Health Care

Good veterinary care of rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas is very important. As prey species, they are able to hide signs of illness until they are very sick indeed so a vet experienced in the treatment of small furries can make all the difference between life and death.  Even if your vet doesn't see too many small furries in their practice, you can still make a difference by knowing your animals and their behaviour so you can spot when they are not right, and also by knowing what first aid measures to take if you cannot get to your vet immediately.

Whilst it is important for pet owners to have an understanding of the ailments these animals suffer from, it is important that you share what you know with your vet and don't walk in with an Internet diagnosis and treatment plan....  Vets are academically extremely intelligent individuals who have undertaken a rigorous training over several years.  Equally, vets are not God.  The ability of these animals to hide their symptoms until they are quite ill, combined with their difficulty to anaesthetise, intolerance of certain drugs and the risk of shock, make them challenging patients.

The most common problems suffered by these animals are related to their diet, which reflects in dental or digestive problems, and skin problems caused by parasites, infection or injury.  They are relatively easy to prevent if you know what you're doing.

Respiratory and urinary problems are also fairly commonplace but harder to prevent and treat. Breeders have to contend with a third set of problems related directly to the reproductive process.

Vaccination is only available for the two main viral diseases affecting only rabbits, Rabbit Calicivirus (better known as VHD) and Myxomatosis.  Viral diseases affecting guinea pigs, chinchillas and exotics are normally difficult to handle and often result in all animals being killed by the disease or euthanased to prevent the spread of infection.  Fortunately these are relatively rare. See Sound Diagnostics information on rodent infections and rabbit diseases.

Most other disease stem from opportunist bacteria, fungal and other organisms that are present in the animal's environment.  Injuries and stress increase the risk of infection.  Stress includes travelling to the vets or to a show; being housed with unfriendly animals or in a way that normal behaviour cannot be expressed; sights, sounds and smells that the animal perceives as threatening; environmental stresses such as draught, temperature or toxins.

Good housing, hygiene, nutrition and an understanding of the animal's needs and behaviour go a long way to maintaining good health.  Even then, the best kept animals can and do fall ill.

Observant owners can mean the difference between life and death for these small animals.  Always trust your instincts.  If you feel there is something wrong because your animal is behaving out of character then keep a close eye on them and, if in doubt, consult your vet. That's why they charge you a consultancy fee!

The information in these pages is not a substitute for professional veterinary examination, diagnosis and treatment.

EXTERNAL LINKS

Guinea Lynx's Guinea Pig Medication Guide

Morfz extensive Rabbit Health Links

Sound Diagnostics in the US specialise in tests for small furries