Bunny Health & When to call the vet|Setareh Bunnies

🐰 Bunnies 101: Health & When to Call a Vet

Your rabbit’s health can change quickly — knowing what’s normal and when to seek help can save their life.
Rabbits hide illness instinctively, so even small changes matter. Trust your gut — if something feels “off,” it’s always safer to get your bunny checked.

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💗 What a Healthy Rabbit Looks Like

A well rabbit should show:
    •    Bright, alert eyes
    •    Curious and responsive behavior
    •    Consistent appetite (especially for hay!)
    •    Daily drinking
    •    Frequent droppings — round, firm, even-sized
    •    Normal breathing (quiet, no effort)
    •    Smooth, coordinated movement
    •    Clean bottom and face
    •    Grooming themselves regularly

If Poppy or any rabbit deviates from their normal baseline — pay attention.

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⚠️ Emergency Symptoms — Seek a Vet Immediately

These signs mean your rabbit needs same-day, urgent care:

🚨 No Pooping or No Appetite (Even 6–8 hours)

A sign of GI stasis, which can become life-threatening very fast.

🚨 Lethargy, Weakness, or Not Moving Much

Not normal — rabbits don’t “just get tired.”

🚨 Breathing Problems
    •    Open-mouth breathing
    •    Fast, loud, or labored breaths
    •    Stretching neck out to breathe

🚨 Bloated or Hard Belly

Possible stasis, gas buildup, or blockage.

🚨 Sudden Limping or Inability to Use a Limb

Could be pain, spinal injury, or a break.

🚨 Sudden Head Tilt, Rolling, or Eye Flicking

Could be E. cuniculi or inner ear infection.

🚨 Seizures or Collapse

🚨 Uncontrolled Bleeding

🚨 Drooling or Wet Chin

Often dental disease.

🚨 Difficulty Urinating or Straining

Possible UTI, sludge, stones.

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🟡 Concerning but Not Emergency — Call a Vet Within 24 Hours
    •    Soft or misshapen poops
    •    Mild decrease in appetite
    •    Drinking more or less than normal
    •    Mild sneezing
    •    Occasional diarrhea (even once)
    •    Small weight loss
    •    Frequent scratching
    •    Small bald patches
    •    Red eyes or discharge

These may be early signs of illness — don’t wait too long.

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🩺 Chronic Conditions to Watch For

Rabbits commonly develop:
    •    Dental disease
    •    GI sensitivity
    •    Bladder sludge or stones
    •    Respiratory infections
    •    E. cuniculi
    •    Arthritis (especially older buns)

Keeping track of changes helps your vet catch these early.

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❤️ Simple Daily Health Checks

Takes just one minute per day:
    •    Is your rabbit eating normally?
    •    Are they producing their usual amount of poop?
    •    Are they moving normally?
    •    Is their behavior normal?
    •    Any drooling, sneezing, crusty eyes, or damp fur?

A quick check prevents emergencies.

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🧡 When in Doubt, Call Your Vet

Rabbits decline quickly. You are never overreacting.
If you’re unsure, contacting your rabbit-savvy vet is always the safest choice.