Genetic health issues in rabbits
There are more than 60 breeds of rabbit recognised in the UK, and over half a million rabbits kept as pets. Many of these are suffering the painful effects of irresponsible breeding driven by the increasing popularity of superficial features.
On this page you’ll find definitions of different breed types, the associated health problems, and what to consider when choosing rabbits of your own.
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What are genetic health issues?
Genetic health issues are a result of a mutated gene or gene abnormality. Some genetic disorders have higher prevalence within certain rabbit breeds, which are then passed on, though some may occur due to spontaneous mutation. These disorders lead to health issues and suffering.
All rabbits can experience genetic health issues, although they can occur more often in purebreds. Sadly, many of these genetic conditions – and the welfare issues associated – are a direct result of being bred for specific features and breeding closely related rabbits, resulting in limited gene pools. For example, overgrown teeth (dental malocclusion), ear problems and eye conditions have become common issues for certain rabbit breeds.
What is a purebred rabbit?
Purebred rabbits have parents who are the same breed. Often, the two parent rabbits will have very similar ancestry, going back many generations.
As these rabbits are so closely bred (with very little genetic diversity and a narrow gene pool), they’re at risk of developing certain genetic health problems. Find out more below.
What is a pedigree rabbit?
A pedigree rabbit is also purebred – having both parents of the same breed – however, they will have a documented record of their purebred lineage including at least three generations.
Unlike pedigree dogs and cats, rabbits don’t need to be registered to a breed club to be classed as a pedigree. The breeders are responsible for providing pedigree records. Rabbits can be registered to recognised breed organisations which can issue a certificate proving their pedigree status, although it isn’t necessary.
Pedigree rabbits are bred to have certain physical features that align with breed standards, set by breed clubs and societies. As with purebreds, sometimes this can cause great suffering to the rabbits. Learn more about the associated health issues below.
Important information
Certain diseases are more common in specific breeds, known as a breed predisposition. To stop diseases being passed from rabbit to kit, individuals who are known to be carriers of a genetic condition shouldn’t be used in breeding programmes. We passionately believe that more needs to be done to promote and enforce responsible rabbit breeding practices across the UK – such as the licensing of rabbit breeders – to help reduce the prevalence of genetic health issues.
What is selective breeding?
Selective breeding is the process of choosing specific rabbit traits – physical, like long, floppy ears, as well as behavioural, such as increased sociability – then breeding two rabbits with those features, so their offspring are more likely to have these desired traits.
Throughout history, rabbits have been bred for meat, fur or for their use in laboratory research. While this still occurs, many rabbits are kept purely for companionship, being the third most popular pet choice after cats and dogs. Their main purpose is to be part of the family.
However, rabbits are still being bred for human preference, this time often with a focus on appearance rather than health. This can result in a whole host of genetic abnormalities, causing immense suffering and negatively impacting the rabbit’s overall quality of life.
What is crossbreeding?
A crossbred rabbit is one whose parents are from different, known breeds. Parents may be purebred or mixed breeds themselves. Crossbreeding is a form of selective breeding, often done as a way to combine ideal traits (like colours, features or functions) so they produce offspring with those traits.
If the breed of the parents is unknown (there is no documentation to identify them), their kit will be a mixed breed.
However, cross and mixed breed rabbits don’t necessarily have a reduced risk of genetically inherited diseases and other extreme conformations; they can still suffer from conditions which occur as a result of brachycephaly and lop ears, meaning they’re not necessarily healthier.
A rabbit’s health, welfare, and quality of life should always take priority over their appearance. Genetic health issues can severely impact a rabbit’s quality of life by causing pain and restricting natural behaviours.
What health problems can these rabbits have?
Some inherited conditions are extremely painful, reduce the rabbit’s normal, everyday functioning and can even cause premature death. Others are very rare or cause minimal suffering. While purebred rabbits are more likely to develop some of the below issues, all rabbit breeds, including crossbreeds, can suffer.
Health problems of purebreds and pedigrees
Sadly, because purebred rabbits are more likely to be bred within limited gene pools than mixed breed rabbits, they can have an increased risk of certain health problems. In some cases, these particular genetic defects may have been deliberately bred, like those seen in lop-eared or flat-faced rabbits.
Many purebred rabbit breeds commonly suffer from inherited health issues and extreme conformations, such as:
- Lionheads and Angoras (bred for their long fur or ‘mane’)
- Lop varieties (bred for their lop ears)
- Dwarf and mini varieties (bred for their small size)
- Teddywidders (bred for their woolly hair and long ears)
- Flemish and Spanish rabbits (bred for their giant size)
Common health issues these rabbits may experience include:
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Dental malocclusion: Dental disease is common in rabbits and can affect any breed. Some studies suggest that certain breeds may be more predisposed to dental problems, likely due to a combination of genetic factors, body size, and skull shape, although findings across studies are inconclusive. Regular veterinary check-ups, a high-fibre diet (especially hay), and early intervention are necessary to help manage the problem and reduce pain.
Ear diseases: Lop-eared rabbits are more prone to ear problems due to their drooping ears being unable to release the build up of wax and debris, increasing the risk of irritation and infection. If untreated, ear infections can become severe and may lead to deeper ear disease or abscess formation, often requiring surgery to remove. One study found that approximately 25% of lop-eared rabbits had ear conditions, versus 10% of erect-eared rabbits.
Eye conditions: Some rabbit breeds may be more predisposed to eye conditions than others. Dacryocystitis (weepy eye) is the inflammation and infection of a rabbit's tear duct. It causes milky discharge, wet/matted fur, and crusts around the eye or nose. Tear duct abnormalities are commonly reported in lops and brachycephalic rabbit breeds. Common treatments include a saline tear duct flush, eye drops/ointments, and tooth trimming as it can also be caused by overgrown teeth. -
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a painful condition that affects the rabbit’s hips and limbs. Giant breeds may suffer from osteoarthritis at a younger age than smaller breeds, due to the additional pressure on their joints as a result of their size. Symptoms may not always be obvious as rabbits instinctively hide discomfort, but may appear as difficulty jumping, the inability to groom themselves, behavioural changes or reduced activity levels. The condition is diagnosed via physical examination and X-ray, and treatment includes medication for pain management, environmental adjustments and physiotherapy.
Rabbit megacolon syndrome (RMS): Rabbits who are mostly white with few spots, rabbits with a ring of black or bicoloured fur around their eyes, and rabbits with irregular markings on their ears/nose have more of a predisposition to megacolon (commonly affecting the English Spot breed). RMS causes the nerve endings in the rabbit’s intestinal tract to function incorrectly, leading to digestive problems and issues with food passing into the gut. Symptoms may include a protruding spine and ribs, irregular size/shape droppings, swollen abdomen, constant hunger, weight loss, bursts of pain, gut stasis and occasional diarrhoea. RMS can lead to severe issues such as obstruction of the large intestine. Though there’s no cure, it can be managed with a high-fibre diet, medication, vet check-ups and observation.
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Pododermatitis (sore hocks): This condition occurs when the skin on the underside of a rabbit’s feet and hocks becomes irritated, damaged, and ulcerated. Rabbits with less protective fur on their feet, such as Rex rabbits, may be more vulnerable, as the skin is exposed to increased pressure and friction. The condition can be difficult to treat but may be managed with veterinary care, appropriate medication, suitable flooring, and a supportive environment.
There’s much less research into the issues of selective rabbit breeding, compared to that of cats and dogs, meaning there may be more conditions that are still unknown. Find out more on how selective breeding can negatively affect animals here.
Health problems of crossbreeds and mixed breeds
Crossbreeds and mixed breeds aren’t immune to genetic diseases – some crossbreeds still suffer from conditions associated with pure-breeding (such as brachycephaly).
Preventing health problems in rabbits
Genetic health screening would allow breeders and prospective rabbit owners to check for potential health and conformation problems in their rabbits, or the parents of kits. Tests may also show if rabbits are carriers of genetic illnesses, but are not likely to suffer from this themselves. Unlike dogs and cats, there are currently very limited genetic health screening options available for rabbits. Responsible breeding relies heavily on selecting healthy animals to be bred and prioritising welfare over appearance.
Responsible breeding of any type of rabbit – crossbreed or purebred – can help prevent health problems in future rabbit generations, increasing genetic diversity and lowering the risk of inherited disease. This involves comprehensive health testing, conformational screening and selecting rabbits with a sound temperament before breeding.
Sadly, there’s a significant lack of legislation related to rabbit care and breeding. This means that breeding standards prioritising their health and welfare aren’t enforced, leading to more generations of rabbits with severe and debilitating inherited health issues. In recent years, the overbreeding of rabbits reached a crisis point, leading to an increase of rabbits in our rescue centres, and a drop in the number of rabbits being rehomed. This needs to change – these animals deserve better laws to help them live better lives. Start rabbiting: Help us speak up for rabbits.
We believe that all those who breed rabbits, whether pedigree, purebred, crossbred or mixed breeds, should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance. Responsible breeding protects the health and welfare of parents and their kits; which will always be more important than profit and the way they look. If we want our rabbits to be healthy, we must breed healthy rabbits.
What to think about when choosing a rabbit
Adoption is one of the most rewarding acts of kindness – for both person and pet.
We’ll always encourage rescuing rabbits over buying them. With hundreds of rabbits in our care – ready to burrow into your heart and home – the chances are we’ve already found the perfect rabbits for you. Meet our rescue rabbits here.
However, if adoption isn’t possible and you decide to buy rabbits, make sure to choose those well suited to your lifestyle and environment, from a responsible and reputable breeder. We don’t recommend getting rabbits with any extreme physical features, due to the risks of long-term pet rabbit health issues and welfare problems and the associated emotional and financial impact. Find out more about pets with extreme conformations here.
