If this occurs, the teeth must be trimmed regularly to enable the animal to eat normally, and to prevent lip, cheek, or gum punctures. These cecal pellets are an essential part of the rabbit's nutrition, rich in vitamins and nutrients necessary to maintain good health. The rabbit's gastrointestinal tract is extremely delicate, and actually depends on large populations of healthy bacteria to digest food. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics may kill the normal bacteria in the gut and lead to overgrowth of deadly bacteria, resulting in death of the animal. Both drugs are for treatment or prevention of coccidiosis, a common parasitic condition which affects the gastrointestinal tract causing debilitation.
Prevention depends on maintaining hygienic conditions and avoidance of infected feces.
The leading cause of death in the female rabbit is uterine cancer. Unfortunately, this disease has often spread to other organs by the time it is diagnosed. Young females may be spayed between 6 months and 2 years of age to prevent this disease. Unless the animal is to be used for breeding, it is recommended that she be spayed. Male rabbits, especially dwarf varieties, may become extremely aggressive as they reach sexual maturity.