Pennhip measures hip laxity and allows exact prediction of Hip Displasia in dogs, starting from 16 weeks of age. Hip Dysplasia can be prevented if hip laxity is diagnosed and treated early.

The Problem:

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

• Is the most commonly inherited orthopedic disease

• Leads to hip arthritis causing pain, stiffness, and diminished quality of life

• Has no medical or surgical cure

• Afflicts more than 50% of the dogs within some breeds

• Clinically affects large breed dogs more severely than smaller breed dogs

The Key Factor:

Hip Laxity

In the 1980’s, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine pioneered a better diagnostic method to assess hip laxity—the key factor in the development of Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD).

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, with the ball of the femur (femoral head) fitting into the hip socket (acetabulum). Hip laxity refers to the degree of “looseness” of the ball in the hip socket. All dogs are born with good hip joints. It is joint laxity that is responsible for development of Hip Dysplasia to due the increased wear and tear that loose hip joints are subjected too.

The Solution:

AIS PennHIP Hip Improvement Program

The research-based hip-screening procedure known as PennHIP has proven to be the most accurate and precise method to measure hip laxity. It can identify (as early as 16 weeks of age) dogs that are susceptible to developing hip dysplasia.

This offers breeders the opportunity to make early decisions on breeding stock, and allows veterinarians to advise pet owners on lifestyle adjustments and preventive strategies to minimize the pain and progression of the disease.

PennHIP Radiographs:

PennHIP screening includes three separate radiographs (x-rays) of the hips. 

Hip Scoring and Result Interpretation:

We then will submit the three PennHIP radiographs to ANTECH Imaging Services for specialised evaluation.

A confidential report comprised of the following key parts will be sent back to us where we will then bring you back to the clnic to explain the results and give any appropriate strategies (diet, medications, and/or activities) to delay or diminish the ultimate course of the disease.

Prevention and Treatment of hip displasia:

There is no cure for hip dysplasia, but it can be prevented to a good degree. In order to prevent hip Hip Dysplasia (a form of arthritis) is vital to address loose hip joints early. Any surgical treament is aimed at changing the angle of the socket (relative to the pelvis), so that the body weight keeps pushing the hip joint tight. In a mature animal that means an operation which is called Triple Pelvic Osteotomy, which is a difficult, invasive and expensive procedure.

However, in a young, growing dog this can be achieved by applying heat to the growth plate of the symphysis of the pelvis, a procedure we offer in-house. The growth plate will then fuse early and stop this part of the pelvis to grow, resulting in a change of the shape of the pelvis as the puppy continues to grow. 

Who will benefit from PennHip hip scoring?:

Any young dog will benefit from having it's hip scored. You find out exactly where you dog stands within the range of it's breed and how likely it is that you dog develops hip dysplasia later on in life. This is particularly important in dogs you want to breed from, especially large breeds. Detection of hip laxity in puppies allows us to perform a simple procedure to prevent the onset of hip dysplasia later on.

Fresh clean water 24/7

Ensure they have constant access to fresh clean water.

• Provide water the way they are used to (e.g. heavy ceramic bowl/drip-feed bottle).

• Ensure water is algae-free in summer and doesn't freeze in winter. If using bottles, check daily that they can access the water and the end isn’t blocked.

Hay and grass daily

At least one bundle of good quality hay that’s as big as they are every day!

• Good quality hay and/or grass, always available, should constitute the majority of their diet.

• Rabbits and guinea pigs graze, naturally eating grass/other plants for long periods, mainly at dawn and dusk.

• Their digestive systems need grass and/or hay to function properly.

• Don’t feed lawnmower clippings; these can make them ill.

Leafy greens daily

Rabbits and guinea pigs benefit from having a handful of safe washed leafy green vegetables, herbs and weeds daily.

• Feed a variety of greens daily, ideally 5-6 different types, such as cabbage/kale/broccoli/parsley/mint.

• Introduce new types of greens gradually in small amounts to avoid potential stomach upsets.

Vets can advise about safe plants. If in doubt leave it out!

Pellets

Feed a small amount of good quality pellets/nuggets daily.

• Measure 25g (an eggcup-full) of pellets per kg of your pet’s body weight; for a medium-sized rabbit (2kg) feed a maximum of two full eggcups.

• Remember Guinea Pigs need an adequate source of Vitamin C daily, so feeding them a proprietary grass based food specially formulated for Guinea Pigs will ensure that they are receiving all the nutrients they need. For this reason you can feed a Rabbit with Guinea Pig food but you should never feed a Guinea Pig with Rabbit food.

• Don’t top the bowl up as this may decrease the amount of hay and/or grass they eat.

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs fed on muesli-style foods will often selectively feed. This is where they pick out the high starch elements of the diet and leave the rest (typically the pellet /high fibre elements). Selective feeding leads to the consumption of an unbalanced diet. In addition, hay intake and water intake are lower when muesli is fed leading to other potential dental and digestive issues. Over 90% of vets do not believe muesli style foods should be sold for pet rabbits.

If you are currently feeding a muesli style food you should gradually transfer your pets onto a hay and nugget based feeding plan over a period of between 14 and 28 days, by gradually reducing the amount of muesli and increasing the proportion of nuggets until they have completely replaced the mix. Remember that good quality hay and/or grass should make up the majority of your rabbits’ diet and should be available at all times.

Healthy treats

Feed part of their daily ration of greens/pellets/nuggets, as treats and rewards during training.

• Root vegetables (e.g. carrots) or fruit only in small amounts as treats.
  - Rabbits and Guinea Pigs don’t naturally eat cereals/root vegetables/fruit.

• Don’t feed any other treats as these may harm them.

Top tips

1. Note your pets’ weight. Adjust their food to ensure they’re not overweight or underweight.

2. Young/pregnant/nursing/ill Rabbits and Guinea Pigs have different needs. Ask your vet for advice on suitable diets.

3. If you’re unsure about providing the best diet for your rabbit or guinea pig, talk to your vet.

4. The amount they eat and drink needs monitoring. If these habits change, droppings gets less/stop, or soft droppings stick to their back end, talk to your vet immediately as they could be seriously ill.
   - Rabbits produce two dropping types – hard dry pellets, and softer moist pellets they eat directly from their bottom and are dietary essentials.

5. Their teeth grow continuously, need wearing down and keeping at the correct length/shape by eating grass/hay/leafy green plants.
   - Not eating the right diet results in serious dental disease.

Skin Disorders

Skin disorders in rabbits often lead to patches of hair loss (alopecia). Many of these problems are caused by parasites, such as mites, that will require medication from your veterinarian. Regular grooming will allow you to check your rabbit's skin and identify potential problems early.

Hutch Burn (Urine Burn)

Hutch burn is caused by wet and dirty hutch floors. It also occurs in rabbits that constantly dribble urine due to poor bladder control. The area surrounding the anus and genital region becomes inflamed and chapped. This is followed by infection with disease-causing bacteria. Brownish crusts cover the area and a bloody, pus-filled discharge may be present. Keeping hutch floors clean and dry and applying an antibiotic ointment to the sores speeds recovery.

Wet Dewlap (Moist Dermatitis)

Female rabbits have a heavy fold of skin on the front of the neck called a dewlap. As the rabbit drinks, this skin may become wet and soggy, which leads to inflammation. Possible causes include open water crocks and damp bedding. Dental malocclusion that causes excessive salivation can also be a cause. The hair may fall out, and the area may become infected or infested with fly larvae (maggots). The area often turns green if infected with Pseudomonas bacteria. If the area becomes infected, the hair should be clipped and antiseptic dusting powder applied. In severe cases, antibiotics injected by a veterinarian may be necessary.

Automatic watering systems with drinking valves generally prevent wet dewlaps. If open water receptacles are used, they should have small openings or be elevated.

Sore Hocks

This condition, sometimes called ulcerative pododermatitis, does not involve the hock (the ankle joint) but the sole of the hindfoot and, less commonly, the front paws. The cause is either pressure on the skin from bearing the body weight on wire-floored cages or trauma to the skin from stamping, with infection of the dead skin. Several factors, including a buildup of urine-soaked droppings, nervousness, hind-end paralysis after a spinal cord injury, and the type of wire used, may influence development of this disease. Genetics are also involved. Heavy-breed rabbits such as the Rex and Flemish Giant are more susceptible. Rabbits with sore hocks sit in a peculiar position with their weight on their front feet; if all 4 feet are affected, they tiptoe when walking.

Various cleansing agents can be used to clean the sores, followed by topical and injected antibiotics. X-rays may be needed to check for inflammation of bone and bone marrow, which may be a complication. The rabbit must be removed from the cage or given a solid floor (board or mat) on which to sit or rest. Treatment is difficult and time consuming, and the condition often comes back. Because big feet and thick footpads are hereditary, selection of breeding stock for these traits has reduced the incidence of sore hocks.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that is common in rabbits. Affected animals develop raised, reddened, circular sores that are capped with white, bran-like, flaky material. The sores generally appear first on the head and then spread to other areas of the skin. Ringworm is generally associated with poor sanitation, poor nutrition, and other environmental stressors. The cause is most commonly the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes and occasionally Microsporum canis. Transmission is by direct contact. Objects such as hair brushes, which are often overlooked during disinfection, can play a significant role in spreading infection. Carriers without signs are very common. Your veterinarian can do tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Because infected rabbits can spread the disease to humans and other animals, they should be isolated and treated. Owners of infected rabbits should avoid close contact with their pets and use disposable gloves, followed by thorough hand and arm washing when handling infected rabbits, cleaning cages and equipment, or disposing of waste materials. Antifungal drugs are usually effective in treating ringworm. Antifungal creams applied to the skin also may be effective. You must carefully follow your veterinarian's treatment program to control this infection.

Papillomas

Two types of infectious benign tumors, known as papillomas, occur infrequently in domestic rabbits. Papillomas in the mouth, caused by the rabbit oral papillomavirus, consist of warts or small, grayish white, lumps attached by a narrow stalk on the bottom of the tongue or on the floor of the mouth. The second type, caused by the cottontail (Shope) papillomavirus, is characterized by horny warts on the neck, shoulders, ears, or abdomen and is primarily a natural disease of cottontail rabbits. Insects and ticks transmit the virus; therefore, insect control could be used as means of disease prevention. The oral papillomavirus is distinct from the Shope papillomavirus (which is also distinct from the Shope fibroma virus). Skin tumors caused by the Shope papillomavirus never occur in the mouth. Neither type of papillomatosis is treated, and the condition usually goes away on its own.

Mites and Fleas

Ear mites are a common parasite in rabbits. Mites irritate the lining of the ear and cause a watery fluid and thick brown crusts to build up, creating an “ear canker.” Infested rabbits scratch at and shake their head and ears. They lose weight and may develop infections, which can damage the inner ear, reach the central nervous system, and result in torticollis or “wry neck” (a twisting of the neck to one side, resulting in the head being tilted).

Your veterinarian will remove the brown crumbly discharge and then treat the affected ear with one of the drugs that are approved for use in dogs and cats. Products containing a substance that breaks down the waxy secretions in the ear are particularly useful in removing the heavy, crusted material. The medication should be applied within the ear and down the side of the head and neck. Ear mite infestations are less likely to occur when rabbits are housed in wire cages than in solid cages. The mite is readily transmitted by direct contact.

Fur mites are also common on rabbits. Because these mites live on the surface of the skin and do not burrow into the skin, they do not cause the intense itching seen with sarcoptic mange. Fur mite infestations usually do not cause any signs unless the rabbit becomes weakened due to age, illness, or other stress. The mites may be noticed as “dandruff.” Scraping the dandruff from the skin onto a dark paper or background will demonstrate this and has led to the nickname “walking dandruff” for this condition. Transmission is by direct contact. A diagnosis can be made by looking at skin scrapings under a microscope. Fur mites may cause a mild skin irritation or inflammation in humans. Weekly dusting of animals and bedding with permethrin powder can control these mites.

Rabbits are rarely infested with the mange mites that cause sarcoptic mange (canine scabies) or notoedric mange (feline scabies). These mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs. When infestation does occur, the rabbits are extremely itchy. It is difficult to get rid of these parasites on domestic rabbits. The condition is extremely contagious and can be transmitted to humans.

Fleas can affect rabbits and many other animals. Imidacloprid is a drug that kills adult fleas on contact; products containing this drug have been successfully used to treat rabbits infested with fleas. Products containing fipronil should never be used in rabbits. Ask your veterinarian for a treatment recommendation if your rabbit has fleas.

Respiratory Disorders

Pasteurellosis, a bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, is common in domestic rabbits. It is highly contagious and is transmitted primarily by direct contact, although transmission by coughing or sneezing may also occur. In conventional colonies, 30 to 90% of apparently healthy rabbits may be carriers that show no signs of the disease.

Signs of pasteurellosis include:

• rhinitis (stuffy, runny nose)

• pneumonia (inflammation of one or both lungs)

• abscesses (pus-filled sores)

• reproductive tract infections

• head tilt (torticollis)

• blood poisoning.

Rhinitis (snuffles or stuffy, runny nose) is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the air passages and lungs and can be short or long-lasting. Pasteurella bacteria are the usual culprits, but other bacteria may cause it as well. The initial sign is a thin, watery discharge from the nose and eyes. The discharge later becomes pus-filled. The fur on the inside of the front legs just above the paws may be matted and caked with dried discharge or this area may be clean with thinned fur as a result of pawing at the nose. Infected rabbits usually sneeze and cough. In general, rhinitis occurs when the resistance of the rabbit is low. Recovered rabbits are likely carriers.

Pneumonia is common in domestic rabbits. The cause is typically Pasteurella bacteria, but other bacteria may be involved. The infection causes inflammation of the lungs and of the membrane surrounding the lungs, accumulation of fluid in the lungs and chest, and ruptured blood vessels of the sac around the heart. Upper respiratory disease (rhinitis or snuffles, see above) often occurs before pneumonia. Inadequate ventilation, poor sanitation, and dirty nesting material are contributing causes. Affected rabbits lack appetite and energy, and may cough and have difficulty breathing or a fever. Rabbits usually die within 1 week after signs appear. Diagnosis depends on signs, physical changes, and laboratory test results. Antibiotic treatment often fails because the pneumonia is advanced before it is detected.

Reproductive Disorders

Reproductive disorders of rabbits include bacterial infections and metabolic disorders.

Pasteurella bacteria often cause genital infections (pasteurellosis), which may also be caused by several other organisms. The typical signs include inflammation of the reproductive tract and are usually seen in adults. Does are more often infected than bucks. If both horns of the uterus are affected, often the doe becomes sterile; if only one horn is involved, a normal litter may develop in the other. The only sign of an infection in the uterus may be a thick, yellowish-gray vaginal discharge. Bucks may discharge pus from the urethra or have an enlarged testicle. Longterm infection of the prostate and seminal vesicles is likely. Because the infection can be passed during breeding, infected animals should not be bred. Surgical removal of the infected reproductive organs along with antibiotic treatment is required for pet rabbits. The contaminated hutch and its equipment should be thoroughly disinfected. Diagnosis of pasteurellosis is based on signs and laboratory tests that detect the bacteria. Nasal swab tests can be performed to identify carriers. Treatment is difficult and may not completely get rid of the organism. Antibiotics seem to provide only temporary remission, and the next stress (such as giving birth to a litter) may cause relapse.

Ketosis (Pregnancy Toxaemia)

Ketosis is a rare disorder that may result in death of does 1 to 2 days before giving birth. The disease is more common in first-litter does. Possible contributing factors include obesity and lack of exercise.

Signs include:

• loss of appetite

• dullness of eyes

• sluggishness

• difficulty breathing

• lying down.

The most significant physical change is fatty deposits in the liver and kidneys (noted after death has occurred). Injection of fluids that contain glucose may correct the disease. Breeding does early, before they become too fat, is also helpful. Hairballs in the stomach often predispose a rabbit to developing ketosis.

Treponematosis (Vent Disease, Rabbit Syphilis)

Treponematosis is a venereal disease of rabbits caused by Treponema bacteria. It occurs in both sexes and is transmitted through sexual intercourse and from the doe to her offspring. Although it is closely related to the organism that causes human syphilis, the bacteria is not transmissible to other domestic animals or humans. The incubation period is 3 to 6 weeks. Small blisters or slow-healing sores are formed, which then become covered with a heavy scab. These sores usually are confined to the genital region, but the lips and eyelids may also be involved. Infected rabbits should not be mated. Diagnosis is based on the signs and laboratory tests to identify the bacteria. Hutch burn (see Rabbits: Hutch Burn (Urine Burn)) is often confused with treponematosis because the diseases have very similar signs.

An injection of penicillin G is necessary to completely get rid of treponematosis. All rabbits in a group must be treated, even if no signs of disease are present. Sores usually heal within 10 to 14 days, and recovered rabbits can be bred without danger of transmitting the infection. A potential side effect of penicillin treatment is diarrheoa and the possibility of an intestinal disease outbreak due to the increased levels of bacteria in the gut. Rabbits treated with penicillin should be switched to hay and treated with antidiarrheoal medications immediately if needed (see Rabbits: Intestinal Diseases). As with any antibiotic treatment for rabbits, your veterinarian's dosage instructions should be followed carefully and you should monitor the overall health of your pet for any signs of diarrheoa or listlessness.

Mastitis

Mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands) affects nursing does and may progress to a blood infection that rapidly kills the doe. It is usually caused by staphylococcal bacteria, but other bacteria may be involved. Initially, the mammary glands become hot, reddened, and swollen. Later, they may become a bluish color, hence the common name, “blue bag” or “blue breasts.” The doe will not eat but may crave water. Fever is often present.

If antibiotic treatment is started early (the first day the doe goes off feed), the rabbit may be saved and damage limited to 1 or 2 mammary glands. Because penicillin often causes diarrheoa in rabbits, does treated with this antibiotic should be fed hay or some other high-fiber diet rather than a pelleted ration . Kits should not be fostered to another doe because they will spread the infection. Handrearing of infected young may be attempted but is difficult.

The frequency of mastitis can be reduced if nest boxes are maintained without rough edges to the entrance, which can traumatize the teats when the doe jumps in and out of the nest box. Other preventive measures include sanitising the nest box both before and after use.

Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders in rabbits include both noninfectious (for example, hairballs) and infectious diseases. Intestinal infections are common problems and lead to diarrheoa, which can quickly cause serious complications. If you notice that your rabbit has stopped eating or has other signs of a digestive problem, see your veterinarian promptly.

Hair Chewing and Hairballs

Rabbits groom themselves almost constantly, so their stomachs often contain hair. The hair is normally passed through the digestive tract and out through the animal's droppings. Hair chewing is usually caused by a low-fiber diet and can be corrected by increasing the fiber in the diet or feeding hay along with the pellets. Adding magnesium oxide to the diet at 0.25% also may be helpful. In some cases, hair chewing is a result of boredom. Providing toys and items on which to gnaw often stops this abnormal behavior.

The hair becomes a problem only if too much is consumed or if it builds up in the stomach and causes a blockage (commonly called a hairball). If this happens, the rabbit loses its appetite, loses weight, and dies within 3 to 4 weeks. Diagnosing the blockage before the rabbit dies can be difficult, because hairballs may be difficult to feel during a physical examination and they are rarely visible on x-rays. Providing adequate fiber in the diet is critical to maintaining good movement throughout the gastrointestinal tract and to preventing a slowdown or stop of the digestive process in the stomach. This is the most important hairball preventive treatment.

Once a blockage has occurred, the goals of treatment are to remove the obstruction, restore the digestive tract's delicate balance, get the digestive system working properly again, and relieve dehydration and loss of appetite. Treatment includes giving medications to stimulate the digestive system into working again, fluid treatment, pain medication, and anti-ulcer treatment. Reestablishing the natural balance of microorganisms in the animal's digestive system may be assisted by certain medications called probiotics or by having the rabbit eat the soft animal droppings that contain beneficial bacteria from healthy rabbits.

Mineral oil, cat hairball treatments, and laxatives are not effective in removing the hair mass. Roughage (hay or straw) should be fed during the treatment to help carry the hair fibers through the digestive tract and out with the animal droppings. Surgical treatment is effective but may be risky.

Prevention is the best option. Providing a high fiber diet, avoiding stress and obesity, adding toys and items for chewing to the cage, and daily combing to remove loose hair effectively prevent this condition.

Intestinal Diseases

Intestinal disease is a major cause of death in young rabbits. Although most diarrheoal diseases were once lumped together, specific diseases are now being described in more detail. Diet, antibiotic treatment, and other factors create disturbances of the naturally occurring bacteria and may make rabbits more susceptible to intestinal disease.

Diarrheoa in your rabbit for any length of time is a cause for concern. If it occurs, you should promptly take your rabbit in for an examination.

There are several bacteria that can cause diarrheoa:

Clostridium spiroforme

Clostridium piliforme

E.coli

Lawsonia intracellularis

Signs can include:

• gelatinous or mucus-covered droppings

• loss of appetite

• loss of energy

• below normal temperature

• dehydration

• rough coat

• bloated abdomen due to excess water in the stomach.

• staining around the hind end

Infection is usually spread when rabbits eat contaminated food or droppings and is associated with poor sanitation and stress.

Other factors that may contribute to the disease include recent dietary changes, too much or too little fiber in the diet, antibiotic treatment, environmental stress, and infection with other bacteria.

Reducing stress (such as crowding) in young rabbits and unlimited feeding of hay or straw are helpful in prevention.

Thorough disinfection and decontamination of the cage or hutch using either 1% peracetic acid or 3% bleach should be done to reduce the presence of bacteria.

Rotavirus causes diarrheoa in rabbits. It is shed in the droppings of infected rabbits and, therefore, is probably transmitted by the droppings-mouth route. Young rabbits of weaning age are most susceptible. Rotavirus appears to be only mildly disease-causing on its own, but most rotavirus infections are complicated with disease-causing bacteria such as Clostridium or Escherichia coli. The mixed infection results in a much more deadly syndrome. There is no treatment, but the infection appears to be self-limiting if susceptible rabbits are not continually introduced into the population. Stopping breeding for 4 to 6 weeks seems to allow the disease to run its course, because infected does do not infect their offspring.

Rabbit calicivirus disease, also known as viral hemorrhagic disease, is highly infectious. Humans and other mammals are not affected. The calicivirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by direct contact with infected rabbits or indirectly by inanimate objects. Infection results in a severe feverish disease causing liver damage, inflammation of the intestines, and damage to lymph nodes, followed by a condition in which the blood is unable to coagulate and massive ruptures of blood vessels in multiple organs. Rabbits show few signs and die within 24 hours of fever onset. The infection rate in an affected group is often close to 100% and the death rate is 60 to 90%.

It is highly recommended to vaccinate your rabbit against calicivirus.

Coccidiosis is a common and worldwide disease in rabbits. It is caused by protozoa (single-celled organisms). There are 2 forms of the disease: hepatic, which affects the liver, and intestinal, which affects the intestines. Both types are caused by Eimeria protozoa. Transmission of both the forms is by ingestion, usually in contaminated feed or water. Rabbits that recover frequently become carriers.

Young rabbits are most susceptible to hepatic coccidiosis. Affected rabbits may have no appetite and have a rough coat. Disease is usually mild, but growing rabbits may fail to gain weight. Death occasionally occurs after a short period of illness.

Intestinal coccidiosis can occur in rabbits receiving the best of care, as well as in rabbits raised under unsanitary conditions. Typically, infections are mild and often no signs are seen. Good sanitation programs that can eliminate hepatic coccidiosis do not seem to eliminate intestinal coccidiosis.

Your veterinarian can perform laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis of coccidiosis. Treatment is difficult, and is aimed at controlling rather than curing the disease. Antibacterial and/or anticoccidial drugs may be prescribed. Rabbits that are treated successfully are immune to subsequent infections. Follow your veterinarian's treatment program carefully for the best results.

Treatment for coccidiosis will not be successful unless a sanitation program is started at the same time. Feed hoppers and water crocks must be cleaned and disinfected daily to prevent them from becoming contaminated with animal droppings. Hutches should be kept dry and the droppings removed often (twice a day is recommended). Wire cage bottoms should be brushed daily with a wire brush to help break the life cycle of the protozoa. Ammonia (10%) solution is the best choice to disinfect cages or other equipment exposed to the droppings.

Heat Exhaustion

Rabbits are sensitive to heat. Hot, humid weather, along with poorly ventilated hutches or transport in poorly ventilated vehicles, may cause death, particularly in pregnant does. Affected rabbits stretch out and breathe rapidly. Outdoor hutches should be constructed so that they have access to shaded, cool areas at all times of the day. Unlimited access to cool water should be provided. When the environment can be controlled, optimal conditions include a temperature of 15 to 21°C and a relative humidity of 40 to 60%, with good ventilation.

Eye and Ear Disorders

Mature bucks and young rabbits are particularly susceptible to bacterial conjunctivitis (weepy eye), however, the incidence is low. Transmission is by direct contact with an infected rabbit or contaminated objects, such as bedding materials. Affected rabbits rub their eyes with their front feet. Eye ointments containing antibiotics, or antibiotics and a steroid, are usually recommended for treatment. Follow your veterinarian's treatment program carefully because many antibiotics are not suitable for use in rabbits. This infection commonly recurs. Flushing the tear duct with an antibiotic solution is often beneficial in chronically affected rabbits.