How to Diagnose a Sick Rabbit

You may not realize it when your rabbit is suffering from an illness. These creatures often hide their symptoms as a way to protect themselves from predators. Examine your rabbit closely to tell if it's sick and to diagnose the possible cause.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Note the rabbit's behavior. Changes in its eating habits and personality are usually signs that something is wrong. Record any changes to diagnose the sick rabbit.

2. Check for signs of an upper respiratory infection. Rabbits are susceptible to colds. Your rabbit may have runny eyes or nose, be prone to sneezing or have difficulty breathing.

3. Look for signs of drooling. If your rabbit is drooling excessively, it may have a toothache or suffer from misalignment.

4. Analyze the rabbit's stool. In a healthy rabbit, you should see large pellets. A sick rabbit may produce runny or irregularly shaped feces. These symptoms point to a problem in the rabbit's digestive tract.

5. Determine if the rabbit is suffering from an ear infection. Note if your rabbit is off balance or tilting its head often.

6. Call your vet for a definitive diagnosis. Relay your pet's symptoms and share your suspicions based on its behavior and eating habits.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a vet before your rabbit gets sick. Make sure your vet is experienced with treating and diagnosing sick rabbits.
• Don't attempt to treat a sick rabbit without talking to your vet first. You may cause more harm than good.