Obesity in Rabbits: A Dangerous, Entirely Preventable Problem Explained
Obesity is not just a superficial problem. It is an underlying medical condition that leads to several health complications.
The medical condition of obesity is extremely rare in wild animals as their fight for survival does not leave any room to gain those excess pounds.Wild rabbits run 3 miles per day on an average to forage for their food and explore new places. Pet rabbits too, should have the same amount of exercise, if not more.
Adopted rabbits are more susceptible to obesity since they live indoors, do not have to forage for food, build burrows for living, or run from predators. They are fed and cared for and live in cages or hutches, which can easily push them towards a more sedentary lifestyle.
But it can prove detrimental to the overall health of your rabbit.
Health Problems Caused by Obesity in Rabbits
Obesity in the affected rabbits can cause severe negative medical conditions.
Fatty Liver Disease – This is caused by excess fat getting accumulated in the liver.
Pododermatitis – This is the inflammation of the paw. This is caused by the excess body weight in the rabbits leading to sores in their feet. This painful situation can be fiendishly difficult to treat as bacteria enter the sores on the feet of the rabbits which might even lead to an amputation.
Diabetes Mellitus – A rare medical condition in pet rabbits though cannot be ruled out completely. This negative clinical manifestation is more common in other house pets such as dogs and cats.
Osteoarthritis – Excess body weight especially in their middle and senior years (i.e. generally over 6 years of age). For instant relief from pain and to reduce inflammation around the affected areas, the rabbits can be given “Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)”.
Gastrointestinal Stasis Syndrome – This is a common occurrence in pet rabbits due to an inappropriate diet. A diet inundated with excess treats and pellets leads to this life-threatening disease.
Urinary Tract Stones – Sedentary and overweight rabbits may be physically incapable to empty out their bladder completely. This can be due to their heavy bodies leading to an inability to position themselves correctly.
Cecal smearing – Overweight or obese rabbits find it difficult to turn properly and are unable to clean themselves suitably. This leads to fecal smearing. In this condition, the fur near the rabbit’s anus gets hardened due to the cecotropes remaining smeared and not cleaned in the rabbit’s anus. This is a common occurrence in overweight rabbits.
Although the medical condition of excess body fat accumulation in rabbits is dangerous, it can be prevented in the following ways.
How to Prevent Obesity in Rabbits?
- Proper Diet and Nutrition
Caring for our pet rabbits comes with a lot of responsibility and should be our top priority. Excess body fat is always due to overindulging in food or following a poor-quality food diet. A rabbit’s diet should ideally consist of the following –
- a) Fresh Hay – High-quality hay like timothy, meadow grass, or oats should be considered as the most favorable options for fresh hay. A substantial part of the diet for older rabbits should consist of fresh hay. The hay fibers aid in the process of digestion. It also helps in preventing the formation of hairballs in the rabbit’s digestive system and other GI blockages
- b) Fresh Vegetables – Most seasonal greens like bell peppers, Bok Choy, carrots, cucumber, escarole, radish, etc. that are found in the local market can be safely given to rabbits. Potatoes, beans, and a few other vegetables are best avoided as they do not suit the digestive system of rabbits. A maximum of two cups of fresh vegetables should be given to adult rabbits on a daily basis.
- c) High ended Pellets – The good high-quality pellets available in the market should ideally have around 15 – 20% of fiber, 12 – 14% of protein, and approx 1% of fat and calcium. Pellets are a double-edged sword as we have to be careful to check that they don’t have other additives like nuts, seeds, etc or that it is not stale. Older rabbits should be given fewer pellets.
- d) Fruits – This is a clever alternative to the packaged sugary treats. Though, seasonal fruits too should be always given in moderation. Fruits like apple, banana, berries, melon, orange, etc are to be given to bunnies, not more than once or twice a week.
- Enough Exercise
Exercise helps older rabbits maintain healthy body weight and it helps develop a healthy bone structure in the younger ones. Daily and adequate exercise is a must for our furry friends. They are generally little bursts of energy, zooming here and there.
As loving caretakers for our fluffy pets, we must ensure adequate activity time. The amount of exercise will vary depending on age and breed but on a general note, rabbits need at least three to four hours of exercise on a daily basis. The exercise sessions could be split into two exercise periods of 2 hours each.
Rabbits tire quickly and would need sufficient resting periods to get going again. Rabbits not getting enough exercise would not only gain weight leading to obesity but also, become bored and even depressed. If we structure the daily routine to incorporate a proper exercise regimen, it would be a boon for our pet rabbits. The easiest way to give rabbits ample exercise throughout the day would be to rabbit-proof our homes.
- Appropriate Intake of Aqua
Daily and ample hydration i.e. to drink enough water, is a must for our rabbits. It is an essential weapon in the fight against obesity. Rabbits might develop intestinal problems in the long run if they are not properly hydrated.
They must have access to plenty of freshwater throughout the day. Inadequate availability of water leads to an increase in food intake leading to weight gain and obesity. The container for the water bottle should not be lead as it might prompt poisoning.
Wrapping Up
Finally, let us never forget to take our pet rabbits out of their cages often for playtime. This would not only benefit their physical health by keeping them well exercised but their mental health, too. Playing games with our pet rabbits would help us bond with them and help to keep their body weight in check.