English Angora

Question
Hello Dr. Krempels,

I have a few questions about an english angora that I got today.  I always commented on the fuzzy guy and recently noticed he is sneezing and his one eye is runny (sometimes he sneezes for 2 mins straight) Anyway, it broke my heart so I convinced my friend to give him to me.  Here are my questions:

Any suggestions on the sneezing and runny eye?  (While I do not doubt your experience I am taking him to a vet this week)
He is SUPER friendly.  What about getting him a cage larger than the 16x20 hes in now?  Would he run around or utilize the extra room? (money isnt an issue I just do not want to be wasteful) Also, what about letting him out to run around on the floor?
There is hay in his cage now.  It seems everything sticks to him, have any suggestions on something that might not be as clingy?
I dont plan on showing him, just going to be my family pet.  How often should he be groomed?

I know that I bombed you with questions.  I respect your time, thank you in advance.

Chris

Answer
Dear Chris,

Thank you for opening your heart and home to this needy bunny.  You'll be happy you did!

For information on the sneezing/runny eye, please see:

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

There could be dental involvement, so be sure the vet you see (a good idea!) is experienced with rabbits.  You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

You can certainly let your bunny out to run around, and *should*.  Our rabbits are never caged at all, and have completely free run of the bunny-proofed house.  For all the information you need to make your new pal a house rabbit, please visit:

http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html

and

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/rabbit-proofing.html

Angoras are high maintenance bunnies because of their long fur, and your pal should be groomed and combed at least weekly, depending on the state of his fur.  It's often advisable to have the fur trimmed to about 1" in length, especially during the summer, for easier maintenance.  But if you can keep him combed and free of mats, this might not be necessary.

Be *very* careful when grooming.  I know of at least one horror story in which a woman took her Angora bunny to a dog/cat groomer, and the idiot groomer didn't know what rabbit skin was like.  She skinned the rabbit without even realizing, it, and of course the poor animal died a horrible death.  So do NOT take your bunny to a groomer or to *anyone* who doesn't know that rabbit skin is like tissue paper:  delicate and easy to tear.  If there are mats, they should be cut, but you must be very careful not to cut the skin, which is often tightly adhered to mats.  A slight powdering with baby cornstarch can make the fur easier to comb, and help get mats out without a struggle.

We have a lionhead (long hair) who also has the Stick-to-Me thing going.  Not much you can do except keep his fur short, especially around the bottom. But never trim the fur off the bottoms of his feet, since rabbits have very little fat cushion there, and rely on a thick padding of fur for their foot protection and comfort.

For all the best information on feeding and caring for your pal, be sure to go to:

www.rabbit.org/

Good luck!  Enjoy your bunny pal!  :)

Dana