Rabbits have an instinct to hide their pain, but there are still ways to figure it out.It's a sign that your rabbit is in pain.Physical signs of injury and illness can be treated to make your rabbit feel better.
Step 1: To see if your rabbit is active, monitor its energy level.
Rabbits enjoy moving, hopping, and exploring.It is likely that a rabbit will become less active if it experiences pain.If your rabbit is listless and reluctant to move, watch it.A rabbit in pain may be hiding in a hidden corner.
Step 2: Loud tooth grinding can be heard.
Light tooth grinding is a sign that your rabbit is content.Loud tooth grinding is a sign of distress.A rough, grating sound is a sign that your rabbit is in pain.When you are across the room from your rabbit, tooth grinding that you can hear can be considered loud.
Step 3: There are sudden signs of aggression.
Pain can cause a rabbit to be defensive.If your rabbit is in pain, it will show aggression.If your rabbit tries to bite you or harm another pet, take note.In rabbits, anxiety can cause aggression.
Step 4: Look at your rabbit's breathing to see if it is rapid or heavy.
Irregular breathing is a sign of injury or pain in rabbits.Listen to the breathing of your rabbit to see if it is laboured or in pain.The rabbit will attempt to cool down if it is hot.
Step 5: Determine how much food your rabbit is consuming.
A rabbit is in pain.When you empty and clean your rabbit's food bowl, keep a record of how much it is eating.Take the loss of appetite for more than a day as a sign that the rabbit is feeling pain.A healthy adult rabbit should be eating about half a cup of dry pellet food per day.
Step 6: Take note of the high-pitched noises your rabbit makes.
In the event of sudden pain, rabbits may let out an unnerving sound.If you hear your rabbit making a loud noise, bring it to the vet as soon as possible.It will usually take a lot of distress to make a rabbit go against its nature.
Step 7: There is a chance that one of your rabbit's limbs may be missing.
If your rabbit has an injury to one of its legs, it will likely stop using it.If you see your rabbit favoring other limbs, please note.Instead of hopping, it might walk to avoid making its pain worse.
Step 8: Bleeding or open wounds should be looked for.
If you notice any bleeding or lacerations to the skin of your rabbit, it's time to check it out.If your rabbit is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the wound with a clean piece of gauze.Wrap your rabbit in a clean towel and bring it to your vet's office or an emergency veterinary clinic if the wound is deep.Open wounds can get infections if left unaddressed.It is important to treat open wounds immediately.
Step 9: If you observe your rabbit's abdomen, it could be a sign of distension.
A build up of gas in your rabbit's stomach can cause a lot of pain.Take a look at your rabbit's abdomen to see if it is sticking out.A bloated belly feels hard to touch.If you notice abdominal swelling, bring your rabbit to the vet.At a certain point, it may be fatal.
Step 10: Check your rabbit's ears for infections.
Ear infections can cause rabbits a lot of pain, but are easy to spot.Look for swelling or redness of the outer ear canal, as well as crust or thick, white fluid emerging from the ears.Ear infections can be caused by excessive ear wax or a strong odor coming from the ear canal.The exact cause of the infection will be diagnosed by a vet.
Step 11: If your rabbit licks, rubs, or scratches a specific part of its body, take note.
If your rabbit is injured or has skin irritation, it may focus on that part of its body.If you observe your rabbit, you can see if it licks, rubs, or scratches a specific spot.Bring your rabbit to the vet if it continues for more than a day.If your rabbit licks, rubs, or scratches an injury, you should get it checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
Step 12: The vet will check your rabbit's health once a year.
At least yearly, your rabbit should be examined by a vet, who will be able to assess its health and address any health problems.Pain-causing ailments can be tested by your vet.Tell your vet about any unusual symptoms you have seen in your rabbit, such as changes in eating or sleeping.Pick a vet who has experience with rabbits.The focus of some veterinarians may make them less skilled at treating rabbits.