Raising a Rabbit

House rabbits make good pets. They are long-lived, charismatic and very entertaining. They are relatively easy to take care of, and most of their problems can be prevented by proper care and feeding. Veterinary care for rabbits is getting easier to find, and there are more products and resources than ever to enhance the experience of owning a rabbit.

Background
Domestic rabbits are descended from the European rabbit, which originated in the area comprising present-day Portugal, Spain and southern France. Rabbits were introduced to Great Britain and the rest of Europe during the Roman Empire, when domestication of the species is thought to have occurred. The European rabbit is social, and wild groups can number in the hundreds. They dig burrows and are also active above ground. Members lie together, nuzzle and groom one another for much of the day. This social nature set the European rabbit apart from other rabbits and probably made it easier to domesticate.

Housing Needs
Rabbits are clean and easy to care for. Like a cat, a rabbit grooms itself, has little or no body odor and can usually learn to use a litter pan without any training. They are quiet and do not require outdoor walks, making them ideal apartment pets. Rabbits are safer and happier indoors, where they can become members of the family. A house rabbit needs a cage with a minimum of five square feet of floor space, and most owners also provide their bunnies a "rabbit-proof" room in which to exercise freely . Rabbits require fresh water (usually from a sipper-bottle), a high-fiber pelleted diet and free-choice grass hay. Fresh, leafy green vegetables are also recommended daily to provide additional nutrient and water intake.

Rabbits are happiest when they have other rabbits to socialize with. Therefore, keep two or more house rabbits if you can. If you can only have one, give your bunny plenty of love and attention. Rabbits will run, jump and play, and sometimes they will chase each other. Most are also able to get along with dogs or cats. Their personalities run the gamut from curious and bold to shy and reserved. Almost all rabbits are friendly and enjoy human contact. However, as a prey animal, rabbits do not handle stress well. Therefore, do not subject your rabbit to unnecessary intrusion or loud noise (e.g., construction projects, large crowds, etc.).

Medical Care
Most rabbit diseases can be prevented through proper diet, husbandry and preventive veterinary care. Common health problems in rabbits include dental disease, gastrointestinal upset, parasites, obesity, bladder stones or bladder sludge and upper respiratory infections. Preventive health care for a rabbit is similar to that for a dog or cat, without the need for vaccinations, heartworm preventives, etc. Pet rabbits should receive wellness veterinary examinations every 6-12 months, routine fecal examinations for parasites once a year and regular blood tests to check for problems like anemia, kidney or liver disease. Female rabbits are very prone to uterine cancer and should be spayed by 3 years of age, regardless of breeding status. The life span of a rabbit is usually 8 to 12 years if adequate preventative health measures are taken.

Many owners do not recognize the importance of finding a veterinarian who treats rabbits. Because rabbits are considered "exotics," your rabbit vet may not be the same one you use for your dog or cat. Some medicines commonly used for other house pets are dangerous or even fatal to rabbits, so it is preferable to choose a vet who has been specially trained in their unique needs. You can find a rabbit veterinarian online through the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians (www.aemv.org) and the House Rabbit Society (www.rabbit.org). The House Rabbit Society Web site is also the most important resource for frequently asked questions concerning rabbit adoption, behavior, feeding, bunny-proofing your home and other care.

Bunny ownership means a rewarding, long-term commitment. Rabbits provide the same companionship and love that a dog or cat can for the same cost or less. Rabbits are clean, quiet and compact. Taking care of a rabbit is easy, but you need to do your homework before bringing a rabbit into your home. If you think you might be interested in becoming a house rabbit owner, consider adopting a rabbit from the local House Rabbit Society chapter (www.capefearrabbits.org). Visit the House Rabbit Society's Web page for the information you will need, and be sure to visit your rabbit vet soon after adoption to get your new house rabbit off to a healthy start.

Contact Dr. Dan and the other vets at Avian and Exotic Animal Care, located at 8711 Fidelity Boulevard in Raleigh, by calling (919) 844-9166, or visit www.avianandexotic.com.