Rabbit Veterinary Care in Arlington MA
Rabbits are gentle, curious companions that bring a lot of joy to the people who love them. They are also more delicate than they appear, and they can become seriously ill very quickly. At Arlington Animal Clinic, we are proud to be a trusted rabbit vet for families in Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Belmont, and nearby communities.
Our team has been caring for exotic animals alongside dogs and cats for over 45 years. We understand what healthy rabbits look and act like, which makes it easier to notice when something has changed.
Whether your rabbit is due for a checkup, has a dental concern, or needs emergency care, we are here to help.
Rabbit Wellness Exams
We recommend a wellness exam for your rabbit once a year. During a routine visit, one of our veterinarians will do a thorough nose-to-tail exam. We check the teeth, eyes, ears, coat, body weight, and overall condition, and we take time to talk with you about diet, housing, and daily habits.
Rabbits age quickly relative to their lifespan. A yearly visit gives us a clear picture of what is normal for your rabbit and makes it much easier to catch small concerns before they become serious ones.
If your rabbit has never had a wellness exam, or if it has been more than a year since their last visit, we would love to see them.
Rabbit Emergency Veterinary Care
A rabbit that seems unwell should never be left to wait. Rabbits can decline rapidly, and early intervention often makes the difference between a straightforward recovery and a serious crisis.
Please call us at 781-646-0758 right away if your rabbit is showing any of the following signs.
- Not eating or drinking for 12 hours or more
- No droppings, or very small or misshapen droppings
- A bloated, hard, or tender belly
- Sitting hunched and not moving
- Grinding teeth loudly
- Labored or open-mouth breathing
- Head tilting to one side
- Sudden changes in behavior or alertness
We do our best to see urgent cases the same day during our regular hours. Please call ahead so we can prepare for your rabbit’s arrival.
GI Stasis in Rabbits
GI stasis is one of the most serious conditions we see in rabbits, and it is also one of the most common. It happens when the digestive system slows down or stops. Without prompt treatment, GI stasis can become life-threatening within hours.
The most recognizable signs are a rabbit that has stopped eating and stopped producing droppings. Your rabbit may also sit very still, appear bloated, or grind their teeth from discomfort.
GI stasis is always a reason to call us. Treatment typically includes fluids, medications to stimulate gut movement, pain relief, and supportive care. The sooner we can get started, the better the outcome tends to be.
Rabbit Dental Care and Tooth Trimming
Dental problems are one of the most common health concerns we see in rabbits. A rabbit’s teeth grow continuously throughout their lifetime. When those teeth become misaligned or overgrown, they can cause significant pain and make eating difficult or impossible.
Signs of dental problems in rabbits include dropping food while chewing, drooling, weight loss, and a preference for softer foods. Sometimes there are no visible signs at all, which is why we include a dental check in every rabbit wellness exam.
We perform rabbit tooth trimming, molar filing, and incisor care. You can learn more about our approach on our rabbit dental care service.
Rabbit Spay and Neuter Surgery
We offer rabbit spay and neuter procedures at our Arlington MA clinic. These procedures have real health benefits beyond preventing unwanted litters.
Unspayed female rabbits carry a very high lifetime risk of uterine cancer. Studies suggest the majority of unspayed does will develop it by the time they are four or five years old. Spaying eliminates that risk. Neutering male rabbits can also reduce certain behavioral patterns and lower the risk of testicular disease.
Before any procedure, we perform a pre-anesthetic exam and may recommend bloodwork. Learn more about our surgical approach on our rabbit surgery service.
Common Health Concerns in Rabbits
Beyond GI stasis and dental disease, there are other conditions we regularly see in rabbit patients. Knowing what to watch for helps you get your rabbit the care they need sooner.
- Head tilt, often caused by ear infections or a parasite called E. cuniculi
- Ear mites
- Snuffles, a respiratory infection caused by Pasteurella bacteria
- Sore hocks, which are pressure sores on the bottom of the feet
- Uterine cancer in unspayed females
- Obesity from too many pellets and not enough hay
If something seems off with your rabbit, please do not wait. Even subtle changes are worth a phone call.
Your Trusted Rabbit Vet in Arlington MA
Arlington Animal Clinic is located at 191 Broadway in Arlington, MA. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We serve rabbit owners throughout Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Belmont, Lexington, and surrounding towns.
Rabbits deserve thoughtful, experienced care from a team that understands them. We treat every rabbit patient with the same gentleness and attention we give to every animal who comes through our doors.
We would be honored to be your rabbit’s veterinary home. You can also explore our full range of exotic pet care services.