# Anaemia in Rabbits UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-anaemia-uk): Anaemia in Rabbits UK — Quick answer. Anaemia is dangerously low red blood cells. Pale gums, weakness and fast breathing are emergency signs in rabbits. A common UK cause in young rabbits is flea or mite blood loss — but gut bleeding and uterine disease also occur. Phone your rabbit-savvy vet the same day.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-anaemia-uk): Anaemia in Rabbits UK — What anaemia is. According to the RWAF and PDSA, anaemia means the blood cannot carry enough oxygen because there are too few red blood cells or too little haemoglobin. Rabbits hide illness well — anaemia may be advanced before owners notice.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-anaemia-uk): Anaemia in Rabbits UK — Signs of anaemia in rabbits. Watch for: - Pale gums and inner eyelids — should be pink; white or very pale is urgent - Weakness — reluctance to hop, sitting hunched - Fast breathing at rest - Lethargy and reduced activity - Poor appetite — risks Rabbit gut stasis UK - Cold ears in severe cases - Collapse Compare gum colour in good light. Any rabbit with pale gums needs same-day veterinary assessment.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-anaemia-uk): Anaemia in Rabbits UK — Common causes in UK rabbits. External parasites (especially in kits) Fleas and ear mites can drain blood over time. Young, small rabbits are especially vulnerable to life-threatening blood loss from heavy flea burdens. All rabbits in the household need appropriate parasite control — never use dog or cat products without veterinary advice. ### Blood loss from internal bleeding - Gut ulcers or caecal disorders - Bladder or uterine bleeding - Trauma from fighting or accidents ### Uterine disease Unspayed females are at risk of uterine cancer and bleeding. Spaying is strongly recommended for health, not only pregnancy prevention. ### Chronic disease Long-standing Dental disease, kidney disease, or chronic infection can suppress red cell production. ### Bone marrow disease Less common but serious — may need referral and advanced diagnostics.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-anaemia-uk): Anaemia in Rabbits UK — Emergency action. If your rabbit is weak, breathing fast, or has white or very pale gums: 1. Phone your rabbit-savvy vet immediately 2. Keep the rabbit warm and quiet 3. Do not force food if very weak — follow vet advice 4. Check other rabbits for fleas or shared illness Anaemia can become fatal within hours in small rabbits with acute blood loss.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-anaemia-uk): Anaemia in Rabbits UK — Diagnosis and treatment. Your vet may: - Examine gum colour and listen to the heart and lungs - Run blood tests (PCV/haematocrit) to confirm anaemia - Search for fleas, mites and external parasites - Use imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) if internal bleeding is suspected - Treat the underlying cause — flea treatment, surgery, antibiotics, etc. - Give blood transfusions or iron support in severe cases - Provide syringe feeding and gut motility support if not eating

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-anaemia-uk