Rabbits make lovely pets, but since they're not quite as common as dogs or cats, owners sometimes do not have as much of an understanding of their needs. This is especially the case when it comes to veterinary care. Rabbits do sometimes become ill and need vet care. So, as a rabbit owner, it is important to know the following signs that your bunny should see the vet.

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge

Is your rabbit's nose running? Maybe they keep sneezing, or perhaps you've noticed them making a sniffling noise from time to time. These symptoms indicate that your bunny has a respiratory infection, and likely one called "snuffles." It is quite common in rabbits, and it is caused by infectious bacteria. It can make bunnies pretty miserable, and in some cases, it can even develop into pneumonia. Luckily, a vet can prescribe antibiotics for snuffles. They can show you how to give your bunny the antibiotics with a syringe, which you'll need to do once or twice a day for a week or more. 

Loss of Appetite

Bunnies generally like to nibble throughout the day. They do not usually go very long without eating. So, if your bunny seems to have lost their appetite and is not munching on food, something is amiss. They could have an overgrown tooth that is making it painful for them to eat. Or, they could have an infection of the GI tract that is giving them nausea and reducing their appetite. In any case, a rabbit won't live very long without eating or drinking, so he or she needs to see the vet. The vet can do some diagnostic testing, figure out what your bunny is not eating, and hopefully recommend a treatment to bring them back to good health.

Maggots

If you ever see maggots, or what look like tiny worms, on your rabbit's skin, take them to the vet ASAP. This is a condition called fly strike, which happens when flies lay their eggs on the bunnies' skin, and those eggs hatch into larvae. The larvae will feed on your rabbit's skin, which is very painful and can lead to infection and death. A vet will need to remove the maggots and prescribe antibiotics to help your bunny heal. Time is of the essence; fly strike progresses quickly.

Bunnies make wonderful pets but make sure you take yours to the veterinary clinic if you notice any of the issues above.