Metabolic bone disease

Metabolic bone disease or osteoporosis is a disease that reduces a rabbit's bone density, causing them to become more weak and brittle and more likely to fracture. It is especially common in rabbits with dental disease and given a muesli-type pellet.

Metabolic bone disease infosheet

Vetafarm . (2014). A poor unbalanced diet and lack of exercise can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). A good video from Vetafarm explains why it is very important to feed a healthy diet.

Further reading

• Crossriggs Veterinary Clinic. Osteoporosis [PDF]
• Vetlexicon. Osteoporosis
• Frances Harcourt-Brown, BVSc, DECZM (Small mammal), FRCVS. (2010). Diseases Related to Calcium Metabolism in Rabbits

See also

• Diet
• Nutrition for rabbits
• Teeth