Rabbit doctor online: when does my rabbit need a vet?

The short answer

Offer fresh hay and water, and watch whether your rabbit eats and passes droppings.

Your rabbit's next step depends on the cause; a rabbit vet can guide you on video.

For the pet parent deciding tonightYour next step

What applies to you?

Check how your rabbit is eating and moving. Then get ready for the call.

FIRST · CHECK YOUR RABBIT

Rabbit eating, pooping
and moving as usual
Keep fresh hay and water within your rabbit's reach and watch it tonight; a video call can settle small worries.
Rabbit eating less
but still passing droppings
Note when your rabbit last ate and its last droppings; book a rabbit vet video call today.
No food or no droppings
for 12 hours
See a rabbit vet the same day; keep hay and water offered until then.
Loose or watery droppings,
or a dirty wet bottom
Change soiled bedding, keep hay offered, and show your rabbit to a vet today on video.
Head tilt, loss of balance
or sudden weakness
Keep your rabbit in a low, padded space so it cannot fall, and see a rabbit vet today.

THEN · GET READY FOR THE VIDEO CALL

Booking a rabbit
doctor online
Over 20 Vetezy vets see rabbits on video; pick one and have your rabbit beside you.
What to show the vet
on the call
Your rabbit's breathing, nose, eyes and teeth, and the times it last ate and passed droppings.

Eating and droppings are the first things a rabbit vet asks about. Note the times before you call.

A few things to avoid

  • Human painkillers like Crocin or Dolo for your rabbit.
  • Bread, biscuits, sweets or a sudden new food for your rabbit.
  • Bathing a sick rabbit.

When help can’t wait

FOR YOUR RABBIT · PHYSICAL CLINIC NOW

Not eating with a bloated belly, lying flat, or breathing with the mouth open? Go to a physical vet clinic now.

Not sure? Ask a vet.

Questions here are for non-urgent pet care.Prefer a video consultation?

1 question from pet parents

Question 1 · Pet parent · 6 days ago

My rabits one eye is driping with milky white discharge what should.i do

Reply by Dr. Sourabh GroverB.V.Sc. & A.H.First reply

Rabbits are very sensitive animals, eye discharge in rabbits are not normal, it may be issue in eye and also issue in teeths and gums... So before giving any treatment like any eye drops, diagnose it properelly whats the proper reason for this... There are two option either you book online vet video consultation with us or visit offline to near by vet....

Reply by Dr. Vikas GodaraBVSc & AH, DVM (USA)

A milky white discharge from one eye in a rabbit is usually a blocked or infected tear duct. This is often caused by dental problems, because overgrown tooth roots can press on the duct. It can also be an infection or something stuck in the eye. For now: gently wipe the eye with cotton soaked in sterile saline or cooled boiled water. Don’t use human eye drops or leftover medicines, because some antibiotics are dangerous for rabbits. See a vet within a day or two. Go the same day if the eye looks cloudy or swollen, your rabbit is squinting, there’s swelling along the jaw, or your rabbit stops eating or pooping. You can also book an online consult on Vetezy, and we can check the eye on video.

References: Vetezy: how online vet consultation works

This content is for general educational purposes and does not replace a veterinary examination, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet shows emergency signs or is seriously unwell, contact a physical veterinary clinic immediately.