As prey animals, rabbits are notorious for hiding health problems. Many times, they will not even let their owners know there is cause for alarm until they are very ill. For this reason, it is important to know your rabbit’s daily routine. Look for changes in behaviour such as listlessness, withdrawal or aggression, and note even the slightest change.
As a rabbit owner, it is important to be able to recognize signs of pain. Rabbits who are in pain may stop eating and go into stasis.
Although rabbits mask pain well, there are some signs of pain that you should learn to recognize. A rabbit who is in pain may sit in a hunched position with his belly pressed to the floor, appear to be unable to get comfortable or loudly grind his teeth.
Any visible signs such as discharge from eyes, nose, digging at the ears, or lumps should be checked by a veterinarian. To help prevent potential health problems, always take your pet to a rabbit knowledgeable vet for regular checkups or when an illness is suspected.