Although having a rabbit as a pet does not imply as much care as if it were some other animal, there are certain aspects that we must take into account to keep it in perfect condition and that it enjoys ideal health. In the same way that it would be necessary to ensure that his cage is always clean or be very aware of certain foods that he cannot eat, it is important to know how to identify when something hurts and he is suffering.
Since he cannot speak and will not tell us what is happening himself, it is very important that you pay attention to the signs . Signs of pain in the rabbit are quite characteristic. However, it is likely that if it is mild pain, these manifestations go unnoticed. For this reason, it is very important that you spend at least a few minutes simply observing your lagomorph: how it eats, how it moves … In this way, you will be able to know what its normal habits are and you will be able to recognize when something is wrong.
It is important to note that if you observe that your pet happens to something of what we list below, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible.
- Has difficulty moving: reduced activity is one of the signs that your rabbit is in pain. In this situation, the normal thing is that it remains practically immobile and when it finally moves, it does so very slowly and with signs of effort. You could have a limp.
- Changes in the appearance of their fur: as also happens in the case of cats, rabbits have a certain tendency to lick each other to groom themselves. If he is unwell, he may stop doing so and will therefore look neglected.
- It shows signs of dehydration: If you notice that its gaze seems sunken, the skin loses some elasticity or the hair has less shine, it is very likely that your rabbit will hurt something.
- He is totally listless and seems depressed: the rabbit has lost all interest in what is going on around him.
- Changes in the ingestion of food and drink: the rabbit drinks and eats less than usual and this situation lasts over time. You should also pay attention if the food falls out of his mouth.
- It has become more aggressive.
- Adopt abnormal postures: arch when sitting, contract the abdomen or keep the head against the wall.
- Grinds teeth when moving, urinating, or defecating.
- Self-protection of the painful area: if he rubs with the corner of the cage or tries to avoid touching the area where he has pain. Also, if you tend to hide, when you usually don’t, it could be indicative of a health problem. At this point, we must emphasize the fact that if this happens you should not force him out of hiding.
- Eye problems: Your eyes may change color or even have discharge. In addition, you could develop strabismus or a tendency to keep them closed.
- Difficulty breathing or changes in the pattern of it. Subtle changes in the way you breathe are also factors to consider.
- Sleep disorders or changes in your rest routines. Anxious facial expression manifested by dilated pupils.
- Increased salivation.
- Refuse all contact and in case you have several bunnies, isolate itself from them
You should bear in mind that even if the rabbit has some of these symptoms in isolation, it does not mean that it necessarily has pain, they can mean something else. Yes, it is convenient that you observe if several are presented at the same time. Be that as it may, if you have any questions, it is best to take him to a veterinarian , he will know what to do and will reach a diagnosis to treat the cause of his discomfort with painkillers or whatever he deems appropriate.
