Annual vaccination for your rabbit is just as important as for your dog or cat. We regularly vaccinate rabbits against two infectious diseases – myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease. We now offer a combined vaccination, offering a year’s protection against both vaccinations in a single injection.
Exposure to myxomatosis is by contact, either direct or indirect, or through parasites such as mosquitoes or fleas. Signs include oedema (swelling) of the face, ears and genitalia, nasal and occular discharge, and lumps within the skin. Symptomatic treatment may be attempted, but prognosis is very poor, and due to the distressing nature of the disease euthanasia is usually advised.
Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD), also known as Rabbit Calicivirus originated in China in 1984 and then spread to Europe. It is shed in urine and faeces, and can be carried by birds, insects or other fomites.
Signs seen with acute disease can include depression, anorexia, lethargy, abdominal distension, constipation or diarrhoea. End-stage disease can lead to collapse, seizures, epistaxis and will eventually lead to death.
Treatment is usually supportive, but usually unsuccessful. Prognosis for recovery is poor.
Last updated 16 March 2015