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Anaemia in rabbits
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**.
Key takeaways
- Anaemia is a low red blood cell count or low haemoglobin. Red cells carry oxygen — without enough, rabbits become weak, breathe faster and may collapse.
- Common causes include blood loss from fleas or mites (especially in young rabbits), gut bleeding, uterine disease in unspayed females, chronic disease, and bone marrow problems.
- Signs include pale gums and inner eyelids, weakness, lethargy, fast breathing, reduced appetite, and collapse. Pale gums in any rabbit need same-day vet assessment.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is anaemia in rabbits?
- Anaemia is a low red blood cell count or low haemoglobin. Red cells carry oxygen — without enough, rabbits become weak, breathe faster and may collapse.
- What causes anaemia in rabbits?
- Common causes include blood loss from fleas or mites (especially in young rabbits), gut bleeding, uterine disease in unspayed females, chronic disease, and bone marrow problems.
- How do I know if my rabbit is anaemic?
- Signs include pale gums and inner eyelids, weakness, lethargy, fast breathing, reduced appetite, and collapse. Pale gums in any rabbit need same-day vet assessment.