Rabbits

Rabbit knowts that I found and combined and added to.

What is the genus species of the domestic rabbits?

Oryctolagus cuniculus

What is the order rabbits belong to?

Lagomorpha (which includes rabbits, hares, and pikas)

What family do rabbits belong to?

Leporidae

What are the three sizes of rabbits?

1. Small: <2kg

2. Medium: 2–5kg

3. Large: >5kg

What are the five rabbit breeds used in research?

1. Dutch

2. Polish

3. Californian

4. New Zealand Red

5. New Zealand White

Which rabbit breed used in research is the most common?

New Zealand White

What breed of rabbit is this?

Californian

What breed of rabbit is this?

Dutch

What breed of rabbit is this?

New Zealand Red

What breed of rabbit is this?

New Zealand White

What breed of rabbit is this?

Polish

What breed of rabbit is this?

Rex

What breed of rabbit is this?

Mini–lop

What breed of rabbit is this?

Holland lop

Which breed is larger: holland lop or mini–lop?

Mini–lop is larger!

What breed of rabbit is this?

Angora

What breed of rabbit is this?

Checkered giant

What breed of rabbit is this?

Himalayan

Term for a rabbit burrow

Warren

Term for the time of day that rabbits are active

Crepuscular

What are the two kinds of scent glands that both male and female rabbits have?

1. Submandibular

2. Inguinal

Sound rabbit makes when aggressive

Growl

Sound rabbit makes when in pain or frightened (very loud and piercing)

Scream

Sound rabbit makes as a sign of contentment. It is a light and quick grinding of the teeth and whisker movement.

Purring or tooth purring

Sound used to get food or attention. May also be heard during courtship

Oinking or honking

Fretting noise that may be heard during handling. More often heard in pseudopregnant or pregnant does

Whimpering or low squealing

Behaviour of rubbing the submandibular scent glands under the chin on inanimate objects and people. Used to mark

Chinning

What are some behaviours that may be seen when rabbits are settling down to relax or groom?

Head shaking, ear shaking, or body shuddering

Fear response behaviour

Flattening

Alarm or warning behaviour

Thumping

Slow and loud sound indicating discomfort or pain

Teeth grinding

What is the lifespan of rabbits?

8–12 years

What is the litter size of rabbits?

4–8 kits

What is the age rabbits are weaned?

4–6 weeks

What is the normal temperature of rabbits?

38–40C

Is rabbit urine alkaline or acidic?

Alkaline (pH 8.2)

Why are rabbits unable to vomit?

Well–developed cardiac sphincter

What condition can develop if a rabbit goes off feed for even 24 hours, or if a diet is too low in protein?

GI stasis (do not fast rabbits before procedures)

Due to rabbits caudal epiglottis, what are rabbits prone to?

Laryngospasms

Is timothy hay or alfalfa more recommended for rabbits, why?

Timothy hay. Alfalfa has too much protein and can result in diarrhea or bladder stones

How is appropriate cage size measured for rabbits?

3 complete hops, can stand on their hind legs and completely lay down

How many species of rabbits are there?

Over 80 species.

What are the two main types of rabbits?

Oryctolagus (rabbits) and Sylvilagus (cottontails).

What is the difference between Oryctolagus and Sylvilagus rabbits?

Oryctolagus rabbits originated in Europe, and are known for burrowing and forming social groups, and males having slightly broader heads

Sylvilagus rabbits originated from the New world (mainly North and Central America) and includes all of the New World cotton tails. They do not form burrows or social burrow systems in the way European rabbits do, though they are tolerant of others in their vicinity. They are born blind and naked, have white flesh, and males and females look (more or less) the same.

Who were rabbits first domesticated by?

The Romans.

List some uses of rabbits.

Game, agriculture, meat, skin & fur, pets, research.

Which breed of rabbit is most commonly used in research?

New Zealand White.

What characteristic makes the New Zealand White suitable for research?

Its albino color allows vasculature to be easily seen.

What breed is used for pigmentation research?

Dutch Belted.

What is the gestation period for rabbits?

29-35 days.

What is the term for rabbit birth?

Kindling.

Describe the social structure of rabbits.

They naturally arrange a social structure, with mature bucks sometimes fighting and does being territorial.

What are some common signs of illness in rabbits?

Anorexia, depression, hunched posture, lethargy.

What type of teeth do lagomorphs have that differs from rodents?

Peg teeth, meaning they have a second row of smaller front teeth behind their upper incisors.

How many teeth do rabbits have?

28 teeth.

What is malocclusion in rabbits?

Tooth misalignment that leads to overgrowth.

What are prominent features of rabbit anatomy?

A large fleshy tongue, pinna for thermoregulation, and a haired foot.

Describe the rabbit's vision.

Approximately 190° field of vision, with limited binocular vision.

What are the Harderian lacrimal glands' location and function?

Located behind nictitating membranes, aids in lubrication (similar to tears).

What is coprophagia, and why is it important for rabbits?

The act of consuming cecotropes (re-eating passed food), which supply B vitamins.

What are rabbit husbandry temperatures?

Temperature 61-72°F, Humidity 30-70%.

What is the importance of social housing for rabbits?

Does may be group housed, but they can be territorial toward bucks.

How can ear mites be recognized in rabbits?

Dry, brown, crusty material in the ear and inflammation.

What is the most common neoplasm (new, abnormal growth) in rabbits?

Adenocarcinoma.

What is Adenocarcinoma in rabbits?

A type of cancer most common in female rabbits over 3 yrs of age.

What are some differences between lagomorphs and rodents?

lagomorphs have furry feet because they lack foot pads, they have a cecum and practice coprophagy, and they often have much shorter tails.

What is a diastema in lagomorphs and rodents?

the gap between their gnawing incisors and their cheek (other/normal) teeth

What is a cecum for rabbits?

A part in their digestive system where they have beneficial bacteria that ferments the cellulose of the plants they eat.

What are some common neoplasms identified in rabbits?

Lymphoma, mammary papilloma, and skin neoplasms.

What is a common condition that leads to sudden paralysis in rabbits?

Lumbar spinal fracture or luxation.

What is gastric trichobezoars in rabbits?

Hairballs that can lead to cessation of eating and drinking.

What environmental conditions can lead to heatstroke in rabbits?

High temperatures over 85°F, high humidity, poor ventilation.

What is moist dermatitis in rabbits, and what causes it?

Moisture in the dewlap or anogenital area caused by saliva or prolonged contact with urine.

What is the purpose of the Draize Eye Test?

To determine the safety of products, especially in cosmetics.

What supportive care can be provided in cases of rabbit heat prostration?

Steroids and IV fluids to reduce body temperature.

What is the proper technique for lifting a rabbit?

Lift the front legs up by the scruff, not the ears. Support the hind-limbs and body with your other hand and arm, and hold the rabbit along your body with its face tucked under your supporting arm.

What is a method recommended for restraining a rabbit?

Wrap the rabbit in a towel (rabbit burrito) or use a nylon/canvas bag.

Where can blood be collected from a rabbit?

Ear vein, jugular vein, cephalic vein, lateral saphenous vein.

What is the effect of intravenous fluids on dehydrated rabbits?

They help restore hydration and support overall health.

What are some common rabbit diseases to be aware of?

Rabies, Inflammatory bowel disease, Cystic fibrosis.

What rabbit systems do cystic fibrosis affect.

Mainly gastrointestinal and digestive, but can also affect the liver.

Why might a rabbit refuse to eat?

Possible illness or stress.

What health issue might arise from improper dietary fiber intake?

Gastric trichobezoars or hairballs.

How frequently should dental trimming occur for rabbits with malocclusion?

Typically twice monthly to monthly.

What rabbit has a high incidence of adenocarcinoma?

Does 5 years of age or older.

What is a specific environmental requirement for rabbit housing?

10-15 air changes per hour.

What symptoms may indicate urinary tract issues in rabbits?

Posterior paralysis, urinary and fecal incontinence.

What external factor can trigger rabbits to vocalize?

When frightened or injured.

How should rabbits be introduced to potential mates?

Hand mating, bringing the doe to the buck.

What is the primary dietary classification of rabbits?

Herbivorous.