If you are thinking of adding a rabbit to your household, ensuring their health and wellbeing will be one of your top priorities. When making your decision, you may be wondering how breed affects their health. Read on to find out more about this and other factors affecting the health of your new furry friend.
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Does breed matter when it comes to health?
The answer is, to a degree. As with cats and dogs, it is commonly believed that cross-bred rabbits may be less prone to health problems than purebred varieties. It is likely that there may be some truth in this, as crossbreed bunnies come from a wider gene pool, so are less likely to display inbreeding or poor conformation. However, thankfully rabbits are less prone to breed-related health disorders than dogs and cats. This is reflected by the fact that insurance premiums for rabbits tend not to alter much depending on breed; unlike dogs and cats when breed can make a big difference to your insurance expenditure.
There are some exceptions – for example, giant breeds tend not to live as long as standard size or dwarf bunnies. In recent years, some Lionhead and Netherland dwarf rabbits have been selectively bred to have shorter noses to enhance their ‘cuteness effect’ (these animals are termed ‘brachycephalic’). Unfortunately, this has led to an increase in respiratory issues due to the decreased length of the nasal passages and reduced space for the soft tissues of the throat and upper airways. As all the tissues of the face are closely connected, bunnies that have been bred like this are also more likely to suffer more from teeth, ear and eye problems. Bear this in mind when choosing a rabbit belonging to one of these breeds. If purchasing from a breeder, talk to them about any concerns you have.
Long-haired breeds, such as the Angora and Lionhead, will require more care and attention to ensure that their coat remains in good condition. They will need to be brushed regularly to prevent hair matting and associated problems.
What else affects a rabbit’s health?
There are lots of factors that may affect your rabbit’s health. And some are likely to be even more important than the particular breed. Whether you are buying a rabbit from a breeder or adopting one from a rescue centre, the care they have received in their life so far will make a big difference to whether they go on to live a long and healthy life. Ask if the rabbit has received preventative health care; such as vaccinations for the common and deadly disease myxomatosis. (If not, then this should be a priority when they come into your care).
Also ask about their diet, housing and exercise. Their diet will have a massive impact on their dental and gut health. For example, rabbits which have been fed an inappropriate diet are more likely to have overgrown, misshapen teeth, dental abscesses (ouch!). And they may suffer from life-threatening gut problems. They are also more likely to be obese, which will reduce their lifespan. Rabbits which have not been housed in adequately sized enclosures may also be obese and more prone to joint problems.
Take home message – it’s a big commitment!
They may be small, but caring for a rabbit can be a big commitment. Do your research in advance on different breeds, and also on wider aspects of rabbit health and daily care. Your veterinary practice team will be a great resource of guidance on keeping your rabbit healthy and preventing problems before they occur.
Learn more on the Rabbit pages of our Pet Health Library.
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