Bunnies are small animals and often live in cages at least part of the time, but that does not mean they need less care than a dog or cat. Not all vets work on bunnies, but if you have a bunny, it is important to find a vet that works with them. This way, you will have an animal hospital to reach out to if your bunny develops any of the following problems, all of which mean they need prompt medical care.

Maggots on Their Skin

If you ever notice maggots, or what look like maggots, crawling on your bunny's fur, they may have a condition known as fly strike. This happens when flies lay their eggs on the bunny, and the eggs then hatch into larvae. The larvae feed on your bunny's flesh, which is very painful and can lead to infection quite quickly. Bunnies with fly strike often die without treatment. You need to take your bunny to the vet ASAP. There, the vet and their staff can remove the maggots carefully, clean your bunny's skin, and administer antibiotics to prevent infection. 

Sneezing

Sneezing may not seem like a big deal since you can develop a sneeze without worry. However, bunnies are different from humans in that their respiratory tracts are a lot shorter. A sneeze for a bunny often indicates an upper respiratory tract infection, which can easily become a lower respiratory tract infection if left untreated. Your bunny may have pneumonia already, or they may develop it soon if they don't get vet care. The vet will determine whether your bunny has a bacterial or viral infection, and they'll administer treatment accordingly. This may include intravenous fluids, antibiotics, antiviral meds, or a combination of these treatments.

Failure to Eat

Rabbits spend a lot of time eating each day. So, if your bunny stops eating for an extended period of time, that's a reason to be alarmed. They might have a dental problem; overgrown teeth are common in rabbits. This can also be a sign of a respiratory or digestive tract infection. Bunnies can become dehydrated very quickly when they stop consuming fluid and food, so it's important to have a vet figure out what's wrong and treat it quickly.

If your bunny develops any of the issues above, contact a vet soon. Bunnies can live long and healthy lives, but sometimes they need a little help along the way.

For more information, contact a vet hospital such as the Center-Sinai Animal Hospital.