🐰 Rabbit Veterinarians

Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbit Care

My rabbit hasn't eaten in 12 hours. Should I go to the vet?

Yes. A rabbit that has not eaten in 12 hours needs urgent veterinary care. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and prolonged fasting can trigger GI stasis, which becomes life-threatening within 24 to 48 hours. Contact an exotic or rabbit-savvy vet immediately, even if it is after hours.

My rabbit stopped eating, is lethargic, and sitting hunched. What does this mean?

This symptom cluster often indicates GI stasis, pain, or serious illness in rabbits. A hunched posture with reduced activity and no appetite is a veterinary emergency. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve on their own. Seek care from a rabbit-experienced exotic vet the same day.

What is GI stasis in rabbits, and how do I know if my rabbit has it?

GI stasis is a slowdown or complete stop of the digestive system in rabbits, often caused by stress, pain, dental disease, or diet changes. Signs include refusing food, small or absent droppings, lethargy, and a hunched posture. GI stasis can be fatal within 48 hours without treatment, so contact a rabbit vet as soon as you notice symptoms.

Where can I find a rabbit vet, and can I take my rabbit to a regular vet?

Rabbits need an exotic or rabbit-experienced veterinarian, not a standard small-animal vet. Most general practice vets receive limited training on rabbit anatomy, medication dosing, and common conditions like GI stasis and dental disease. Use a specialized directory like smallpetvets.com to find a qualified rabbit vet in your area before an emergency arises.

How much does a rabbit vet visit cost?

Routine rabbit exams typically cost $60 to $150, while emergency visits and diagnostics can range from $150 to $800 or more. Dental procedures, surgeries, and overnight hospitalization can increase costs significantly. Exotic vet pricing varies by region, so it is worth calling nearby clinics for quotes before a crisis.

My rabbit's urine is red or orange. Is this blood or something serious?

Red or orange rabbit urine can be caused by harmless plant pigments from foods like carrots or kale, or it can indicate bladder stones, infection, or true blood in the urine. If the color persists more than 24 hours, or if your rabbit is straining, lethargic, or refusing food, see a rabbit vet promptly for a urinalysis.

My rabbit has head tilt and is losing balance. What is this condition?

Head tilt in rabbits, also called wry neck or vestibular disease, is often caused by inner ear infection, parasites like E. cuniculi, or stroke. It requires prompt veterinary evaluation because early treatment improves recovery. Symptoms include head tilted to one side, loss of balance, rolling, or rapid eye movement.

Is my rabbit in pain? What does teeth grinding mean?

Loud teeth grinding that sounds like crunching or scraping usually indicates pain in rabbits and requires a vet visit. This is different from soft tooth purring, which is a content sound often heard during petting. If your rabbit is grinding loudly along with appetite changes, hunched posture, or lethargy, seek veterinary care the same day.

What is the difference between normal rabbit droppings, cecotropes, and diarrhea?

Normal rabbit droppings are round, firm, and uniform in size. Cecotropes are soft, clustered, grape-like pellets that rabbits normally eat directly from themselves for nutrition. True diarrhea is watery or formless and is a medical emergency in rabbits. If you see unformed stool with no shape, contact a rabbit vet immediately.

My rabbit has overgrown teeth. What is dental disease, and what should I do?

Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout life, and overgrown or misaligned teeth (malocclusion) can prevent eating and cause painful abscesses. Signs include drooling, weight loss, refusing hay, and reduced droppings. Dental disease in rabbits requires evaluation by an exotic vet experienced with rabbit dentistry, often including X-rays and filing under anesthesia.