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⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This poster is for educational purposes only. When in doubt, contact your rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately.

Emergency Warning Signs in Rabbits

Know when your rabbit needs immediate veterinary attention

🚨 An Emergency

Not breathing or labored breathing — If your rabbit is making wheezing, gasping, or rattling sounds, or if you can see their chest struggling, this is critical.
Bleeding that won't stop — Apply firm pressure for 5+ minutes. If it doesn't stop, go to the vet now.
Collapse or extreme weakness — If your rabbit can't stand or won't respond to you, this is an emergency.
Severe injury or trauma — Falls, being stepped on, predator attacks — even if they seem okay, internal injuries may not be visible.
Seizures — Any seizure lasting more than 2-3 minutes or multiple seizures needs immediate care.

Not eating or drinking — Rabbits can develop fatal liver issues within 24 hours of not eating. If your rabbit hasn't eaten in 12+ hours, call your vet.
No droppings or abnormal droppings — If your rabbit hasn't pooped in 24 hours, or if their droppings are small, dark, or connected (string of pearls), this is urgent.
Hunched posture with loud stomach sounds — This is classic gut stasis. Rabbits gut stasis can kill in 24-48 hours.
Head tilting or circling — Ear infections or stroke. treatable if caught early.
Dirty bottom or urine scald — Fly strike risk, especially in summer. Clean within 12 hours.
Not peeing or blood in urine — Bladder issues can be fatal in 24-48 hours.

Mild lethargy — Sleeping more than usual but still eating and drinking? Watch for 24 hours.
Sneezing or mild nasal discharge — Could be allergies, could be pasteurella. Monitor for 48 hours.
Slightly reduced appetite — If they're still eating something, watch for a day. Offer hay.
A small amount of porphyrin (red tears) — Normal in some breeds. Heavy porphyrin needs attention.

Rabbit-savvy vet near you: Find a vet

House Rabbit Society: 610-123-4567

Emergency vet: Look up "24 hour emergency vet near me" on Google Maps