Rabbit bites

Question
My rabbit dustney(female) bite me in my thumb... its not huge but its bleeding... I wash it with soap...Is this dangerous? Does the rabbit has rabies? Please I need your advice..

Answer
Dear Hillary,

Rabbits may bite or nip to communicate that they don't want to be handled, or in defense.  It is extremely unlikely that she has rabies, especially if she is acting normally otherwise.

Wash the wound well, allowing it to bleed thorougly to clean out the wound.  Then contact your physician to see if s/he will recommend a tetanus shot or any other treatment (depending on how up to date your vaccinations are).

If your bunny is acting aggressive, she may be reaching sexual maturity, and having her spayed will calm her down:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/spay.html

You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps.

Dana