When a rabbit's front teeth do not wear down properly, the condition is known as malocclusion. This problem is usually gentic, the result of teeth that are misaligned. Signs of maloccusion includes overly long teeth, infections in the mouth, ulcerations on the lips or tongue, jaw problems and difficulty eating. This is a common problem in rabbits, and must be handled by a vetertnarian to prevent eventual death. Treatment consists of either regular trimming or complete removal of the teeth.
DO NOT BREED RABBIT WITH MALOCCLISION.
9. Mites
Rabbit are susceptible to two different kinds of mites: fur mites and ear mites. Fur mites cause patches of skin on the rabbit's body to become red and scabby. Clumps of hair are often missing. Ear mites settle in the rabbit's ear canals, causing itching and a dark, waxy discharge. Both of these mites are easily spread from one animal to another. Contact your veterinarian for information on how to treat either of these parasites.
10. Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a sort of rabbit plague. Spread deliberately throughout Europe in the 1800s to kill off large populations of wild rabbits, the disease still exists today. Myxomatosis causes swelling around the eyelids, ears and nose, and a high fever. Nearly always fatal, this virus is spread by mosquitoes and biting flies.
11. Obesity
Veterinarians reports that obesity is the biggest health problem they see in rabbits. Rabbits who are overweight are prone to a number of illness that affect major organs. The primary cause of obesity in rabbits is the overfeeding of pellets. Rabbit who are obese should be placed on a special diet to help them get down to their proper weight.
12. Pastuerellosis
Also known as "snuffles," this common bacterial discharge affects the rabbit's respiratory system. Characterized by sneezing and coughing, along with wet and matted fur on the front legs, pastuerellosis is highly contagious and should be treated with antibiotics.
13. Ring Worm
This fungus, which also affects humans, cats, dogs, horses and other animals, causes dandruff and fur loss on rabbits. Since it is highly contagious, immediate treatment by a veterinarian is recommended.
14. Sore Hocks
Hocks are the underside of a rabbit's paw, rabbits who live in cages with wire floors often develop sore hocks. This condition is typified by red, swollen skin on the hind legs with accompanying hairloss. A veterinarian will provide an antibiotic ointment for treatment and will recommend a change in cage flooring.
15. Wet Dewlap
Dewlap is the part of the neck just beneath the chin, when a rabbit repeatedly dips his head into a bowl of water, a condition called wet dewlap can result. Infection often occurs in the dewlap, chin and front legs since the skin in these areas is nearly always wet. Does are especially prone to this disease, since their dewlaps are consdierably larger than those of bucks.
Wet dewlap should be treated by a veterinarian, who will prescibe either an antibacterial or antifungal ointment, depending on the nature of the infection. This ailment can be prevented with the use of a gravity water bottle instead of a water bowl.
16. Worms
Roundworms and tapeworms, two parasites that commonly afflict dogs, also prey on rabbits. Symptoms of worm infectation include a distended abdomen, poor coat condition and worms in the litter box or near the anus. To prevent your rabbit from contracting these parasites, keep him away from outdoor areas where dogs defecate. If you suspect that your rabbit has worms, contact your veterinarian.