Types of Rabbit Diseases

Because rabbits can't tell you what's wrong, it's important to recognize the types of diseases they get. Outdoor rabbits sometimes catch illnesses from raccoons or fleas, which can then spread to other pets, or even their owners. Other diseases, such as skin infections, occur in many types of environments , regardless of the type of rabbit you may have.

  1. Inherited

    • Rabbits sometimes inherit diseases from their parents, in which case they usually manifest early in life. For instance, malocclusion is evident by the time a rabbit is three weeks old, according to Missouri University's Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory. It is characterized by overgrown teeth that require manual trimming by owners or veterinarians every other month. Another inherited disease, called splay leg, shows up when rabbits are still nursing and cannot pull one or more leg in toward their body. The underdeveloped limbs make it hard for them to reach their food and water bowls.

    Bacterial

    • Bacterial diseases occur when a rabbit catches an infection from its environment. These are common in rabbits and include varied diseases such as respiratory disease and ocular bacterial infections. A moist environment can lead to unhealthy bacterial growth, which leads to skin infections in some rabbits who get scratches. Veterinarian Karen L. Rosenthal at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine states that when rabbits contract bacterial diseases, they tend to form pus-filled abscesses pockets to contain the infection.

    Parasitic

    • Outdoor rabbits are particular prone to parasitic diseases, which occur when they become infested with parasites such as ear mites or cuterebrid flies. Affected rabbits often scratch themselves in attempts to stop the itching sensation and get rid of the unwanted guests. Households with other pets should look out for fleas and ticks that can easily pass from another pet to the rabbit, or vice versa. Internal parasites can also wreak havoc on a rabbit when it drinks or eats from an infected food source. Some internal parasites cause no noticeable symptoms, while others damage rabbits' organs, according to "Domestic Rabbits Diseases and Parasites" from Oregon State University Extension.

    Zoonotic

    • Zoonotic diseases are those that rabbits contract from other animals, or even humans, according to the University of Minnesota's "Health Concerns to be Aware of When Working With Wildlife" from the Human Society. These include Lyme disease and Salmonellosis, a bacterial disease, which are transmitted from flea and tick bites or contact with an infected animal. Though unlikely to occur in rabbits who live inside the house, those who roam in the backyard or have an outdoor cage are at risk. Rabbits with these diseases should be handled with gloves and special care, as they can spread to humans.