Rabbit Care

Small Mammal Care

Rabbit Care

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the U.S. — and one of the most misunderstood. Dr. Davis has deep expertise in rabbit medicine and is passionate about keeping your bunny healthy and thriving.

Why Rabbits Need a Rabbit-Savvy Vet

Rabbits are not small dogs or cats. Their digestive system, dental anatomy, anesthetic requirements, and disease presentations are fundamentally different. A rabbit with GI stasis can die within 24–48 hours if not treated correctly. A rabbit given the wrong anesthetic can have a fatal reaction. Finding a veterinarian with genuine rabbit experience is one of the most important things a rabbit owner can do.

Rabbit Services We Provide

  • Annual and semi-annual wellness exams
  • Dental exams — rabbits have continuously growing teeth prone to malocclusion
  • GI stasis diagnosis and treatment — a life-threatening emergency
  • Spay and neuter — reduces cancer risk and behavioral issues
  • Bloodwork and diagnostics
  • Radiography (X-rays)
  • Parasite screening (E. cuniculi, pinworms)
  • Skin and fur condition evaluation
  • Urinary tract disease diagnosis and treatment
  • Wound care and soft tissue surgery
  • Husbandry and diet counseling

GI Stasis: The Rabbit Emergency You Must Know

Gastrointestinal stasis — when a rabbit's digestive system slows or stops — is one of the most common and most dangerous rabbit health emergencies. Signs include: not eating, not producing droppings, hunched posture, teeth grinding, and lethargy. GI stasis can become life-threatening within hours. If your rabbit stops eating or producing droppings, contact us immediately.

Rabbit Dental Health

Rabbits have continuously growing teeth — both their incisors and their cheek teeth (molars and premolars). Dental malocclusion, where teeth don't align properly and overgrow, is one of the most common rabbit health problems. Signs include drooling, difficulty eating, weight loss, and facial swelling. Regular dental exams and a high-fiber diet (primarily hay) are essential for rabbit dental health.

Spay & Neuter for Rabbits

Spaying female rabbits is strongly recommended — unspayed females have a greater than 80% lifetime risk of uterine cancer. Neutering males reduces territorial marking and aggression. Both procedures also allow rabbits to be safely bonded with other rabbits. Dr. Davis performs rabbit spays and neuters with species-appropriate anesthetic protocols and careful monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my rabbit see a vet?
Annual wellness exams are recommended for rabbits under age 5. Rabbits 5 and older benefit from semi-annual exams, as they are considered senior and can develop age-related conditions quickly. New rabbits should be seen within the first few weeks for a baseline health assessment.
What are signs that my rabbit is sick?
Signs of illness in rabbits include: not eating or drinking, not producing droppings (or very small/misshapen droppings), lethargy, hunched posture, teeth grinding, tilted head, discharge from eyes or nose, labored breathing, and changes in behavior. GI stasis (not eating + no droppings) is an emergency — contact us immediately.
Should I spay or neuter my rabbit?
Yes, strongly recommended. Unspayed female rabbits have an extremely high lifetime risk of uterine cancer (over 80% by age 5). Neutering males reduces spraying, territorial aggression, and humping behavior. Both procedures also allow rabbits to be safely bonded with companions.
What should rabbits eat?
The foundation of a healthy rabbit diet is unlimited grass hay (timothy, orchard grass, or meadow hay) — it should make up 80% of their diet. Fresh leafy greens (romaine, cilantro, parsley) can be offered daily. Pellets should be limited to a small amount of high-quality timothy-based pellets. Fruits and sugary treats should be minimal. Hay is essential for dental wear and GI motility.
Do rabbits need vaccines?
In the United States, there are currently no licensed vaccines for domestic rabbits. In Europe and other regions, vaccines for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) and myxomatosis are available. Dr. Davis can discuss the current disease landscape and any emerging vaccine options at your visit.

Ready to book an appointment?

Our team at All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio is here to help. Call or text us today.