Keeping your rabbit safe in Purleigh
February 21, 2019
Protect your rabbit
With spring on the way, your rabbit might be outside more often, so at Edgewood Veterinary Group in Purleigh we want to be sure you’re aware of the two main diseases that can affect your pet. Myxomatosis (myxo) and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD) can strike even if your pets live well away from other rabbits. Both can be fatal.
Fortunately, vaccines are available to protect rabbits from deadly diseases. So why not call our vet nurses to check your rabbit’s vaccinations are up to date and discuss how to protect your fluffy friend further?
A common misconception of myxomatosis is that your rabbit needs to be in contact with other rabbits to catch it. In reality, it can spread quickly and is passed through fleas, mosquitos, midges and mites, so your pet may become infected even if they never see another rabbit.
The first sign of myxo is severe conjunctivitis. Even with the best possible veterinary treatment, very few unvaccinated pet rabbits will survive, so vaccination is essential.
Viral haemorrhagic disease often occurs in outbreaks, spreading rapidly from rabbit to rabbit. The virus can be carried to new areas in feed, on bedding, by wild birds and insects, and on the feet of rabbit owners who’ve been walking in an infected area. So just like myxo, your rabbit doesn’t need to be in contact with other rabbits to catch it.
Very few infected rabbits recover but VHD is easily preventable by vaccines.
Timing your vaccinations
Protect your rabbit against both diseases with 2 vaccines per year – one for a combined Myxomatosis / Rabbit Haemorrhagic disease 1 and another one a number of weeks later for Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease 2. Rabbits of all ages can be vaccinated – check with head nurse Caroline Mills about the most suitable time to bring a new baby rabbit in for their first check-up and vaccination.
If you can’t remember when your rabbit is due a booster
If your rabbit has been vaccinated and you can’t remember when your booster is due, give us a call.
Bringing your rabbit for vaccination also gives you the perfect opportunity to talk to the team in Purleigh about any concerns you have.
Call now and book your rabbit’s check up.
