Obesity in rabbits is a serious concern
Esther van Praag, Ph.D.
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In the wild, rabbits and hares are only
exceptionally overweight or obese. Their diet is varied and balanced, meeting
the energy needs of these animals. They lead active lives. Their developed
musculature enables them to run quickly, jump, or dig burrows. Pet rabbits
tend to have sedentary living habits and require minimal exercise.
Insufficient physical activity can lead to muscle wasting, while excessive
caloric intake and insufficient fiber consumption are also contributing
factors. This can lead to weight gain and, in some cases, obesity. Many also
receive treats high in sugars and calories. Consequently, pet rabbits often
gain weight. The breeding of different rabbit breeds has led to the
development of a variety of physical types. An analysis of the body's various
forms reveals distinct characteristics associated with different breeds. Some
rabbits have elongated, slender bodies, giving them a slender appearance. It
is important to note that other body types, including larger, shorter, and
wider bodies, can be mistaken for obesity. However, these rabbits are not
obese. The age of the rabbit is another factor that must be
considered. On average, wild rabbits have a lifespan of only a few years,
while pet rabbits can live up to 10 years or even longer. An increase in age
is associated with a significant increase in the risk of obesity. Weight gain
and obesity in rabbits are associated with a variety of health complications.
A rabbit is considered obese when its ribs are difficult to palpate or when
the ribs cannot be detected at all. A very convex rump can also be indicative
of obesity in rabbits.
Causes Obesity in
pet rabbits can be attributed to a variety of factors. As with human
genetics, certain rabbit breeds exhibit a higher predisposition to obesity.
For instance, the dwarf rabbit and the Rex rabbit have a higher risk of
obesity compared to other breeds. Dwarfs are smaller than other types of
rabbits, which increases their risk of obesity. Furthermore, the age of the rabbit is a relevant
factor. Older rabbits that are caged and no longer very active are much more
likely to become obese. Obesity in
rabbits is primarily caused by overeating, i.e., providing more calories than
the rabbit requires for its daily activity level. Sugary treats are the
second cause. Diagnosing rabbit obesity Rabbits are considered obese if they are 20-40%
overweight. Body condition scoring is an effective method for monitoring the
rabbit's weight. To properly assess the body
condition score of a rabbit, follow these steps: 1. Palpate the
ribs, pelvis, and spine. 2. Measure and record
the body weight. Monitor the rabbit’s weight frequently in order to see
overall trending. You can find instructions for weighing your rabbit here. 3. Consult your
veterinarian or refer to the established standards for your rabbit breed. Clinical manifestations of
obesity Obesity can lead to adverse clinical outcomes in
affected rabbits. Rabbits that are overweight or obese are predisposed to the
following conditions. Fatty liver
disease: Excess fat can accumulate in the liver of
both rabbits and humans. This results in a life-threatening condition known
as fatty
liver disease. Bladder
sludge: Rabbits with higher obesity scores tend
to be less active. Sedentary behavior in rabbits can lead to a buildup of
urine in the bladder. The resultant mineral deposits accumulate in the
bladder, forming sludge that can cause discomfort during urination and
potentially obstruct the rabbit's urethra. Diabetes: Obese rabbits can develop
clinical diabetes-like
clinical manifestations, which is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels.
The treatment plan involves a dietary correction and a gradual weight
reduction. It is imperative that obese rabbits not be given insulin Arthritis: Obesity can exert additional
strain and stress on joints, potentially contributing to the development of arthritis
and joint deterioration in affected rabbits. Sore feet: Rabbits that are overweight
are more prone to foot problems. Sore hocks and pododermatitis may develop.
Bacteria can then enter the sores, creating an extremely
difficult to treat condition that is also painful. This condition may
pose a risk of amputation. Poor grooming
and Cecal smearing: Rabbits that are overweight often have trouble
with self-cleaning. It is possible that the fur in some areas may not be as
groomed as in other areas. Cecal smearing, a condition where the cecotropes
become smeared and hardened on the fur, is prevalent in obese rabbits. This
may attract parasitic insects, which will lay their eggs on the skin, leading
to a condition known as myiasis.
MediRabbit A potbellied
rabbit is not an obese rabbit. Rather, it is caused by megacolon (image) or a
parasitosis like coccidiosis Therefore, it is essential to regularly assess the
weight and body score of the rabbits. If the measurements prove challenging
to obtain at home, a veterinarian can help and, if necessary, assist by
developing a strict diet plan to help the rabbit return to a normal weight
for its age and breed. Treating rabbit obesity Treating
rabbit obesity necessitates a gradual shift in habits for both the owner and
the rabbit. The rabbit’s
diet should consist of a high-fiber food, such as hay. The percentage of
hay in a rabbit's diet is contingent on its overall dietary intake, which
includes fresh vegetables, particularly leafy greens, as well as fruit and
pellets
MediRabbit Rabbits
experience great pleasure when provided with fresh greens on a daily basis Alfalfa, which
is relatively high in protein, is the recommended forage for young and older
rabbits, as well as for rabbits with health issues. Adult rabbits, on the
other hand, have been shown to thrive on timothy, meadow, or orchard hay.
MediRabbit This smaller
rabbit is enjoying its time playing and consuming hay Some rabbits exhibit poor hay consumption habits. In such a case, dried herbs such as plantain, nettle, dandelion, or dried oat stems, dried garden herbs and fresh branches, such as willow branches offer a good alternative.
MediRabbit Ensuring the
provision of fresh water is of the utmost importance Pellets are
also recommended, as they provide a daily amount of nutrients and minerals
that may be absent in hay and fresh vegetables. The pellets should ideally
contain between 18–20% fiber and 14–16% protein. MediRabbit A no-pellet
diet can potentially result in nutritional deficiencies Regular
physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy rabbit. It is not
recommended that rabbits be kept in cages for extended periods. Ideally, a
pet rabbit should never be caged, but rather be provided with a specially
furnished room that allows the rabbit to live at its own natural pace.
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