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
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