Rabbit Pregnancy & Toxemia

If not cared for properly, a pregnant rabbit may suffer from various health problems. There are a number of complications that can occur during pregnancy, including pregnancy toxemia. If the rabbit is not treated, it can be fatal.

  1. Susceptibility

    • Although this disorder may afflict all breeds of rabbits, the English, Dutch and Polish breeds are more prone to pregnancy toxemia.

    Causes

    • A rabbit suffering from pregnancy toxemia often has fat build up in its blood, which is poisonous to a rabbit's system. There is a higher prevalence of this disorder in rabbits that do not receive proper nutrition during pregnancy.

    Symptoms

    • The initial signs indicating that a rabbit may be suffering from pregnancy toxemia are labored breathing, poor coordination and weakness. Because of these physical conditions, the mother is usually unable to care for its newborns.

    Treatment

    • Treatment can be sought if the rabbit survives the first few hours. To help increase its stability, the rabbit should be treated with dextrose and doctor-recommended IV fluids, and should also be kept warm.

    Prevention

    • The owner can minimize the likelihood of this disease by being knowledgeable of the typical physical attributes of the particular rabbit breed, such as the breed's normal weight range. If rabbits are kept for breeding, the owner should provide a healthy diet which does not promote obesity.