‘Hare’ Hold Me... Not
9 Oct 2016 8:39 PM IST
My rabbit doesn’t like being held. He growls and bites every time I try to hold him. Is there anything I can do about it?
Your rabbit is a ground-dwelling animal that is a prey item for many predators. It is completely against the nature of the rabbit to be held far above the ground where it cannot control its own motions and activities. When you *force* her to be held against her will, you reinforce her notion that you are a predator who is trying to restrain her. Holding her while she struggles and kicks is not only dangerous for you and the children, but for your rabbit too. As they might break their legs, necks and spines because people insist on carrying them around and handling them against their will.
My rabbit has started snoring since the past few days. He makes rapid sounds while sleeping and doesn’t have a very good appetite either. What should I do?
Rabbits snore as a result of blockage in the animal’s airway. It can also occur if nasal tissues are weak or flaccid or from excessive fluid in the passages. An extremely stressed rabbit or a rabbit with a lowered immune system may sound excessively hoarse while breathing. Other typical signs for rabbits include: ,Sneezing, rapid or loud wheezing sounds during breathing, nasal discharge (sometimes due to sinusitis or rhinitis), discharge from the eyes, lack of appetite, inability to chew or swallow,oral abscesses (especially in the teeth)
Rabbits tend to be nasal breathers and any physical deformity or unusual nasal structure can result in a lower-pitched or higher-pitched sound emanating from the airway or nose. There are many other causes.
These include:
Sinusitis and rhinitis;Abscesses, elongated teeth or secondary bacterial infections; Facial, nasal or other trauma affecting this region, including bites from other insects or animals;;Allergies and irritants including inhaling pollen, dust or other insects;Tumors that lodge in the airway;Dysfunction of the neuromuscular system, which may include hypothyroidism or diseases affecting the brainstem;Swelling and edema in the upper respiratory system;Inflammati on of the soft palate or throat and voice box;Anxiety or stress
Treatment includes providing supplemental oxygen to the rabbit, when appropriate, and providing a quiet, cool and calm environment in which to live. A rabbit must also have a clear and unobstructed airway, keeping its ear and nasal cavities clean and debris-free.
To combat harmful bacterial infections from developing, the veterinarian may alter the rabbit’s diet to include more leafy greens.Medications which are helpful to control bacterial sinusitis, rhinitis or other related infection include antibiotics. And while steroids may be used to reduce nasal swelling or inflammation, it can worsen bacterial infections and should only be used when absolutely necessary and under the direct care of a trained veterinarian.
Serious complications may arise. Pulmonary edema, or fluid retention in the lungs or airway, is one such common example. It is, therefore, important to closely monitor the rabbit and bring it to the veterinarian’s office for regular checkups and follow-up care during recovery.
I feed a cat everyday but she doesn’t come near me. She eats the food I give some place away. What could I be doing wrong?
When you find a cat outdoors, it’s either stray or feral. Dealing with feral cats is very different to dealing with strays, and their trust is sometimes impossible to earn.
Feral cats are born in the wild or outdoors. They have never been pets or lived inside. Stray cats were once pets, but were then lost or abandoned by the owner.
Feral cats behavior is more akin to squirrels. Strays are generally more friendly and approachable, and tend to hang out in residential areas and near homes. Stray cats develop feral tendencies if they’ve been living in the wild for long periods. It can take a long period of one-on-one interaction with a cat to determine if it’s stray or feral.
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