Wellness check
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While owners should learn how to examine their rabbits for obvious signs of health issues, all rabbits should generally see a rabbit-savvy veterinarian at least once a year for a professional hands-on exam. Older rabbits (six years and up) should see a rabbit-savvy vet every six months, with bloodwork being done once a year to ensure the rabbit is maintaining proper health and wellbeing. Please note that these are basic guidelines and that rabbits with health conditions or illness should see a rabbit-savvy vet as necessary (in addition to wellness checks).
Restraining your rabbit
Dr. Liles examines a rabbit on the floor.
"Physical examination of rabbits is sometimes better done on the ground. This is especially true for rabbits that are particularly jumpy or those with severe head tilt, like the one in the picture. Here Dr Liles, one of my former interns, was auscultating the heart of one of our patients. In that position rabbits are less inclined to struggle and being close to the ground prevents the risk of life-threatening falls." - Dr. Nicola Di Girolamo"
"Physical examination of rabbits is sometimes better done on the ground. This is especially true for rabbits that are particularly jumpy or those with severe head tilt, like the one in the picture. Here Dr Liles, one of my former interns, was auscultating the heart of one of our patients. In that position rabbits are less inclined to struggle and being close to the ground prevents the risk of life-threatening falls." - Dr. Nicola Di Girolamo"
Here are some links describing how to restrain your rabbit for wellness checks.
- MediRabbit. Safe examination of a rabbit
- University of Bristol. (2020). Rabbit Handling
Further reading
- CottonTails Rabbit & Guinea Pig Rescue. HEALTH CHECK for Newly Arrived Rabbits
- Debby Widolf. Rabbit “Tune-Ups”: Wellness Checks [PDF]
- Suzanne Trayhan. Monthly Bunny Home Check Up
- The Rabbit Residence Rescue. How to health check a rabbit
- Dr. Sari Kanfer. Rabbit Home Health Exam
- Marlene Larkin. (2011). Bunny 201 [PDF]
- Napoleon Bunnyparte. (2015). Care Checklist
See also
Bunny Health Check infogfx by Southwest Florida House Rabbit Rescue