you. This is because fresh foods are less calorie-dense than hay due to the high water content. Depending upon the reason for the weight loss, a caregiver may notice: Emaciated appearance (e.g., prominent backbone, pelvis, and ribs) Abdomen “caved in” rather than smooth at the area bordered by the last rib, the thigh, and the spine (sort of … Dewlaps are more prominent in large breeds and lop eared rabbits. Obesity, on the other hand, is defined as a condition where the excess fat is causing or is likely to cause a detriment to your rabbit’s health and welfare. This will secure the upper portion of the rabbit's body. Bumblefoot is painful and can be difficult to treat and clean and the first signs of it usually including limping. Sometimes a doe … In addition to House Rabbit Handbook: How to Live with an Urban Rabbit, the following list of publications, although by no means comprehensive, may assist those who desire additional research. Safe weight loss occurs when a rabbit is put on the appropriate diet and is eating large quantities of hay. Be clear and realistic about your expectations and goals for treatment, which should prioritize your rabbit’s comfort and quality of life. If your rabbit refuses grass hay, don’t become discouraged. How old is it? Steps 1. If the ribs feel like this your rabbit is too skinny. If you cannot feel your rabbit's ribs or you have to push hard to feel them then your rabbit is overweight. A high-fiber diet reduces dental and other health problems. One very general guideline is to feed the same hay as is fed to horses, not the pasture grass that is fed to ruminants (e.g., cattle, sheep). This will lead to unhealthy weight loss. There are, however, two very important considerations with this: the rabbit must be freely grazing hay throughout the day, and the hay must be of good quality. It may be necessary, however, to separate the overweight rabbit from his bunny pal(s) during feeding time, especially when the other rabbit is fed pellets. Rabbits are made to jump and run but too often we keep them contained in small cages or only allow them to hop and binky for short periods of time. When there is more than one rabbit, a dominant one may guard the food and prevent other rabbits from having access to it. For example, stuff an empty plastic-wrap tube with hay. Eventually most bunnies will begin eating hay in the proper amounts. Warm thanks to Cheryl Abbott, Sandi Ackerman, Heidi Anderson, Dr. Stephanie Crispin, Gary McConville, and Karen Witzke for their suggestions.  – Marie Mead. Slim and sleek. Secondary infections, unrepairable wounds, and even internal damage can be done by maggots. Depending upon the reason for the weight loss, a caregiver may notice: Being alert to potential weight loss can help prevent serious problems. A dewlap is a pouch of fat beneath the jaw of a female rabbit, especially if they were not spayed early. Reference the various diet-related articles on this website for further discussion. Healthy food items like fruits and vegetables can be reserved as treats and only offered when you want to give something special to your rabbit. Overeating is typically the reason for obesity in rabbits but this factor alone may not affect a very active rabbit. My sincere thanks to the veterinarians named in this article for sharing their expertise during personal interviews and in subsequent feedback. The appearance can be anywhere from a small bump under the rabbit’s chin, to a large pillow around their neck. Placing hay bins and litter boxes in several locations may also stimulate more activity. This lack of energy exertion can create a multitude of problems for your rabbit and also gives them nothing to do but eat, sleep, and gain weight. It should be pear shaped, not shaped like an apple with a head. Remember, rabbits run around several miles a day in the wild so the least we can do is let them play in our homes for a few hours. Dr. Tomáš Chlebeček, who regularly treats rabbits at his clinic, stresses the importance of an appropriate diet: To achieve and sustain safe weight loss, it’s important that a rabbit consume a healthful diet. These standards should be used as a guideline to help you and your veterinarian judge whether or not your rabbit weighs an appropriate amount. When there are two or more rabbits, caregivers should also be mindful of social issues. The most rapid way to accomplish healthy weight loss is to feed a diet of quality grass hay only. Harnesses for rabbits are often used as playpens to make sure your rabbit doesn't get into an unsafe area. Giving an overweight rabbit plenty of opportunity for exercise and playtime is important. If the dewlap is large enough that it … However, measuring the amount of vitamin-rich greens remains important, and they should be restricted if they make the rabbit less likely to eat hay. Ideally, a rabbit is never caged but rather has a rabbit-proofed "room" or large penned area to live and explore. If the rabbit becomes anxious because of activity near the feeding area, such as a barking dog, active children, or other loud noises, the rabbit may not want to eat. Each rabbit species has a different set of breed standards that tell you what a normal size and weight of that particular breed should be. If the pellets are alfalfa-based, I recommend a gradual change to a timothy-grass-based food. Changes in locomotion or grooming habits can also indicate a rabbit is carrying too many pounds. Establish a “target” weight prior to breeding according to the specific breed standards of your rabbit for greatest success. Most important is free access to grass hay. Elderly rabbits sometimes present challenges, as reduced activity – perhaps due to painful arthritis – causes them to lose muscle mass. In addition, a diet that is primarily composed of fresh vegetable greens instead of grass hay can be very dangerous because the greens have fewer calories, due to high water content. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, CA – Ban of Fur Sales (Including Rabbit Fur), Deepening the Bond: How to Connect with Your Rabbit through Massage, Tellington TTouch for a Happy and Healthy Rabbit, Alternative Therapies to Treat Rabbit Pain and Musculoskeletal Issues and to Stimulate Wound Healing, Soft cecotropes present around the anus and in the cage or litter box area, Difficulty grooming, resulting in a dull or stained coat, Interference with eating or drinking (large dewlap), Urine scald; inability to posture correctly, Folds of skin around anal area, where cecotropes, feces, and urine collect, Locomotor problems, resulting in decreased activity levels (sedentary), Emaciated appearance (e.g., prominent backbone, pelvis, and ribs), Abdomen “caved in” rather than smooth at the area bordered by the last rib, the thigh, and the spine (sort of a triangle), Fewer fecal pellets, perhaps smaller, drier, and misshapen, Unusual activity level, signaling a search for water or for food (due to inappropriate diet), Pain (e.g., hunched appearance, inability to stretch out; reluctance to move; grinding or chattering of teeth; partially closed eyes). Instead, reserve a strawberry or carrot as a special treat for your rabbit that they only get from you and they'll think it is just as good as a sugar cube. Rabbits do not have much of an energy reserve. These diagnostics often pinpoint diseases such as renal failure (kidney disease), dental disease, liver disease, certain cancers, or chronic infection. Inadequate availability of fresh water may reduce food intake as well. This results in flies laying their eggs around the rabbit’s anus. Rabbits tend to change shape and size quite dramatically but it's still easy to check if your rabbit is bordering on obesity or is already carry far too much weight. It’s important to realize that treatment is not simply a matter of increasing caloric intake. Obesity is common in companion animals including rabbits however it can be difficult to see a rabbit’s body condition, especially in longer haired breeds. The easiest way to tell if the ribs stick out too much (if they are too prominent it means your rabbit is underweight) is to compare feeling your rabbit's ribs to your closed fist. If you have no choice but to cage your pet rabbit then you can still give them time to exercise. Observing actions surrounding the food – such as one rabbit guarding the food area or thwarting the others’ attempts to get at food or water – will enable the caregiver to make necessary changes for the benefit of all the rabbits. Susan Brown, DVM, is the founder and former owner of Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital (originally in Westchester, Illinois) and the current owner of Rosehaven Exotic Animal Veterinary Services and The Behavior Connection (North Aurora, Illinois). By assigning a body condition score to your rabbit you will be better enabled to monitor your rabbit's weight. Supervising the kind and amount of treats is another consideration. She is involved in exotic animal care at rescue organizations and shelters. TEMPEERATURE There are times when combining the expertise of both standard and alternative treatments offers the best supportive care. If you are concerned about obesity in your rabbit, you should have them checked by a veterinarian through a physical exam. In the article “Deepening the Bond: How to Connect with Your Rabbit through Massage,” licensed massage therapist Chandra Beal advises that “laying on of hands or light fur strokes would be appropriate for showing affection and reducing stress while the bunny is dieting.” Tellington TTouch® is another form of bodywork that can benefit your rabbit. For example, it may be that the rabbit’s area is too warm, another pet appears threatening, the rabbit is in a high-traffic area or, conversely, isolated away from the family, or perhaps children inadvertently mishandle the rabbit. Tularemia is a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. To tell if your rabbit is obese is sometimes not easy. This is what it should feel like on a rabbit that has an ideal body condition score. Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, has worked with a variety of animals for over 15 years, including birds of prey, reptiles, and small mammals. That is important to know, so you have an idea what it should weigh. Now feel your fingers (where your rings would normally sit on your hand) while your fist is still clenched. In addition, after weight loss the rabbit’s maintenance diet can also include more leafy green vegetables. Being overweight is defined as you would expect – having more body fat than you should. Obese and overweight pets are more prone to a myriad of health issues including skin disease, pododermatitis (inflammation of the feet and/or paws), cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis, gastrointestinal stasis, and bladder sludge just to name a few. To tell if your rabbit is obese is sometimes not easy. Obesity by itself may not cause a rabbit to stop eating and develop ileus but because of all the other problems that can be associated with obesity, it is definitely a major player in the ileus game. How to Tell an Obese Rabbit. Of course, other dental disorders cause hyporexia [diminished appetite], such as maloccluded incisors. Although leafy green vegetables can be a part of a healthy rabbit’s diet, feeding them in excess can cause a rabbit to lose weight too quickly and be unable to maintain proper weight over time. A non-profit rabbit rescue and education organization. Make sure your rabbit's weight is really indicative of a problem. Because it’s specially formulated for ailing rabbits, I recommend Critical Care™ but a mashed pellet slurry can also be fed. In addition to any underlying health issues, it’s important to look at all the factors that might be contributing to the rabbit’s eating behavior. So i just bought a bunny 2 weeks ago . It is critical to syringe-feed anorexic rabbits until they can eat on their own. What breed of rabbit is it? Continued inappetence can quickly result in a life-threatening condition. Sometimes lifestyle, not disease, is the causative factor in weight loss. This can sometimes be more easily accomplished when the overweight rabbit is in the company of other rabbits. Providing extra attention will help turn the rabbit’s focus from food to more enjoyable forms of interaction. Avoid sugary and fat filled foods like sunflower seeds yogurt drops from the pet store, and many kinds of cereals. Being obese means that your rabbit has more body fat than is healthy for their body size. Hepatic lipidosis also becomes a threat. A common cause of pain, especially in rabbits who don’t eat enough hay, are molar points (spurs). There are many reasons a rabbit may be underweight. Although it’s logical to assume that a less-active rabbit will gain weight, the opposite is sometimes the case. Dietary considerations are addressed in the “Home Care” section below. For example, grass hay can be made available in several locations, spaced apart. In an overweight rabbit, it may be difficult to feel the spine under layers of fat along the back. © Copyright 2013 by Marie Mead. Straw is never a substitute for grass hay, regardless of how obese a rabbit may be. There are some additional considerations, as noted by Dr. Brown: Since pain is a common cause of weight loss, pain management is often one of the treatments. Used by permission. Factors such as age, agility, and exercise options are also part of my discussion with the rabbit’s caregiver. You may notice the rabbit … But many pet owners give in to the gimmicks and want to give their rabbits whatever the pet store has to offer. Rabbits need to take in more calories than they are exerting in order to pack on the pounds and since many pet rabbits are unfortunately caged for the majority of their lives, obesity is a common problem when they don't get the exercise they need. For example, if an underweight bunny eats slowly, it may be necessary to give him uninterrupted feeding time away from the company of other animals and children. Several articles posted on this website were referred to in this two-part article or may otherwise be of interest: Caregivers may want to consider supplementing their rabbit’s care with alternative therapies, some of which are addressed in separate articles posted on this website. In cases such as arthritis of the joints or spine, the treatment may be for the lifetime of the rabbit. Flies lay eggs that turn into maggots and if you aren't regularly checking and cleaning your rabbit these can easily go unnoticed. Recognizing that a rabbit is fat can be difficult, as female rabbits normally have a fold of skin – the dewlap – under their chins to store fat. Some rabbits suffer from malnourishment early in their life; parasites can result in weight loss. It is preferred to discontinue leafy greens during a serious weight-loss program. Dr. Brown, who has been an exotic animal veterinarian for over thirty years, with a special interest in rabbits, notes some of them: cardiovascular, joint, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and liver diseases. If either of those conditions is not met, then a rabbit must be fed pellets to ensure proper nutrition and prevention of hepatic lipidosis; this has already been addressed. Not Using The Litter Box. Poor diet can result in weight loss as well as weight gain, and so I always discuss the importance of the appropriate diet. Hi. by Marie Mead with Drs. This is veterinarian and author Dr. Susan Brown’s description of what a healthy rabbit looks like, although lack of exercise, poor diet, and overfeeding can drastically change that appearance. For additional information, reference “Disorders of the Cecum” as well as diet-related articles and FAQ sheets on this website.        Â. Being stationary is the main culprit for obesity in every species. There are a number of charts that give a rough estimation of your rabbits "correct body weight." Male rabbits of these breeds may also develop small dewlaps. Gently place the thumb on the right side of the abdomen and the fingers of your hand on the left side. Building muscle mass becomes the goal and, in the case of an arthritic bunny, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and alternative pain management (e.g., acupuncture) can help. How To Tell if Your Bunny is Overweight. A qualified veterinarian can determine whether additional health issues (e.g., arthritis, pododermatitis) are a concern. Perhaps include some non-food “treats” in order to keep the emphasis on grass hay, the single most important part of the diet. If a rabbit is ill or injured, a home-care plan will be prescribed by the veterinarian. To know if your rabbit is bloated, you need to look at the various symptoms which include the following: Sudden loss of appetite and refusal to eat (anorexia) So, how to tell if a rabbit is pregnant? She is coauthor of Self-Assessment Color Review of Small Mammals and author of numerous lay and professional writings on rabbit medicine and care; she has also lectured extensively in the United States and Europe. Rolls of fat often develop around the tail and ankles, and the dewlap (the fold of skin under the chin) can become extremely large and feels plump. If you cannot feel your rabbit's ribs or you have to push hard to feel them then your rabbit is overweight. Sugary treats are also contributors to the obesity problem in pet rabbits and are marketed as cute but the fact is your rabbit doesn't care what their food looks like. A proper diet and other considerations are also important, as Dr. Chlebeček explains: It’s not necessarily a good idea to increase the amount of processed pellets in an underweight rabbit’s diet. A guideline of telling if any particular rabbit species may be overweight can be the use of the expected ‘normal’ body sizes and weight ranges of each species. Obesity has also been thought to be a player in cancer in people so there also may be bigger consequences for our pet rabbits that we don't know about. It's a good idea to weigh your rabbit … Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis for Recovery. Gently hold the rabbit's ears and a flap of shoulder skin in your right hand. 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