Vets offer free session on keeping your pet healthy

RABBIT owners are being urged to make sure they don't keep their pets overly warm as this may cause respiratory infections.

While people may think that "snuffles" could just indicate a cold, in rabbits this can lead to potentially fatal infections such as pneumonia.

One of the major causes of respiratory problems in rabbits is if they become overheated, which causes heat stress and lowers their immune system.

Brigitte Reusch, who runs a dedicated rabbit clinic, at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies' Small Animal Practice, says: "Heat stress in rabbits can be quite common when they are exposed to temperatures above 20C, while severe problems can occur with temperatures above 22C. This can be a problem with rabbits which are kept indoors, where the central heating is high.

"But while respiratory problems can be potentially fatal in rabbits, they can also be easily prevented."

Brigitte will address such issues with a free talk: Not a Happy Bunny? – Preventative Healthcare for Rabbits, on Wednesday, 24 February, with the first in a series of lectures on healthcare for pets run by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. The talk will also look at eye and ear health as well as ensuring good nutrition for rabbits.This includes making sure that if fruit is given it is only in small quantities – such as an eighth of an apple or pear or one strawberry a week – contrary to what may be interpreted from adverts where rabbits talk about getting enough fruit.

For outdoor rabbits, owners are also advised not to wrap them up too much as that will block the ventilation, making the hutch's air stale, which can damage the rabbits' respiratory system. It is important to provide them with plenty of hay and straw so that they can get out of a draught and stay cosy.

Respiratory problems in rabbits can also lead to the lungs filling up with pus, which can then form abscesses that are difficult to treat.

If hutches and bedding are not regularly cleaned, rabbits could also become prone to secondary infections caused by the ammonia in their urine.

All pet rabbits carry the bacteria Pastuerella in their bodies, but while most do not become sick, if their immune system is impaired the bacteria starts to colonise and they are then unable to get rid of the bugs from their system.

Rabbit owners are also urged to check that their pets' eyes are bright and shiny. A common problem, which is a knock-on effect of dental disease, is that the root of the upper tooth grows too long and pushes into the skull, affecting the eye. This can be prevented by giving rabbits plenty of leafy things, such as hay and grass, to chew on to wear down their teeth.

As well as the lecture Not a Happy Bunny, other talks in the series run by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies will look at preventative healthcare for cats on 10 March; preventative healthcare for horses on 24 March and preventative healthcare for dogs on 7 April.

The free talks take place at 7pm at the Lecture Theatre G.08, William Robertson Building, George Square. More information can be found at www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/vet/news-events/events/upcoming