Vaccinations for Rabbits
Rabbit vaccinations are commonly and specifically designed to combat and prevent myxomatosis, viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD), which has several strains that are often fatal and painful to rabbits. Vaccinations for rabbits in particular, are vital to keeping our pets healthy and preventing them from contracting infectious diseases and health conditions such as those mentioned.
Rabbits can be vaccinated from just five weeks old.
Rabbits are vaccinated against two deadly, infectious diseases:
- Myxomatosis: spread by blood-sucking insects such as rabbit fleas
- Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD): spread between rabbits, or in contaminated hutches and bedding and toys.
There is now a new strain of VHD, called VHD-2, which is also potentially fatal. We administer a combined annual vaccination for Myxomatosis and VHD 1 and 2.
Book a rabbit vaccination appointment
Combined Vaccinations for Rabbits
Sandhole Vets' combined rabbit vaccines provide annual protection against myxomatosis and both strains of VHD, all with a single injection.
If your rabbit has already had a single vaccination against any one of the above viruses, please speak to one of our vets, who can then recommend an adequate and safe vaccination schedule for your rabbit.
Antibody Titre Testing
The veterinary industry is in agreement that vaccines are necessary, but there is some debate regarding the frequency at which they are administered. At Leadon Vale, we offer our canine patients the option to have antibody titre testing. This allows us to see if an animal is protected against Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus. There is currently no method of checking antibody titres for leptospirosis, so we still recommend this be given yearly.
How the Antibody Titre Test Works
Antibody titre testing is performed by taking a blood sample from your pet and being sent to an external laboratory for a VacciCheck test. This is a rapid and affordable option to check the titre levels for the core diseases that are vaccinated against. It provides easy-to-interpret results which determine whether the animal has a protective level of the immune response or whether they need revaccination.
With high sensitivity and specificity, VacciCheck is designed to ensure that animals are protected whilst avoiding unnecessary medical intervention. This is supported by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Guidelines, which state that an animal that returns a positive titre has a protective level of immunity and therefore does not require revaccination.
Book a vaccination for your rabbit
If you are interested and ready to book a vaccination appointment for your rabbit, click below.
Book a rabbit vaccination appointment
Rabbit Vaccinations FAQs
Do house rabbits need to be vaccinated?
Vaccinations are essential to make sure your rabbit has adequate protection from potentially fatal and debilitating diseases diseases such as viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD 1 and 2) and myxomatosis.
How often do rabbits need to be vaccinated?
We recommend that rabbits are vaccinated every 12 months to protect them against diseases that could be fatal.
What happens at a rabbit vaccination appointment?
A rabbit vaccination appointment is more than just a quick injection. It's a valuable opportunity for you and your veterinarian to assess your rabbit's overall health.
During the appointment, your rabbit will be weighed and undergo a comprehensive medical examination, including areas you cannot easily assess at home, such as their back teeth. Your veterinarian will likely inquire about your rabbit's behaviour, any recent changes, and specific aspects like their eating and drinking habits. They are trained to detect subtle changes that may indicate developing health issues, allowing for early intervention.
Your veterinarian will also address any concerns you have and provide guidance on managing them.
In addition to the examination, your rabbit will receive the vaccination. This is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) at the back of the neck and is generally well-tolerated.
