How To Keep Your Mini Lop Happy And Healthy

Introduction
Keeping your rabbit healthy isn't difficult, but it's important to recognise problems early.
If you check your rabbit carefully you will soon become familiar with his eating habits, behaviour, and general body condition

NOSE - CLEAN AND DRY.
Rabbits don't get colds, so if your rabbit sneezes frequently, or has a runny nose, take him to a vet.

EYES - CLEAN AND BRIGHT
Runny eyes are commonly due to a scratch or dust, but may be something more serious and must be seen by a vet. Bathing the eye may help temporarily, but probably won't cure the problem.

EARS - CLEAN AND DRY
Rabbits have big ears, but they're usually trouble-free. See the vet if your rabbit is shaking his head frequently; scratching his ears, or has lots of ear wax.

SKIN AND FUR - CLEAN, EVEN AND SHINY
Rabbits moult several times a year - don't panic if fur starts dropping out in handfuls! It's important to brush moulting rabbits every day. 'Dandruff' is usually caused by mites. Treatment usually involves a series of injections. Don't use flea sprays without asking the vet - some products are dangerous to rabbits Areas of bare, red or sore skin should be seen by the vet.

TAIL AND BOTTOM - CLEAN AND DRY
Check your rabbit's bottom daily and keep it clean. Flies can lay eggs on soiled fur and hatch into maggots which eat into the flesh. This is 'flystrike'. If you find fly eggs or maggots on your rabbit, call the vet immediately. Rabbits have scent glands - clefts at either side of the genital region. If they fill with smelly wax you can clean them gently with a damp cotton bud.

TEETH
Rabbit teeth never stop growing and if the top and bottom teeth don't line up correctly, they'll grow too long and the rabbit won't be able to eat properly. Front teeth are easy to see - just fold back the top lip. You can't check the back teeth at home, but if they are causing problems your rabbit might dribble; lose weight; change his favourite foods; or stop eating altogether.  Runny eyes are sometimes caused by dental problems.
Rabbits with dental problems may not like having their heads touched, and sometimes have bumps along the lower jaw. If you think your rabbit has a tooth problem, take him to the vet. He'll probably need to be sedated or anaesthetised for a careful examination. Clipping teeth at home is no longer advised.

FEET
Feet should be neat and well furred.  Nails need to be trimmed every few months. You can do this at home, but ask the vet to teach you. Rabbits use their front paws as a handkerchief so look out for wet, matted fur - your rabbit may have a running nose or eye.

HOCKS
A small bare pink patch is normal, especially in large rabbits. Sore hocks (red, broken or infected skin) need to be treated by a vet.

THE LITTER TRAY
Rabbit urine can be colourful! Anything from white to yellow or even red is normal. Signs of trouble include the bunny straining to pass urine, or blood in the urine (a red patch in a lighter coloured pool of urine). Rabbits droppings should look like plump raisins. You may also notice 'caecotrophs' occasionally - soft, dark shiny droppings usually eaten directly from the anus. If you see caecotrophs often, make sure your rabbit is eating a healthy diet and have him checked by the vet.

BEHAVIOUR
Rabbits are prey animals who conceal signs of illness. If your bunny is quieter than normal; sitting in a crouched position;hopping with difficulty; or grinding his teeth, he may be ill or in pain. Check him over and seek advice from your vet.

WHAT TO FEED AND HOW MUCH
Your rabbit will only stay healthy if he eats the right food! A healthy diet consists mainly of hay or grass, plus small quantities of a good quality rabbit food. You can feed dark leafy greens and vegetables too. Don't let your rabbit get fat. Overweight bunnies can develop all sorts of problems including flystrike and sore hocks.
Never change your rabbit's diet suddenly - switch foods over a period of at least 1-2 weeks.

VACCINATIONS
Your rabbit should be vaccinated against two killer diseases: myxomatosis and VHD. He'll need booster injections every year. When you take your rabbit for his vaccinations your vet should check your rabbit thoroughly (including his teeth and weight) and you can ask questions about caring for your rabbit. Rabbit medicine is quite specialised: you may be referred to another vet if your bunny requires surgery or specialised treatment.

NEUTERING
It's a good idea to have all pet rabbits neutered - male and female. Neutered rabbits are happier, healthier, much easier to litter train, and can live with another bunny without fighting or breeding. It's particularly important to have female rabbits spayed to prevent uterine cancer.