Why do rabbits have short ears? Why do rabbits have hot ears? The effect of temperature on the rabbit

No animal is as sensitive to conditions as a rabbit. These fur animals subtly react to the slightest mistakes of the owner, and any oversight can very quickly lead to a serious illness or even death of the entire livestock. However, there is a very simple way to quickly detect a change in a rabbit's state. To do this, you just need to feel his long ears.

The effect of temperature on the rabbit

Rabbits are susceptible to temperature fluctuations, and therefore, to maintain a constant body temperature, these warm-blooded animals must make great efforts.

Surprisingly, rabbits need long, up to half the total body length, ears not at all in order to recognize danger in time and respond to it, but precisely for thermoregulation.

Did you know? Fleeing from danger, the hare can reach speeds of up to 72 km / h, which makes it almost elusive for most predators. However, the dull slowness of the rabbit, a close relative of the hare, is very deceptive. If needed, the animal is quite capable of moving at speeds up to 56 km/h, so that a person whose speed record is 44 km/h, and the average running speed in good shape is no more than 20 km/h, there is no chance catch up with your pet if he wants to sneak away from the owner.

The auricles of a rabbit are permeated with many blood vessels, but there is practically no wool cover on them. Such a system allows the animal to use the ears as a kind of air conditioner in the heat and a heater in the cold season.

It works like this:

If the animal becomes hot, the blood vessels on its ears expand and begin to pass through a large volume of blood, which, moving along the thin and hairless auricles, gradually cools due to contact with air and, returning to the body of the animal, increases the process of heat transfer.
When the animal freezes, the reverse picture occurs: the blood vessels narrow, and the blood circulates only through the organs protected by a thick coat, keeping the maximum amount of heat inside the body.

However, when the blood "drains" from the ears, their temperature becomes lower than the general body temperature of the animal, and when an increased flow of blood moves through the ears, they, on the contrary, heat up.

Did you know? Interestingly, in exactly the same way, the long tails of rats and the huge horns of the African wild bull Ankole Watusi help to regulate the temperature.

Thus, the body temperature of a healthy rabbit remains relatively constant (relatively, because the normal temperature range for this animal varies slightly depending on the time of year: at normal rates of 38.8–39.5 ° C, in winter it can drop to 37 ° C , and rise to 40-41 ° C in summer), but the ears can be very cold or very hot if the animal freezes or overheats.

Signs of ear disease

Too big ears often cause serious problems for rabbits, becoming a hotbed of various kinds of infections. The fact that something is wrong with the ears of a pet can be judged by the following symptoms (one or more in combination):

a large amount of earwax begins to accumulate in the ears, which in certain cases completely clogs the ear canal;
pus appears in the ears;
on the inside of the auricle, and sometimes also on the eyelids, red spots, nodules, sores and sores appear, covered with scabs or gore, or small tubercles that turn into dropsy filled with liquid, which eventually burst, leaving a scab;
the ears become hot and the tip of the nose dry;
the rabbit shakes its head from time to time, often tries to scratch its ears with its paws, rub against any nearby solid object, in a word, according to the behavior of the animal, it is obvious that the disease is accompanied by severe itching;
ears are always in a lowered state;
the head constantly falls to the side or leans forward;
the general body temperature of the animal rises;
the rabbit breathes often and heavily;
the animal becomes lethargic and weak, or, on the contrary, behaves nervously and restlessly;
loss of appetite or complete refusal of food;
refusal of females from mating, deterioration of reproductive functions;
violation of the coordination of movements of the animal.

Why do rabbits have hot ears

Hot ears in a rabbit can be caused by two reasons:

overheating;
disease.

It is not difficult to distinguish these reasons from each other - you just need to assess the general well-being of the animal. If the rabbit does not show any signs of unhealthy behavior, he does not have all the symptoms listed above, then you should not panic. Perhaps you should slightly reduce the temperature of the air in the room where the animal is kept.

Important! A temporary increase in the temperature of the ears in a rabbit may not be caused by hot air, but by overexcitation (overwork) of the animal. The ears begin to cool the body of the animal in the same way that sweat cools the human body during active training.

You can help lower your pet's body temperature by gently wiping his ears with gauze or a napkin previously moistened with water at room temperature (in no case cold, otherwise the blood vessels will narrow, further reducing heat transfer in the body).
In addition, you need to be very careful to ensure that water does not flow into the ear canal. These measures are not a treatment, but only the first aid to the animal. If his condition is not limited to hot ears, first of all, it is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Psoroptosis or scabies

The incubation period of psoroptosis lasts from one to five days. The disease can affect rabbits of any age, but most often it affects animals older than four months. Infection occurs from sick individuals, and the infection spreads very quickly: when the animal itches or shakes its head, along with the flakes of dying skin, ticks fall out of its ears and immediately move to other rabbits.

In order to accurately diagnose psoroptosis, laboratory tests are not necessary. Using a plastic spatula or other convenient object, it is necessary to remove a small piece of dead skin from the inside of the rabbit's auricle, place it in a fatty substance (for example, petroleum jelly) preheated to 40 ° C and, armed with a magnifying glass, carefully examine. The size of Psoroptos cuniculi is a little more than half a millimeter, but with a magnifying glass and an adult, and even its larvae, it is quite possible to consider.
Having identified specific symptoms, treatment should be started immediately. To do this, you can use folk methods or resort to more civilized help from official medicine, however, in both cases, first of all, it is necessary to very carefully remove pus and dead skin flakes from the affected auricle, after softening the skin with hydrogen peroxide (you can’t scrape off the growths in no case, only the layer that falls off by itself is removed).

Traditional medicine offers the following treatment options for ear scabies in rabbits:

Apply to each ear glycerin mixed with an alcohol solution of iodine 5% (ratio 1:4). Repeat the procedure daily until complete recovery.
Every day, lubricate the affected areas of the ear with camphor oil.
Mix turpentine or birch tar (terpenes) with any vegetable oil in a ratio of 2: 1 and lubricate the ears with the resulting ointment. This mixture is too toxic for daily use, the procedure can be repeated no sooner than after 2 weeks.
As in the previous recipe, you should take turpentine and vegetable oil, however, in equal proportions, add phenol-free coal creolin to the resulting mixture in the same volume as the other two components. Creolin has a pronounced acaricidal effect, including against Psoroptos cuniculi. The tool is used daily.

Modern medicine offers a large selection of more effective and easy-to-use drugs for this disease. In particular, there are many medicines available in aerosol cans that allow you to easily and quickly apply the medicine instead of mixing components that are not too fragrant and then treating the infected areas on the body of a frightened animal with cotton swabs or other improvised means.

Video: treatment of psoroptosis in rabbits

Such drugs include, for example:

Akrodex;
Dermatosol;
Dicrezyl;
Psoroptol;
Cyodrin.

Did you know? In no case should rabbits be lifted up by holding their ears. In the wild, animals are often attacked from the air, so the force pulling the rabbit up causes him real panic and can even cause illness. You can take the animal in your hands only from below, descending to it, so that the fluffy sees what is happening to him.

There are no less effective preparations produced in the form of drops and emulsions, which treat the surface of the ear using the technology described above for traditional medicine recipes. This list should include the following:

Neocidol;
Phoxim;
Sulfidophos;
Chlorophos;
Decta;
Butox 50;
Valekson;
Deces;
Mustang;
Stomazan;
Neostomazan;

At the initial stage of the disease, a single application of any of the drugs mentioned above is sufficient for treatment; in advanced cases, treatment is carried out twice with an interval of 1-2 weeks (in accordance with the instructions). In addition, the treatment of psoroptosis in rabbits can be carried out by injection (an injection is given subcutaneously in the withers, intramuscularly in the thigh or directly in the ear). Drugs used for this purpose:

Baymek;
Ivomek;
Selamectin.

Important! For pregnant rabbits, these injections are contraindicated; in this case, treatment is carried out only with topical drugs.

Unlike psoroptosis, the causative agent of purulent otitis in rabbits is a virus. The symptoms of the disease are very similar to ear scabies, however, digestive upset (diarrhea) can be observed in parallel. There are no outgrowths on the auricle. Another characteristic sign of purulent otitis media is that the animal rolls its eyes unnaturally. If a tick or its larvae are not found during a scraping study from the ears, this also suggests the viral nature of the disease.
Viral infections are almost impossible to cure with medications, but antibiotics are still prescribed in such cases, since a weakened animal often becomes a victim of the activation of various pathogenic microflora. Treatment is carried out by instilling anti-inflammatory drugs into the ears, lubricating the ears with Zooderm or Otodepin, as well as injections of Cefabol, Oxytetracycline and other antibacterial agents (as prescribed by a veterinarian).

Why do rabbits have cold ears

If hot ears in a rabbit are evidence of its overheating or the development of an infectious disease, then a decrease in the temperature of this organ is a clear sign of hypothermia. In especially severe cases, even frostbite of the ears can occur: blood almost does not circulate through the narrowed blood vessels, most of it remains in the body of the animal, saving it from hypothermia, as a result, the tissues of the auricle begin to be damaged and die.
Ear frostbite in a rabbit goes through three stages in sequence:

The ears become cold, red and swollen. At this stage, the animal experiences severe pain.
Blisters appear on the ears, which eventually burst, releasing a cloudy liquid with bloody clots. The hair on the outside of the ears falls out, the rabbit can no longer hold them upright.
Blackened areas appear on the ears - foci of necrosis.

In order to prevent complete frostbite of the ears and to provide the animal with first aid, it is necessary to very carefully rub the cold ears with your hands, and then grease them with slightly melted (by no means hot) fat. You can use pork or goose. At the second stage of the disease, the blisters must be opened, and the affected areas should be smeared with camphor, penicillin or iodine ointment. In the third stage, it is usually necessary to resort to amputation of the ear or part of it.

Important! In any case, a rabbit with signs of frostbite of the ears should be placed in a warm room until complete recovery.

Preventive measures

To avoid problems with the ears of fluffy pets, the following preventive rules must be strictly observed:

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ear scabies

One of the common causes that can ultimately lead to the death of a pet is psoroptosis or ear scabies. Psoroptosis in rabbits develops quickly, so help should be provided immediately. This disease is contagious, so there is a risk that ear scabies in rabbits from a sick pet will pass to healthy ones. Why does psoroptosis occur?

It's all about the special ticks of the genus Psoroptes, which gave the name to the disease. Such yellow oval-shaped mites are small in size - less than a millimeter. Despite this, they are extremely dangerous for the rabbit's ear. Ticks feed on blood, and the ears of rabbits are known to have a network of blood vessels.

Dandruff or the secret in which the tick lurks can get on a healthy individual and provoke inflammation in it.

This type of infection is the most common. Sometimes mites can be carried on the rabbit's owner or on equipment that has not been carefully treated. Little rabbits can get infected from their parents.

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The symptoms of psoroptosis are the discomfort that the rabbit feels. This feeling encourages the animal to scratch the skin around the ears, which leads to damage to this area. Since the wound from scratching is open, infection can get there, which leads to otitis media and brain damage.

If it comes to the latter, then this will be clearly seen due to the corresponding symptoms indicating damage to the central nervous system. However, it is usually useless to give treatment in this case, since such a disease in most cases leads to death.

How to recognize a tick?

restless state;
head shaking;
constant friction of the area around the ears;
friction against the walls of the cell or room.

If there is even the slightest suspicion of psoroptosis, first you need to carefully examine the pet's auricles. A healthy rabbit has smooth and clean ears. If red tubercles appear on them, you should pay special attention to this, since they can be the first symptom.

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If ear scabies is detected, and the tubercles are replaced by vesicles in which there is a yellow liquid, then psoroptosis is confirmed. Subsequently, these bubbles will grow and burst, the liquid will flow out and dry out, a crust will form.

Treatment cannot be neglected, since the crust, or plaque that forms at the site of accumulation of bubbles, will cover the entire ear. In addition, the ear canal will become clogged with sulfur and pus, however, this symptom occurs if the disease is started.

You need to go to the veterinarian when the first unpleasant symptoms appear. The veterinarian will conduct a study by taking a scraping. Based on the results of the procedure, the specialist will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment for the rabbit.

In some cases, contacting a veterinarian is not possible. Then you can take a scraping at home. It is enough to place it under a layer of vaseline oil, and then, with the help of a magnifying glass, you can see ticks and their movements on it.

How to treat?

In the process of treating a rabbit, it is constantly necessary to show a specialist so that deterioration does not occur. It is necessary to strictly follow all the instructions of the veterinarian, and also act according to the following plan:

Anoint the formed crusts on the ears with a mixture of glycerin and an alcohol solution of iodine in a ratio of 1:4. In this case, the plaque should become softer.
The loose plaque is removed.
Once every 3 days, drip the drug "Amitrazin". Frequent use of drops is harmful because it causes burns.

Before applying the preparations, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse and clean the ears. Usually a positive effect comes after the first procedure, however, if this does not happen, then it is worth repeating their treatment and treatment with special means.

In addition, special ointments, aerosols and sprays have an additional effect. In particular, "Dikrezil", "Acrodex", "Cyodrin", etc. You can use these drugs no more than 1 time per week. If treatment is started on time, then the pet will be able to boast of healthy ears.

Treatment with folk methods

In order to succeed in the ears of scabies of rabbits, rabbit breeders do not have to turn to pharmaceutical preparations. You can make a tool at home, which will include the following components:

Turpentine;
Vegetable oil;
Kerosene.

In this case, the proportion of the constituent elements should be 1:1:1. Turpentine will have the main effect. If not diluted, it can irritate the skin.

After the remedy is done, you need to take a cotton swab and, dipped in the solution, apply to the place in the ears that has been affected. The agent must be rubbed with massaging movements.

A self-made solution will help both in the initial stage of ear disease in rabbits, and in later stages. If the remedy does not give a result, after a few days, the procedure should be repeated.

As an alternative, experienced rabbit breeders regularly use camphor oil. It also helps the pet get rid of the disease and gain a healthy look.

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Preventive measures

If timely and correctly resort to the prevention of the disease, then in the future it is possible to avoid negative manifestations in the ears of the rabbit. To minimize the harm from psoroptosis, the following measures must be taken:

inspect the ears of pets as often as possible;
once every six months, disinfect the instruments used for examining animals;
wash hands thoroughly after touching a sick rabbit;
after acquiring a rabbit, place it in quarantine for 20 days, which will make sure that the animal is healthy;
pregnant rabbits should be carefully examined two weeks before birth;
keep flies, fleas and rodents capable of carrying tick eggs away.

Myxomatosis

Much more dangerous for a rabbit, in contrast to psoroptosis, is a disease that has a viral nature - myxomatosis. Outwardly, it manifests itself in the appearance of "bumps" on the ears, which are similar in size to a dove's egg.

This disease manifests itself in warm seasons. Its carriers are mosquitoes and mosquitoes. Myxomatosis is dangerous for both small and adult individuals. In addition, it does not disappear even after the death of the rabbit: it continues to exist in a dead body for about a year.

If the virus is not eliminated in time, it will penetrate the head and paws. In addition, the disease can provoke conjunctivitis with the release of pus, and this affects the fact that the eyelids will constantly stick together.

To achieve the desired result and see the pet healthy again, you need to undergo a course of treatment that will last two weeks.

After this time, the “bumps” will resolve, and the affected skin will heal. However, the ears will finally stop festering in about a month, all this time the rabbit can be dangerous for other individuals, since the virus can be transmitted to healthy ones.

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Methods of treatment and prevention

To protect the rabbit from myxomatosis, it is necessary to administer a special vaccine to it. After the pet is 2.5 months old, veterinarians advise to give such an injection, and after another 3 months, repeat the procedure.

The course of treatment consists of taking antibiotics and specially designed immunomodulators that enhance immunity.

Wounds on the ears should be coated with an alcohol solution of iodine, and the rabbit itself should be settled separately from other pets for 3 months.

Purulent otitis media

This disease, if appropriate measures are not taken to treat the rabbit, can lead to abnormal brain function, and in extreme cases, death. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly and clearly follow the instructions of the veterinarian to recognize and begin to treat pus.

The symptoms that are characteristic of purulent otitis media are in many ways similar to those that are detected with psoroptosis. However, the former additionally includes festering ears, poor appetite, an abnormal reaction to ear strokes, a weakened appearance.

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Although the symptoms of the two diseases are similar, the treatment is different. Therefore, in any case, it is necessary to seek advice and help from a veterinarian who will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the necessary drugs.

To cure otitis, special medicines are required. They can only be advised by an experienced specialist. Therefore, if you choose medicines on your own, they can only harm your pet. Removal of pain and itching occurs by instillation into the ears of drops that relieve inflammation.

abalone drop

Although eye drop is common among rabbits, it should not be underestimated. A fall can represent a simple game of an animal or be a symptom of some serious illness.

If one or two rabbit ears fall, they should be carefully examined, even if otherwise healthy. Sores in the ears and on the shells should not be.

The fall of the ear can be triggered by the fact that something got into the ear canal. In addition, a fall may be due to the fact that the rabbit is shaken by the ears, and this, in turn, negatively affects the work of the nervous and circulatory system of the animal.

And also the heat can serve as a cause, since rabbit ears acutely perceive temperature fluctuations. As a rule, because of the heat, the ears droop in small rabbits due to the fact that their cartilage frame has not fully formed.

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Sometimes the problem lies much deeper - in the pedigree. If the patients had such a breed as "sheep", then the weight of the pets affects the lowering of the ears.

The first requires the necessary treatment course. In another case, a special design will help, which would serve as a “tire” and help support the ear.

It is easy to make it yourself: you just need to take foam rubber or glue a fallen ear to another one that has a shape. Such a "tire" is necessary for the rabbit for 4 weeks, while he shakes his head as usual, without restrictions.

Earwax

If the pet's ears are filled with sulfur, you just need to remove it. However, this must be done gently so that the animal is not afraid and does not harm. The process of cleaning the ears consists of several steps:

Bleeding

Rabbit ears are made up of a whole system of blood vessels, so the slightest scratch or cut can lead to profuse bleeding. If this happens, then the ear should be wiped with a cotton swab moistened with hydrogen peroxide. This measure will remove blood from the surface of the ear and show exactly where the bleeding wound is located.

Often rabbits themselves scratch their ears, which leads to wounds. They can scratch with allergies or when exposed to a tick.

Diseases of rabbits from temperature

If the temperature is too high or too low, then this develops ear diseases in rabbits.

Overheating or frostbite will not pass without a trace for the ears. The optimal temperature indicator that a pet should have varies from 19 to 27 degrees.

hypothermia

If the ears are swollen, then they received a dose of hypothermia. You can help the pet in this situation by rubbing the ears, and then bringing it into a warm room. After the ears become dry and warm, they should be treated with petroleum jelly. An alternative is camphor oil.

With the appearance of bubbles bursting and becoming crusted, the second stage begins. If there are scabs in the ears of rabbits, how to treat?

It is necessary to open the bubbles and lubricate the inflamed areas. To do this, use an ointment based on camphor, zinc or iodine.

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If the third stage of hypothermia has come, then the skin of the ears begins to wrinkle and dry out. Tissue cells die, so they need to be removed. The pet itself must be placed on warm straw.

Overheat

In contrast to frostbite, the rabbit may become overheated. This happens if the temperature in the room is higher than the norm. To avoid overheating in this case, the pet should be put in a cool place. However, if this does not help, then the reason is different and you need to seek help from a veterinarian.

In the case when the ear disease in a rabbit is recognized by a specialist, treatment should be started quickly. The patient is isolated from other pets to avoid infection. However, this does not apply to diseases associated with body temperatures (hypothermia and overheating).

To protect the rabbit from the above dangerous diseases, you need to follow simple preventive measures:

keep the rabbitry clean;
inject vaccines on time;
create a favorable temperature in the rabbitry;
provide the most useful and balanced nutrition;
only purchased pets should be kept in quarantine for a while.

A person is born with the need to take care of someone, and therefore gets pets. He takes care of his pets, gives them his love and tenderness. Many people have cats or dogs. It is rare that someone buys rabbits for a house, but these little animals can become good friends to a person and an excellent replacement for a cat and a dog.

Rabbits are born naked and blind. In nature, these little animals live in holes, they are hunted by predators (hence the big eyes and ears). Rabbits have excellent hearing and a wide field of vision.

It's no secret that they belong to the hare family and love to gnaw. Having brought this fluffy miracle into the house, you need to hide all the wires, otherwise the appearance of a rabbit will bring unforeseen expenses. You should also remove fruit trees away from the animal. These animals are highly trainable. It will not be difficult to train your pet to the toilet.

It should be remembered that the rabbit's body temperature should not exceed 39.4 degrees. If it is higher, then you need to sound the alarm and urgently call the veterinarian. Sometimes the ears of the animal can become reddish - this means an increase in pressure.

At air temperatures above 28 degrees, dwarf rabbits get a load on the body, so your task is to alleviate the pet's condition in hot weather.

It has long been known that with the help of the ears, the body of the animal fights against the general overheating of the body, cooling the blood, because rabbits sweat only through the pads on their paws. Sometimes rabbit owners find that their pet has hot ears. They begin to panic, thinking that their "friend" is sick, but this should not be done. If the rabbit feels good: eats and plays normally, but at the same time his ears are hotter than usual, then there is nothing to worry about. Most likely, the animal is simply overtired and needs rest.

If the behavior of the rabbit has changed dramatically, it is necessary to measure its temperature. To do this, you need a rectal thermometer. If, in addition, the pet is breathing heavily and his nose is dry, you should call the veterinarian, but the owner can help the pet himself. It is necessary to wipe the back of the animal with warm water, about 30 degrees, starting from the neck, move down to the hind legs. The main thing is that the wool does not interfere with the passage of water to the skin.

Hot ears should also be wiped, it is better to do this with a wet cloth, but you need to be careful not to get water into the ears of the animal. This procedure will help reduce body temperature before the arrival of the veterinarian, but it is worth remembering that decorative rabbits do not like water and can kick! After rinsing, wrap the rabbit in a towel. If there are medicines in the first-aid kit, then you need to give the pet Gamavit and Corvalol.

Dwarf rabbits are very shy and can even die from a strong fright, so the myth of cowardly hares is not a myth at all.

It is necessary to take care of rabbits, monitor their health, the temperature in the room, which should not exceed 28. In the heat, you should alleviate your pet's condition. To do this, you can freeze bottled water and put it on the cage. Put a small piece of ice in the cup or constantly monitor the temperature of the water. Cool water rabbits drink more willingly.

Decorative rabbits are very sensitive creatures. They can't stand the heat. Being in a stuffy room at a temperature of 42 degrees, the animal may even die, so it is necessary to monitor the pet, to prevent it from overheating. Do not place the cage close to a window, where the rabbit can suffer heat stroke from the sun's rays penetrating the glass. When the house is hot and stuffy, it is better to check the animal more often. If you watch your pet, you can avoid many problems.

Body temperature: 38.5-40 ° C
Respiratory rate: 50-150/min at rest
Heart rate: 120-150/min at rest
Puberty: small breeds 10-14 weeks, large breeds 4-5 months
Pregnancy: 28-33 days
Number of litters: 4-6 baby rabbits
Lifespan: 6-10 years

Olfactory organs

Eyes

The eyes of rabbits are located on the sides of the head, which provides the animal with an almost 360 degree horizon. This helps the rabbits, as runaway animals, to figure out the predator, no matter which side it is on. But what is happening in front of them, they almost do not see, so they can easily get scared. Rabbits can't see in 3D and can barely see colors other than red and green.

Ears

Rabbits have excellent hearing (16 to 33,000 Hertz). At the same time, they can move their ears independently of each other (exception: rabbits of the “ram” breed). Rabbits also perceive sounds at frequencies that humans cannot hear. Noise stresses rabbits. The rabbit's ears serve not only to register sounds, but a certain position of the ears indicates the mood of the rabbit. Ears pressed to the back when communicating with relatives indicate submission. One raised ear registers a sound that the animal is not particularly interested in. Both ears stick up and point forward - registering a sound that the animal is completely interested in or expecting something pleasant (for example, the owner with food). The ears of "rams" are an unnatural deviation during selection. In addition to ear diseases, which increase in risk with age, the rabbit does not hear as well as its congeners with protruding ears, which often means additional stress for this breed.

The ears also regulate body temperature. Rabbit ears are very well supplied with blood. If the rabbit's ears are warm, then the rabbit is getting rid of excess heat. If the rabbit is cold, he presses his ears and thereby reduces the surface that gives off heat. Thus, it saves energy.

Nose

Rabbits are very good at smelling. The nose serves as a direct reference point in the area. Only The rabbit's nose is connected to the lungs, so the animals cannot breathe through their mouths. The nose is the rabbit's mood barometer. Of course, with a certain mood, the frequency of breathing also changes. If the rabbit's nose hardly moves, this is a signal that the rabbit is relaxed and resting. If the nose is shaking, then the reasons can be different - from curiosity to stress, heat and illness.

Mustache, eyebrows

With the help of whiskers and eyebrows, rabbits navigate in the dark.

Teeth

Rabbits have 28 teeth, just like hares. The rabbit's front teeth (incisors) grow throughout life, and faster in the lower jaw than in the upper. Between the 27th and 35th day of life, the development of the jaw and teeth is completed in rabbits. Premolar milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. There are two incisors in the upper and lower jaws. In the upper jaw, directly behind the upper incisors are two premolars. The root of the molars is open and they grow the same way all their lives. The front side of the teeth is highly mineralized, but not pigmented in the same way as in rodents. Their color ranges from white to light yellow. Without natural wear (grinding), when eating grass and hay, rabbit teeth grow back by 1-1.5 cm in a short period.

Additional information about rabbit teeth:
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Peculiarities

Wool

Rabbits molt twice a year: in autumn they are overgrown with winter fur, in spring with summer fur. Sometimes the hair falls out so much that in places there are bald patches. Bald places, as a rule, still do not exist. At this time, rabbits can be combed out. Rabbits living in apartments with central heating may shed more frequently.

Collar

A collar is a deposit of fat directly at the base of the head. Collars come in different sizes and also in different places at the base of the head. In wild rabbits, the collar was a kind of reserve store of fat. The breastplate of an unsterilized female is a sexual feature. Males have especially large collars. Some breeders breed rabbits with specially large collars to make the rabbits look cuter. At the same time, the large collar of a decorative rabbit is a direct evidence of obesity (the rabbit's head rests on a double chin). If the animal loses weight, a hanging cloth is left in place of the collar.

anal gland

The odorous gland (anal gland) is located at the anus. The excreted secret also covers the feces with which the rabbit marks the territory.

Gland on the chin

The rabbit also has a scent gland on its chin. The rabbit rubs its chin to mark territory.

Glands in the groin (inguinal testes)

Two glands 1.5 cm in size, yellow-white in color, are located in the inguinal region.

Heart

Heart weight: 0.22 - 0.24% of the weight of an adult animal

Pulse rate: 120-150 beats per minute

Rabbits as well as dogs and cats (and humans) can suffer from high or low blood pressure.

Digestive system

You can read about the features of the digestive system of rabbits in the corresponding article: ""

Internal organs and skeleton

Internal organs: 1. Trachea / 2. Lung / 3. Heart / 4. Liver / 5. Esophagus / 6. Stomach / 7. Small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) / 8. Cecum / 9. Large intestine intestine / 10. Anus / 11. Bladder / ureter

Rabbit skeleton: 1. Two regenerative, double incisors in the upper jaw, followed by premolars. / 2. Two regenerative incisors in the lower jaw / 3. 6 molars on each side in the upper jaw, 5 in the lower jaw / 4. The spine consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, 13 thoracic vertebrae, 7 lumbar vertebrae, 4 sacrums and 16 tail vertebrae / 5. Front paws with 5 fingers / 6. Hind paws with 4 fingers

How to determine the gender of a rabbit

The inguinal glands are pockets on both sides of the anus. Healthy rabbits clean these places themselves. Sick and overweight rabbits often cannot reach these pockets. Thus, a hard and painful scab forms on these places. In this case, you should regularly check these places and clean them if necessary with a cotton swab dipped in water until the rabbit can do it himself. After cleaning, lubricate the affected areas with petroleum jelly or zinc ointment.

So if you find:

dry nose;
loss of appetite;
diarrhea;
rabbit sneezes;
accumulation of earwax

Psoroptosis or scabies

Medication treatment

Purulent otitis media

diarrhea;
purulent discharge.

Frostbite of the ears

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Why do rabbits have hot ears?

If the behavior of the pet has not changed, he has a great appetite, no other signs of illness were found - your ward just ran and got tired. After rest, the fluffy ears will again return to their usual temperature of 38-39.5 degrees. This organ is responsible for the thermoregulation of the body as a whole, that is, in this way the pet simply normalizes the overall body temperature, getting rid of excess heat. But an increase in temperature in rabbits can also be a sign of illness.

So if you find:

changes in pet behavior
dry nose;
loss of appetite;
the rabbit scratches its ears with its paws or tries to scratch them on objects;
diarrhea;
rabbit sneezes;
the appearance in the auricle of blisters and sores, crusts;
accumulation of earwax

this is an occasion to examine the pet's ears in more detail. Knowing the symptoms of ear diseases is necessary for both beginners and experienced rabbit breeders, especially since there are only three common diseases.

Psoroptosis or scabies

Psoroptosis is a contagious disease that affects pets older than 4 months. It can be transmitted from a sick rabbit to rabbits, between individuals, the owner can bring a tick to the nursery on clothes or shoes. In the advanced form of the disease, the ear mite can cause a tumor in the brain of the animal, which will lead to its death. Ear scabies spreads not only among pets, humans are also susceptible to this disease. The signs of the disease are:

Treatment of psoroptosis is quite effective with both folk and medical methods, but it starts the same way - with the removal of crusts in the auricles.

Folk ways to deal with ear scabies

The wounds are processed very carefully, in no case do not scrape the growths with sharp objects. Scabs soften before removal. Of course, psoroptosis is easier to treat in the early stages of the disease, so if you find a hot rabbit trying to scratch its ears #8212; inspect it immediately.

Medication treatment

To combat ear mites, there are aerosols, injections, various emulsions.

Injections are injected into the withers of the rabbit. It is better to coordinate the remedy and dosage with the veterinarian. Basically, ratologists prescribe Baymek and Ivomek - a medicine to combat psoroptosis for cattle and pigs. For female rabbits, this method is excluded.

Purulent otitis media

violation of the coordination of the animal;
the rabbit has hot ears and breathes rapidly;
rotation or horizontal movement of the eyes;
diarrhea;
increased attention of the rabbit to the ear;
purulent discharge.

Finding symptoms of otitis media in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately. Self-medication can lead to sad consequences.

Frostbite of the ears

Rabbit #8212; the owner of delicate ears that react sharply to changes in temperature. Colds can respond to the pet with frostbite of the ears and paws. Frostbite symptoms are easy to identify:

If rapidly developing seals are found on the ears of a rabbit, it is necessary to urgently call a veterinarian at home. This is a clear sign of a serious disease - myxomatosis. Myxomatosis is not treatable and the only way to prevent this disease is timely vaccination of livestock.

Yesterday my Heri had these symptoms, went to the vet, he said that he had pus, it’s good that he turned not so late, otherwise it would have been too late. He said preparations, but they are very expensive, I found this article and it helped me a little

Faced this problem about a year ago, as soon as the symptoms appeared, they immediately ran to the vet. Thankfully everything was resolved. The main thing is not to start the disease in the animal! As soon as the first signs appear, immediately proceed to treatment! All the best.

Indeed, the rabbit is a very gentle animal and is prone to many diseases. We keep and breed rabbits for more than one year. And it happens that they get sick. Sometimes their chin gets wet. And they die from this. It is very difficult to cure it.

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I did everything that you wrote, for 3 for my homa is satisfied and runs in full. And the question is, what to do if the homa gnaws at the cage? And how to avoid it?

Nata, tell me please, where did you find Robarovsky's hamsters? I called a bunch of shops in Minsk - nowhere

Thank you, now we will send

You the most interesting articles directly to your email!

http://lovelyhamster.ru/kroliki/pochemu-u-krolika-goryachie-ushi/

Why do rabbits have hot ears?

Rabbit physiology

Body temperature: 38.5-40 ° C
Respiratory rate: 50-150/min at rest
Heart rate: 120-150/min at rest
Puberty: small breeds 10-14 weeks, large breeds 4-5 months
Pregnancy: 28-33 days
Number of litters: 4-6 baby rabbits
Lifespan: 6-10 years

So, let's figure out why the decorative rabbit has hot ears. If you keep a decorative rabbit at home, you must remember that the temperature of the room to which the rabbit is located should not exceed 28 degrees.

And try not to scare your pet, because the rumor about the fearfulness of rabbits is very real.

The effect of temperature on the rabbit

Also, if the rabbit's ears are hot, then most likely your rabbit is overheated. Many owners, having discovered that the rabbit's ears are hot, begin to worry about the health of their "eared ears". But if the rabbit behaves as usual and there are no obvious deviations in his behavior, he eats normally and is active, then there is nothing to worry about, you need to let the rabbit rest and cool down.

What to do?

In central Russia, it is rarely hot over 40 degrees, and this is very good for rabbits, since at high temperatures rabbits can experience heat stroke or, even worse, they can die from the heat. It is also impossible to leave "eared" in direct sunlight for a long time in warm weather, especially at noon.

And if rabbits, especially those permanently living on the street, tolerate cold weather well, then rabbits must be protected from heat.

In hot weather, you need to provide the rabbit with the opportunity to cool. But! It is not necessary to arrange artificial drafts for rabbits or direct an air stream from a fan at them. Sealed containers of cold water wrapped in cloth help well. In the heat, it is necessary to change the water in the drinking bowl, it is good to throw ice cubes into the water, it is believed that rabbits love cold water. For cooling, you can use cold tiles or stone tiles. The room itself, where the rabbit is kept, can be moistened and cooled by hanging a damp cloth or spraying water with a spray bottle.

Diseases and their treatment

Dwarf rabbits are very shy and can even die from a strong fright, so the myth of cowardly hares is not a myth at all.

So if you find:

changes in pet behavior
dry nose;
loss of appetite;
the rabbit scratches its ears with its paws or tries to scratch them on objects;
diarrhea;
rabbit sneezes;
the appearance in the auricle of blisters and sores, crusts;
accumulation of earwax

Psoroptosis or scabies

The signs of the disease are:

Treatment of psoroptosis is quite effective with both folk and medical methods, but it starts the same way - with the removal of crusts in the auricles.

Folk ways to deal with ear scabies:

The wounds are processed very carefully, in no case do not scrape the growths with sharp objects. Scabs soften before removal. Of course, psoroptosis is easier to cure in the initial stages of the disease, so if you find that a hot rabbit is trying to scratch his ears, examine him immediately.

Symptoms of purulent otitis are:

violation of the coordination of the animal;
the rabbit has hot ears and breathes rapidly;
rotation or horizontal movement of the eyes;
diarrhea;
increased attention of the rabbit to the ear;
purulent discharge.

Frostbite of the ears

The rabbit is the owner of delicate ears that react sharply to changes in temperature. Colds can respond to the pet with frostbite of the ears and paws. Frostbite symptoms are easy to identify:

The normal temperature of a rabbit should not exceed 39.4 degrees, and the temperature of the room in which the animal is located should not exceed 28 degrees. Rabbit ears are responsible for thermoregulation, they are well supplied with blood. And if your pet has hot ears, then in this way he simply gets rid of excess heat. From the cold, by the way, rabbits press their ears to the body, thus reducing the surface that gives off heat. But hot ears can also be an indicator of the disease. Do not worry if, with an increase in the temperature of the ears, the body temperature is in order, the animal has a normal appetite and well-being. But if, in addition to hot ears, the rabbit breathes often and has a dry nose, it is better to show the pet to the doctor.

http://pets-mf.ru/pochemu-u-krolika-goryachie-ushi/

Why do rabbits have short ears? Why do rabbits have hot ears? The effect of temperature on the rabbit

The effect of temperature on the rabbit

Signs of ear disease

Why do rabbits have hot ears

Psoroptosis or scabies

Why do rabbits have cold ears

Preventive measures

ear scabies

How to recognize a tick?

How to treat?

Treatment with folk methods

Preventive measures

Myxomatosis

Methods of treatment and prevention

Purulent otitis media

abalone drop

Earwax

Bleeding

Diseases of rabbits from temperature

hypothermia

Overheat

Psoroptosis or scabies

Medication treatment

Purulent otitis media

Frostbite of the ears

Popular Articles

latest comments

Why do rabbits have hot ears?

Psoroptosis or scabies

Medication treatment

Purulent otitis media

Frostbite of the ears

Popular Articles

latest comments

Why do rabbits have hot ears?

Rabbit physiology

The effect of temperature on the rabbit

What to do?

Diseases and their treatment

Psoroptosis or scabies

Frostbite of the ears