Protect your rabbit against deadly diseases
February 21, 2019
With spring on the way, your rabbit will soon be out and about exploring your garden again. But with the change in the seasons comes increased exposure to two very nasty diseases.
Myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD) can strike even if your pet lives well away from other rabbits, and both can be fatal. Fortunately, vaccinations are available to protect your rabbit from these two deadly diseases, so now’s the time to check your pet’s vaccinations are up to date or schedule them in for a check-up with the team at our Oakleigh Road North practice.
Vaccines wear off over time, so it’s important to get in touch if your rabbit hasn’t been vaccinated for some time or you’ve forgotten when their booster is due.
Protecting your rabbit against myxomatosis and VHD in Whetstone
Myxomatosis is passed on through fleas, mosquitos, midges and mites, so your pet may become infected even if they never see another rabbit. The first sign of myxomatosis is severe conjunctivitis, which causes your rabbit’s eyelids to swell so much that it becomes blind.
Viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD) often occurs in outbreaks, spreading rapidly from rabbit to rabbit. However, the virus that causes the disease can be carried to new areas by insects and wild birds or in feed and bedding. It can even survive on your shoes after walking through an area inhabited by infected wild rabbits.
Even with the best possible veterinary treatment, very few unvaccinated pets survive these diseases, so we recommend you book your vaccinations as soon as possible.
When to schedule vaccinations and boosters
No matter how careful you are, it’s impossible to predict when your rabbit might be exposed to either myxomatosis or VHD. Fortunately, you can protect your pet against both diseases with just one injection a year. Please note, in some circumstances your vet may advise more frequent vaccinations.
Rabbits of all ages can be vaccinated – just check with our vet nurse Justina about the best time to bring a baby rabbit in for their first check-up and vaccination.
If your rabbit has been vaccinated before and you can’t remember when your booster is due, give us a call on 020 8368 9798.