Brenda J. Ernest, DVM, Dipl. ABVP - Veterinarian

      11816 N. 56th Street Temple Terrace, Fl. 33617                                        813-985-2889  

                        close to I-75,  University of South Florida, and New Tampa

                                                     we speak pet           

     board-certified specialist in dog and cat practice

        special interest in ferrets, rabbits, small mammals, and birds

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                                                                   NUTRITION

 Rabbits are not rodents, but are included in a family called Lagomorphs. They are strict herbivores (meaning  they eat only plant material) and have continually growing teeth that are designed to tear and grind very tough  leafy foods. The teeth rub against each other and are worn down by the action of eating.  The most important  part of the pet rabbit diet is an unlimited supply of grass hay which provides essential fiber as well as  proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. In addition, because of the high fiber content of the hay, it is the  best preventative for stomach and intestinal problems such as 'hairballs' and chronic soft stools making it  unnecessary to routinely use hairball laxatives or anti-diarrheal products.

 Another important part of the rabbit diet is fresh greens. Give 3 different kinds of leaves or vegetables daily.   Choose dark greens such as kale, mustard greens, dandelion greens (and flowers), raspberry leaves, escarole,  endive, raddichio, collard greens, beet greens, carrot tops, parsley, turnip tops, romaine, Swiss chard, bok choy,  mint leaves, cabbage (red and green), or parsley.  Appropriate vegetables include carrots, green peppers,  broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.   1 tablespoon of fruit for every 5 pounds of body weight daily.  Rabbits also  enjoy fresh grass (pesticide and fertilizer free) and hibiscus and rose petals as a treat.  

 Uneaten fresh foods should be removed from the cage after 3 to 4 hours to prevent spoilage.

 Diet recommendations for pet rabbits that are not used for breeding or other commercial purposes are as  follows:

       1/8^th to 1/4^th cup of pellets for every 5 pounds of body weight daily.

       Free choice grass hay daily.  The hay should be mixed grass or Timothy. Alfalfa hay should be avoided

       1 heaping cup of greens and vegetables for every 5 pounds of body weight daily.

 Avoid crackers, breads, and sugary treats which can contribute to bacterial overgrowth and obesity.  These  foods provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates and aid in maintaining normal gastrointestinal  motility.     Most digestive illnesses are the result of a poor diet.     

                                                             Common problems        

   Links:  University of Missouri  Veterinary Partner  Midwest Exotic Hospital   NetVet   

                           LongBeach Animal Hopsital    House Rabbit Society 

                                                            Spaying and Neutering

 The term for neutering in the male is castration and in the female is ovariohysterectomy (spay) .

 One should not consider breeding these pets just for 'fun' or 'education'. Be a responsible pet owner and do not  breed your pet unless you are well educated on the topic and are prepared to take on all the responsibilities such  activity entails.

                                                          Reasons for Neutering Rabbits 

 When should my rabbit be neutered/spayed?

 It is recommended that rabbits be neutered between 4 and 9 months of age.  Younger than four months of age  makes the surgery more difficult due to the size and position of the reproductive organs.  Neutering before 2  years of age decreases the incidence of uterine and mammary gland disease.

 How safe is neutering my rabbit?

 While any surgical or anesthetic event has certain risks associated with it, all precautions are taken to ensure  your pet's safety.  This starts with a physical exam prior to scheduling surgery.   The anesthetics used are  quickly metabolized and eliminated from the body.  During the procedure a certified veterinary technician  monitors your pet's vital signs and is able to detect problems early.  Again, no guarantees can be made that  problems won't arise, however a staff skilled in rabbit medicine decreases the risks greatly.

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