Recognizing Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Rabbits
Gastrointestinal problems are among the most common emergency conditions seen in rabbits. Symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal bloating should always be taken seriously, as they may signal potentially life-threatening issues.
Acute gastric bloating can develop within just a few hours and carries a mortality rate of over 70%. When a rabbit appears lethargic, stops passing stool, loses appetite, or has a swollen and firm abdomen, these are warning signs that require immediate attention.
In severe cases, the condition may cause circulatory failure and multi-organ dysfunction, leading to shock. Prompt veterinary care is essential. Rabbits receiving intravenous fluid therapy for acute gastric bloating are in critical condition and must be monitored closely by a professional.
Recognizing and Treating Heatstroke in Rabbits
Rabbits are highly sensitive to environments with high temperatures and humidity. When a rabbit suffers from heatstroke, it may show signs such as labored breathing, lethargy, bluish skin or lips, diarrhea, or even seizures. In these situations, it's important to act quickly.
To help your rabbit cool down, you can gently wipe its ears with water, as the ears help regulate body temperature. However, this should only be a temporary measure while you seek immediate veterinary care. Do not assume that your rabbit is fully recovered just because its body temperature returns to normal.
Some negative effects of heatstroke may not appear right away. It's strongly recommended to have your rabbit examined by a veterinarian for intravenous fluids and preventive medication, and to monitor its condition for several days to ensure safety and recovery.
Understanding Head Tilt in Rabbits
Many rabbit owners may have encountered a situation where their rabbit suddenly develops a tilted head, loses balance, falls over, or cannot stand up properly. The eyes may also start to move rapidly or tremble. These symptoms are commonly caused by encephalitis or inner ear infections. When either the central or peripheral vestibular system is affected, it can lead to head tilt in rabbits.
When you notice these symptoms in your rabbit, prompt veterinary attention is essential. While waiting for treatment, make sure the home environment is safe and calm. Avoid sudden noises or disturbances that could stress your rabbit. Limit jumping or rolling to prevent additional physical injuries such as bruises or skin wounds.
Aside from encephalitis and otitis interna, trauma, tumors, or muscle spasms may also cause a rabbit's head to tilt or turn. Therefore, further diagnostic tests, such as blood work and imaging studies, are highly recommended to identify the exact cause. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve recovery chances.
In summary, if your rabbit shows signs of head tilt, schedule an appointment with a specialized veterinary clinic as soon as possible. At the same time, ensure your home setup minimizes hazards and provides a secure environment during recovery.
Cardiopulmonary Diseases in Rabbits
Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, exercise intolerance, lethargy, and loss of appetite may all be signs of heart or lung disease in rabbits. In addition to basic physical examinations, auscultation, X-ray imaging, and electrocardiograms, cardiac ultrasound is also an important diagnostic tool.
Although heart failure or lung tumors are more commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly rabbits, many young rabbits can also have congenital heart problems. For this reason, regular health checkups are extremely important to ensure early detection and proper treatment.
Lobar Torsion in Rabbits: Understanding the Condition
What Is Lobar Torsion?
Lobar torsion refers to a twisting or rotation of the liver lobe. In simple terms, the liver becomes twisted, which disrupts the body's circulation and can lead to liver tissue death and shock.
Causes and Symptoms
The exact cause of lobar torsion in rabbits is often unclear. The condition usually presents with non-specific symptoms. Common signs may include reduced energy levels, loss of appetite, a hunched posture, and decreased fecal output.
Because these symptoms are non-specific and can appear in many emergency conditions in rabbits, this disorder should not be overlooked.
When to See a Veterinarian
If a rabbit shows any of these symptoms, it is strongly recommended to bring it to a professional veterinarian for a detailed examination and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment provide the best chance for recovery and peace of mind for the owner.
Liver Lobe Torsion in Rabbits: Symptoms and Treatment
Liver lobe torsion is a rare but serious condition in rabbits. It should be highly suspected when an ultrasound reveals a dull liver edge, abnormal echogenicity, lack of blood flow to the liver lobe, anemia in blood tests, and elevated liver enzyme levels.
Once liver lobe torsion is confirmed, surgical removal of the affected lobe is almost always the only effective treatment. Medical therapy alone offers very limited benefit. Because this condition often causes severe anemia, providing supportive treatment to stabilize blood pressure before surgery is crucial.
The exact causes of liver lobe torsion remain unclear, so early detection through careful daily observation is key. Rabbit owners should regularly monitor their pet's health and behavior. If any signs of discomfort or illness appear, immediate veterinary attention is necessary. Timely medical care is the best way to protect your rabbit's health.
