Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, is not unheard of in rabbits. Most cardiac diseases in rabbits relate to infectious, toxin-induced, or diet-related diseases. :400

Some examples of heart disease in rabbits include congenital abnormalities such as ventricular septal defects and age-related cardiac problems such as valvular disease. :400

Most cardiac disease is diagnosed in pet rabbits over the age of four years, and the larger breeds such as New Zealand whites and French lops are over-represented. :401

Symptoms
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease in rabbits include the following: :400
 * exercise intolerance
 * difficult or labored breathing (dyspnoea)
 * anorexia
 * weight loss

Experiences

 * Judith Books. (2023). Burt's story