To complete Activity 8 for the
Show Rabbit Project, simply click
on one of the activities below.

	Option 1. Explore rabbit illnesses and treatments
	Option 2. Design an illness prevention plan
	Option 3. Learn to give a subcutaneous injection

Reference Literature

The Domestic Rabbit
(Book: Sections 5, 6 and 8)

The Rabbit
(Book: Chapter 5)

Domestic Rabbit Guide
(ARBA Manual: pg. 10-11, 21)

Texas Rabbit Manual
(Manual: pgs. 9-13)

Raising better rabbits & cavies
(ARBA Book: pg. 89, 189-211)

Antibiotics used in pet rabbits
(PDF Table)

Disease, Treatment, and Prevention
(PDF Table)

Rabbit Illnesses
(Power Point)

 

Introduction
Though rabbits are resilient animals, all the branches of the industry agree that the best way to maintain healthy rabbits is through a strong prevention and sanitation program. It is more damaging to your rabbit's health (and certainly more costly to you) to treat an illness than to prevent it.

Show rabbits work under very stressful environments and are considered especially at risk when it comes to illness. An ill rabbit is unable to attain its maximum genetic potential as it relates to body type, fur quality, production and overall condition.

The combination of stressors and their continuing exposure to other animals makes them highly susceptible to contracting illnesses and diseases, as well as experiencing a variety of injuries. However, these can be prevented with adequate care and precaution.

It is essential that rabbit owners take special precautions as they exhibit their rabbits in the company of others from various rabbitries, because they could potentially expose their show rabbits and other stock to disease.

Some common rabbit illnesses were covered in the eighth activity in the Pet Rabbit Project. If you have not already done so, complete Activity 8: Illnesses & Treatment from the Pet Rabbit Project.