How Long Can Domestic Rabbits Live In Captivity? What Impact Does Diet Have on Domestic Rabbit Lifespan? How Much Room Do Domestic Rabbits Need? While domestic rabbits in captivity do not require vaccinations, they should still be vetted every year to ensure their health and well-being. Just like any other companion animal, rabbits can develop diseases and need close monitoring by their owners. Since these animals are adapted to live in the wild, they may hide symptoms of illness so as not to attract prey. This can make it difficult for people to spot early symptoms and seek proper medical attention. That’s why it’s especially important to pay attention to subtle changes in your rabbit’s behavior to detect any potential problems early on.
The yearly checkup is an opportunity for your rabbit to receive a comprehensive examination by a veterinarian. Besides performing routine fecal examinations, the vet will check for parasites and detect any signs of diseases in their bodies. The vet will also conduct blood tests and organ function tests to ensure their overall health. Those rabbits that are older and those with health issues may need more frequent checkups.
The study population consisted of 6349 rabbits that underwent veterinary care in 2013, using a database from VetCompass. The database provided complete data on age, sex, breed, and neuter status. Data on adult bodyweight were also available. The median age for males and females was 3.2 years and 3.1 years, respectively.
The digestive system of rabbits is quite unique. They have a special compartment between the large and small intestines called the cecum. This cecum ferments digestible fiber into cecotropes, which are known as night feces. The remaining undigested fiber is passed out in normal feces. This process is called coprophagy. In a healthy rabbit, it is essential to keep the cecum and intestines healthy. Otherwise, a rabbit’s intestines can get swollen, inflamed, or even damaged.
Vaccines for domestic rabbits are essential for the protection of the animal from deadly diseases. In the UK, rabbits must be vaccinated to protect them from Myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic disease, two diseases that cause significant deaths. It’s important to get these vaccinations as soon as your rabbit reaches a certain age. Vaccinations may even be administered as young as five weeks of age, though they should be given at least two weeks apart.
