Rabbits and guinea pigs
Dental disease, urinary pain, respiratory disease, reproductive disease, obstruction, altered motility, infection and other pain are important possibilities.
RABBITS & SMALL MAMMALS · URGENT SIGNS
Loss of appetite
is not a diagnosis.
Why rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and hedgehogs that stop eating need prompt species-experienced veterinary assessment.
IN THIS GUIDEUseful information for the veterinary teamAppetite loss can begin outside the digestive tractDo not let home care hide a dangerous causeTrusted sources
TIME MATTERS
Small mammals can deteriorate quickly when intake falls.
Reduced appetite may be the first visible sign of serious disease. In rabbits and guinea pigs, reduced fiber intake can worsen gastrointestinal movement; in ferrets and hedgehogs, low intake may accompany obstruction, infection, organ disease, pain or cancer.
Urgentsame-day assessmentDroppingssize and number matterSpeciesexperienced veterinarian
01 · WHAT TO RECORD
Useful information for the veterinary team
- Time of the last normal meal and what foods are refused
- Number, size and appearance of droppings
- Urination, straining or blood
- Weight change, posture, grinding teeth or hiding
- Vomiting or retching in species capable of vomiting
- Recent diet changes, chewing, trauma, heat exposure and medications
02 · POSSIBLE CAUSES
Appetite loss can begin outside the digestive tract
Ferrets
Foreign material, gastrointestinal disease, insulinoma, infection, adrenal or other systemic disease may reduce appetite.
Hedgehogs
Dental disease, infection, organ disease, tumors, inappropriate temperature and other husbandry or medical problems may contribute.
03 · BEFORE THE VISIT
Do not let home care hide a dangerous cause
- Do not force-feed when obstruction, severe bloating, choking or inability to swallow is possible.
- Do not give dog, cat or human medications.
- Do not wait for complete cessation of droppings.
- Keep the patient warm but not overheated and transport securely.
- Bring the diet, medication list, recent weights and photos of droppings when possible.
Important: A quiet rabbit or guinea pig that refuses food, produces markedly fewer droppings, has a swollen abdomen or appears painful needs urgent veterinary care.
TRUSTED SOURCES
Sources behind this guide
Merck Veterinary ManualRabbit disease and emergency information ↗Association of Exotic Mammal VeterinariansExotic companion mammal veterinary resources ↗
Source links are provided so readers can review the underlying guidance. Publication dates and recommendations can change; confirm individual plans with the treating veterinary team.