Blackfalds Veterinary Hospital

5025 Parkwood Road, Blackfalds

403-885-8387
hospital@blackfaldsvet.ca

If you are a rabbit owner, you have probably heard the scary news already! Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is a potentially fatal viral disease that has been diagnosed in wild and pet rabbits in Alberta. Sick rabbits can stop eating, and feel depressed or lethargic. These bunnies can have a  fever, inflamed eyes,  jaundice (yellow skin, gums, whites of eyes), difficulty breathing, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloating. There can be bloody discharge from the nose, eyes or genitals. In the worst cases, sudden collapse and death are possible.

This disease can be diagnosed through PCR testing, but there is no treatment for sick rabbits except supportive care. The best way to prevent the disease is by avoiding contact between pet and wild rabbits, quarantining new pets for 30 days, and yearly vaccination with the RHDV2 vaccine.

Please contact the clinic to book a wellness exam for your pet rabbit and to have the vaccine administered and take a look at the link below for more information.