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RVC links unnatural body shapes with rabbit health issues
The study examined records from 162,017 rabbits.
The research also addresses the impacts of diet and exercise.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed the effect that an unnatural body shape, as well as inadequate diet and exercise, can have on rabbits’ health.

The project is the largest of its kind to study pet rabbits, with the RVC VetCompass team investigating the body shapes of 162,017 rabbits that were in first opinion care during 2019.

The statistics highlighted that 79.7 per cent of these rabbits were classified as being short-headed (brachycephalic). The sample was also 16.8 per cent medium-headed (mesaticephalic) rabbits.

However, only 3.51 per cent of the rabbits investigated were classified as long-headed (dolichocephalic). The researchers believe that this highlights how much has changed with rabbits' body shapes, since long-headed rabbits are the most similar in shape to wild rabbits.

The research team also examined the veterinary clinical records of a random sample of 3,933 rabbits.

This enabled them to assess the frequency of the most common health disorders in rabbits.

Across the sample, the most common disorders were overgrown nails (28.19 per cent), overgrown molars (14.9 per cent) and obesity (8.82 per cent). Each of these disorders has been linked to limited exercise and unnatural diets.

The average adult bodyweight of the rabbits was 2.26kg, and female rabbits were assessed to be more prone to obesity than male rabbits.

Based upon these findings, researchers recommend that potential owners choose rabbits with a more natural body shape. They also recommend regular health and cleanliness checks, combined with good diet and exercise.

Dan O’Neill, associate professor of companion animal epidemiology at RVC and lead author of the study, said: “This new study helps us to understand that the health of our pet rabbits is heavily dependent on the choices we make as owners.

“Whether that be the body shapes of the rabbits we choose to acquire or the food and exercise we choose to allow our pet rabbits to enjoy, we play an important and influential role in determining whether their health is good or poor.”

The study has been published in VetRecord.

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
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Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.