Rabbit Emergency Care

Emergency Vet Care for Rabbits

What to do when your rabbit needs urgent care

What Constitutes an Emergency

Rabbits can deteriorate rapidly due to their fast metabolism and tendency to hide illness. The following symptoms require immediate veterinary attention:

🚨 Life-Threatening Emergencies

Not eating

Refusing food for more than 12 hours is an emergency

No droppings

Not producing droppings for 24+ hours

GI stasis

Distended abdomen, loud gurgling stomach, lethargy

Difficulty breathing

Open-mouth breathing, wheezing, nasal discharge

Seizures or collapse

Any loss of consciousness

Bleeding

Any uncontrolled bleeding

Acute bloat

Hard, distended stomach, signs of pain

⚠️ Critical Warning

If your rabbit is breathing with mouth open, this is a critical emergency. Get to a vet immediately — this can quickly become fatal.

⚡ Urgent (Within 24 Hours)

  • Limping or favoring a leg
  • Eye problems — discharge, cloudiness, bulging
  • Head tilt (wry neck)
  • Skin wounds or sores
  • Sudden behavior changes
  • Significant weight loss

How to Find 24-Hour Emergency Vets

Before You Need One

  • Research 24-hour emergency vet clinics in your area NOW
  • Find out which regular vets offer after-hours care or on-call services
  • Identify the nearest veterinary emergency hospital
  • Check if your regular vet can refer you to an emergency clinic

Finding Emergency Vets

Veterinary Emergency Group

Multiple locations nationwide

PetHelpful Directory

Emergency vets by state

Google Maps

Search '24 hour emergency vet near me'

💡 Pro Tip

Call ahead if possible. Let them know you're coming with a rabbit emergency. This gives them time to prepare and advise you on transport.

Questions to Ask About Rabbit Emergency Care

When you call an emergency vet, ask these questions:

Do you treat rabbits? — Not all emergency clinics see rabbits

Do you have rabbit experience? — Some clinics see rabbits but lack expertise

What are your rabbit-specific protocols? — For stasis, anesthesia, pain management

Do you have rabbit-safe medications? — Some common emergency drugs are toxic

Can you handle rabbit surgery if needed? — Not all can perform emergency procedures

Red Flags to Avoid

Avoid clinics that:

  • Refuse to see rabbits outright
  • Recommend medications known to be toxic to rabbits
  • Have no experience with rabbit dental emergencies
  • Can't provide any rabbit-specific care guidance over the phone

Be Prepared: Emergency Kit & Contacts

Transport

  • Hard-sided carrier sized for your rabbit
  • Blanket or towel for bedding

Warmth

  • Microwaveable heating pad
  • Battery-operated heat source

Feeding

  • 1ml and 3ml syringes
  • Critical Care formula powder

Documents

  • Recent photos of your rabbit
  • Vet records and medical history
  • List of medications

📋 Keep It Handy

Save these contacts in your phone AND post them on your refrigerator or near your rabbit supplies. In an emergency, you don't want to be searching for numbers.

  • Your regular rabbit vet (daytime)
  • Nearest 24-hour emergency clinic
  • Emergency vet #2 (backup)
  • ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435
  • Local rabbit rescue (for guidance)

What to Do While Transporting

In the Carrier

  • Use a secure, well-ventilated carrier
  • Line with a towel or blanket for traction and comfort
  • Keep the carrier steady — avoid sudden movements
  • Maintain temperature — rabbits overheat and chill easily

During the Ride

  • Keep the car warm but not hot (65-75°F ideal)
  • Speak softly to your rabbit — your voice is calming
  • Don't feed unless instructed by a vet
  • Keep the carrier visible but not in direct sunlight
  • Drive safely — your rabbit's life is in your hands

🚗 Important Transport Tips

Never transport your rabbit in an open container, loose in the car, or in extreme temperatures. If your rabbit is in distress, call the emergency vet while driving — they can provide life-saving guidance over the phone.

If Your Rabbit Stops Breathing

  • Keep the airway clear
  • Support the rabbit's body position
  • Get to the vet immediately — call ahead for CPR guidance
  • Note: Do not attempt CPR unless instructed by a professional

Be Prepared, Not Scared

Having a plan in place before an emergency happens can save your rabbit's life. Take time now to research your options, save the contacts, and assemble your emergency kit. You'll feel more confident knowing you're ready.