Rabbits make wonderful pets. They are fluffy and soft, respond well to handling, and can learn to use a litter box. There are even different breeds of rabbit! For example, some have straight ears, some have floppy ears, some are normal size, and some are dwarf sized. Rabbits can live for 5 - 10 years. Rabbits have very strong hind legs and sharp claws. They also have a very light skeleton. If you handle your bunny improperly, he may kick his legs so hard that he breaks his back! When you carry him, always support his rear end. If he struggles, put him down, until he is quiet.
If You Choose a Pet Rabbit
You should make sure that you are purchasing a healthy bunny. It is best to select a young bunny. He should have clear eyes and a nose free of any mucus. The bunny should be curious and friendly. Check to see the bunny has been spayed or neutered. Most are breeders and pet stores do not alter their pets. You will want to have your new friend spayed or neutered between 4 and 6 months age. An altered pet will reduce the risk of that famous bunny reproduction and will prevent certain health and behavioral problems. In the United States, bunnies do not typically require vaccines, but be sure to check with your veterinarian to confirm the protocol in your area. Bunnies do, however, require vaccines in the United Kingdom. They always need annual check ups and fecal tests for parasites.
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Hernias
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Hernias
A hernia is a tear in the body wall of a horse that allows the internal organs to push through to a place where they don’t belong. There are several types of hernias. They can affect horses of any age or breed.
Horses may have a defect at birth (congenital) that increases the risk of a hernia,
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Headshaking
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Chronic Conditions
Head shaking shows up in horses as uncontrollable shaking, jerking or flicking of the head, with no obvious physical irritation causing the condition. While some cases may be mild, head shaking can be severe enough to make a horse dangerous or unsuitable for riding.
Other symptoms that may occur alongside
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Fractures
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Orthopedics
Fractures, or breaks, can potentially occur in any bone in a horse’s body. Some types of fractures, however, are more common, especially among very athletic horses, such as racehorses.
Causes of Fractures
Fractures fall into several categories:
An incomplete fracture (also known a “green stick,”
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Food and Nutrition
Category:
Equine, Living With Your Pet, Providing Care
From your point of view, as the caregiver, it is important to familiarize your horse with being handled-and of course, it is always gratifying to have a horse with a clean and smart appearance. Feeding your horse correctly is a vital element of effective horse care. A horse's natural grazing pattern
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Exerional Rhabdomyolysis (Tying-Up)
Category:
Equine, Pet Health, Diseases and Viruses
Horse lovers have observed this frightening disease for centuries. It’s been called azoturia, tying-up, cording up, holiday disease and Monday morning disease; the last two names reflect that symptoms are sometimes observed after hard work followed by a period of rest.
In the last couple of decades,
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Examining Your Horse
Category:
Equine, Choosing Your Pet, Horses
Even if you fall in love with the horse, do not buy it before the animal has been thoroughly examined by a veterinarian with experience in performing purchase examinations. Long-time horse owners almost always have a veterinarian examine any animal before purchase and first-time owners should certainly
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Why Turnout is Essential Your Horse
Category:
Newsletter Library
Could your horse's health suffer if it spends too much time indoors?
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Is Your Horse Showing Signs of Problems in its Hind Legs?
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Do you know the common causes of hind leg problems in horses?
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Signs That Your Horse is Stressed
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Can you recognize the signs of stress in your horse?
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Facts to Help You Care for Your Foal
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Do you know these foal facts?
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Managing Equine Asthma
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Does your horse have equine asthma? These tips will help you relieve asthma symptoms.
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Your Senior Horse and Exercising
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Do you know how much exercise your older horse needs?
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Horseback Riding in the Winter
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Are you planning to ride your horse this winter? Check out these safety tips.
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Your Winter Horse Care Checklist
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
How prepared is your horse for winter weather?
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Anxiety in Horses
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Are you worried about your anxious horse? Try a few of these suggestions.
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Pregnancy in Horses
Category:
Newsletter Library, Equine
Is your horse pregnant? A little extra care and attention will help keep your mare healthy during the pregnancy.
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