Rabbit Abscesses

Question
Hello,

I just have a few questions about rabbit abscesses. First, are there certain breeds that have a lower likelihood of getting them? I also wanted to know if lop eared bunny's are more or less likely to get abscesses. I am interested in getting a small bunny such as a Mini Rex, or an American Fuzzy, but would you recommend a certain breed that has a low likelihood of getting abscesses?

Thank you for your time and help.

Answer
Hi Jan,

well, indirectly, there may be small factors that may influence abscesses.  For example, all rabbits have very thin skin, but the shorter the fur on a rabbit, the more likely they could scrape their skin or get bitten (and develop an abscess.  The flipside of this is that the longer the fur is, the more grooming is required by you.  If a rabbit has teeth problems abscesses can develop because the teeth may cut into the gums.  

I would say if you are concerned about mini-rex or american fuzzy rabbits they don't have any real problems that would put them at greater risk for abscesses.  

Usually things that are external cause abscesses.  An animal bite, scraping against something, is the way bacteria gets into the body and forms an abscess.  Best thing to do is not to have rabbits with predator animals (dogs and cats), keep them indoors with you and bunnyproof the area(s) they may be in, and make sure they get enough hay to eat to wear their teeth down properly.  Getting bunny fixed helps them be a litterpan trained rabbit.  

I would do several things before getting a rabbit.  Pick up a copy of the "House Rabbit Handbook, 4th Ed." by Marinell Harrimann.  I would also visit the House Rabbit Society web site (www.rabbit.org) and spend a good deal of time searching through their article archives on all aspects of rabbit care and behavior.  You will want to do this to know what to expect better, how to read your rabbit better, and to find good rabbit vets in your area.

Lee