Pet rabbits are increasingly living unhappy lives plagued with disease because owners believe the myth that they are low-maintenance, new research has found.
The Royal Veterinary College has found that it is more and more common for domestic rabbits to harbour diseases caused by lack of care and poor diets.
By conducting a survey of 6,349 pet rabbits across the UK, the researchers identified some of the most common medical issues. Some of these included...
- Anorexia
- Collapse
- Gut stasis
- Overgrown nails
- Overgrown teeth
- Dirty fur, especially around their bottom area
Sadly, the research also discovered that the most common cause of death in domestic rabbits flystrike. This is when flies lay eggs on the rabbit's fur which then hatch into maggots and eat their flesh. This can be a painful, often fatal, condition for the animals and is caused by a lack of cleaning.
"For years, rabbits were considered as the perfect child's pet: fluffy, cute, passive and only needing minimal care and handling while being fed muesli-type food in a hutch in the garden where it was generally kept on its own," Dr Dan O'Neill, a lecturer and co-author of the the research told the Daily Mail.
"We now know that this level of care is completely unacceptable from a welfare perspective. Rabbits don't exhibit their suffering like other species so it behoves all of us to be prevent and recognise their problems."
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The researchers hope that this study will encourage rabbit owners to pay close attention to the needs of their pets. Dr Jo Hedley, a researcher and lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College, also said: "This study definitely highlights some of the most common presentations seen in pet rabbits.
"Unfortunately, due to the rabbit's ability to hide disease, signs of a problem are often non-specific and recognised far too late, hence the causes of death recorded are in fact often just end-stage symptoms of underlying disease."
For more expert advice about caring for your rabbit, head over to the RSPCA's website.
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10 Christmas plants for your home and garden
Poinsettia
This cheery red flower is a beautiful Christmas plant that brightens up homes in an instant. Originating from Mexico, they are one of the most popular Christmas plants, with over eight million being sold each year. While they are often disposed of when their colour begins to fade, they can last all year if you take good care of them.
Mistletoe
Perhaps the most iconic Christmas plant of all, mistletoe grows on a range of trees including willow, apple and oak trees. Its tradition dates back to the times of the Celtic Druids , where it was typically hung in homes used as a sign of love and friendship.
Holly
Holly is an evergreen plant, which has been strongly associated with winter for centuries. From Christmas cards to decorations, the small green leaf and berry symbol is seen everywhere during the festive season. As well as being a beautiful winter plant, Holly also provides birds and hedgehogs with shelter in the colder months.
Christmas Rose
This delightful white perennial has long-lasting snowy-white flowers that many of us can find in our garden. While the heads do resemble roses, this winter plant isn't from the rose family. During the colder months, Christmas rose brings colour and beauty to a bleak outdoor landscape.
Cyclamen
This perennial flowering plant is widely loved for its beautiful vibrant pink heads. As they are winter plants, you will find them blossoming during the colder months, which makes them perfect for having in the home at Christmas.
Amaryllis
Steeped in rich red colour, Amaryllis plants make magnificent festive blooms. You can grow these at home, but they take around three to five years to reach an impressive size. Its name in Greek means 'to sparkle' — and they certainly do add a touch of Christmas loveliness into the home.
Ivy
Ivy is one of the plants used in Christmas decorations, which first arrived after Christianity came to Europe. As well as being a symbol of Christmas, it is famously known in the carol 'The Holly and the Ivy.
Cranberry plant
A festive favourite for centuries, cranberries are one the key ingredients found in sauces, refreshing beverages and puddings. This plant is also part of century-old traditions, which is why we often see it more at the beginning of December.
Rosemary
Aromatic rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub which is best known for its sweet, resinous flavour. At Christmas time, rosemary plants make excellent alternatives to traditional trees. You can plant it in your garden during springtime and then bring it indoors during the festive period. You'll love its fragrant smell in the home.
Christmas Cactus
Christmas cacti bloom just in time for the holidays — and look beautiful in every home. While they are traditionally purchased during December, they are available all year round.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
