A French Lop with entropian of the upper and lower lids - note the discharge that is around the eye on the fur and the redness/swelling.
French Lop rabbits are generally quite hardy and healthy. As such, they should require minimal veterinary care throughout their lives provided they receive appropriate husbandry and diet. It is still recommended that all rabbit owners find a rabbit savvy veterinarian so that if a health problem arises they can be treated by an experienced rabbit professional. First and foremost rabbits do not require and should NOT receive any of the traditional vaccines that dogs and cats get.
Some health issues that French Lop rabbits can have include respiratory infections, eye problems, ear infections, internal/external parasites, GI issues, reproductive problems and aging issues. Each of these broad areas of health issues will be discussed, It is important to note that we encourage French Lop owners that experience any of these issues to contact their veterinarians regarding their treatment options. Again, this guide is solely for informational purposes, and does not constitute, or substitute for guidance from a veterinarian.
Respiratory Infections are common among all rabbit breeds and French Lops are no exception. They are usually identified by sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Respiratory infections are usually broken into two groups: Those that affect the lower airway, such as the lungs. And those that affect the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose, mouth and trachea. While neither form of infection is ideal, lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, can be very dangerous (and even fatal) to rabbits. Respiratory infections can be caused by viral and/or bacterial components. Allergens can also contribute, although bacterial sources are most frequently seen. Treatment depends on the source of infection. If it is bacterial a course of antibiotics may be necessary. Some pathogens are particularly virulent and may recur which could mean the rabbit could require long-term medication therapy. If a rabbit persistently sneezes with discharge, seems to have trouble breathing or has nasal discharge and matting on the inside of its front legs from wiping its nose it is recommended to have it evaluated by a veterinarian. A Rabbit that suddenly stops eating and stretches its head up to breathe is in extreme respiratory distress and should be seen by a veterinarian right away.
Eye problems can occur in French Lops due to their flat, bulldog-like faces. This anatomical feature means their eyes can be compressed and with their thickly furred faces the hair can grow against their eye surfaces causing irritation. Irritation from their fur touching their eyeballs can present as redness or discharge from the eyes. Treatment for eye conditions varies, but your veterinarian may recommend carefully trimming the hair around the eyeballs, and applying a topical ointment or opthalmic drops directly to the eye. French Lops are also prone to a congenital/acquired eye defect called entropian where the eyelid rolls inward on itself - this can happen on the upper, lower or both lids. The eyelashes of the lid will scratch the cornea (eye's clear surface) and can cause damage. This condition may resolve with aggressive topical treatment and potentially systemic anti-inflammatory therapy too but most often the only curative treatment is surgical correction.
Ear problems in French Lop are not uncommon, with lopping ears the chance of having ear issues increases as less air circulates within the canal as would in prick-eared rabbits. The reduced air passage means that microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria can grow within the ear canal. Checking the French Lop’s ears by looking inside them regularly is wise. If debris and buildup within the canal is noted, the ears may need to be cleaned with a gentle rabbit-safe ear cleaner. Or the debris should be removed manually with cotton tipped applicators. Rabbits will often scratch or shake their ears if their ears are bothering them so pay close attention if they develop those habits/behaviors. Thick, dark, foul smelling or creamy ear discharge could indicate infection or ear mites and a veterinarian should be consulted.
Rabbits that go outside and play on the ground/soil or have contact with other household animals have the potential for exposure to internal and external parasites such as worms and mites. There are many rabbit safe deworming and topical products that can be used on rabbits and a great many that are fatal. Always consult with a rabbit savvy veterinarian before deworming or applying an external parasite product to your rabbit. Rabbits that have difficulty maintaining weight, or have issues with diarrhea, could have internal parasites. Fecal samples can be checked by a veterinarian’s laboratory to see if parasites are present and need to be treated. Rabbits with fur loss, especially around the back of the neck/shoulder areas, can have fur mites. Most external parasites can be treated successfully with medication. As always, consult your veterinarian.
Gastrointestinal problems can occur in rabbits. First internal parasites should be ruled out by fecal testing. Then other factors should be considered. Diarrhea, inappetence (lack of appetite), weight loss and uncomfortable bellies are all symptoms of GI problems. Diet should be considered once parasites have been ruled out. Rabbits should always have access to quality grass hay to keep their gut functioning properly - a diet that is lacking in hay could contribute to diarrhea or gas buildup in the intestinal tract. Over feeding of commercial pelleted formulas can result in diarrhea too. It is recommended that all rabbits that are past their growth stages be fed measured amounts of pellets instead of free feeding. Other dietary factors that can cause problems include feeding too much fresh or wet veggies/fruits - these food items are very prone to causing gas/bloat issues in rabbits. Since rabbits are unable to vomit or retch/burp in the same manner that dogs and cats are, gas buildup can be not only extremely painful for the rabbit but potentially fatal.
Rabbits can get infectious diseases of their GI tracts, but these causes are less likely, due to the rabbit’s unique system of hindgut fermentation. Some rabbits are prone to diarrhea and soft stool when they experience stress; this is particularly true of young and newly weaned rabbits. Rabbits that have stress diarrhea will often completely resolve their symptoms once the stressful situation has passed. The most common cause of stress-induced diarrhea is travel. If your rabbit is experiencing GI problems it is wise to contact your veterinarian, particularly if you are concerned for dehydration due to frequent diarrhea or the potential for gas/bloating.
One important factor to consider with GI problems in rabbits is that rabbits do produce a form of fecal dropping called cecotropes. These droppings can be confused with diarrhea by those new to rabbits as they are a smaller, softer stool, often clumped together. They are very different than the usual round droppings seen. These cecotropes are normal products of hindgut fermentation and are not cause for concern.
Published statistics report that reproductive problems are relatively common in rabbits that are unaltered (have not been spayed/neutered). With that said, many rabbits do not develop any sort of reproductive issues throughout their lives when left intact. Rabbits can contract contagious venereal diseases from other rabbits they have sexual contact with. Pet rabbits in single rabbit households are extremely unlikely to have any chance of contracting venereal illnesses, but rabbits that are bred have the potential to be exposed to these ailments.
Cancer of the reproductive organs is possible in both male and female rabbits. Though instances of reproductive cancer are higher in unaltered female rabbits that are not, and have not been, bred. Typically reproductive cancer is not seen in young rabbits, it develops in older rabbits that are 3 or more years of age. Symptoms can be hard to detect but might include weight loss, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Your veterinarian can discuss the risks of reproductive cancer and weighing those against spaying/neutering surgery. Please see the section below on spay/neuter surgery for more information if you’re considering those procedures for your rabbit.
The final part of our health section is on issues that aging and senior rabbits face. French Lop rabbits are considered to be seniors when they reach 5-7 years of age. As rabbits age they develop many of the same problems that other animals face as they grow older. Older rabbits are more prone to conditions such as arthritis, muscle loss, eye problems, such as cataracts, incontinence, and even cognitive disfunction, like dementia. Older rabbits may need special accommodations for their housing situation such as more resting mats to keep their older bones comfortable, or even medications to make them feel more comfortable. Talk to your veterinarian about your options if you suspect your older rabbit might have arthritis or any other age-related changes.
Some health issues that French Lop rabbits can have include respiratory infections, eye problems, ear infections, internal/external parasites, GI issues, reproductive problems and aging issues. Each of these broad areas of health issues will be discussed, It is important to note that we encourage French Lop owners that experience any of these issues to contact their veterinarians regarding their treatment options. Again, this guide is solely for informational purposes, and does not constitute, or substitute for guidance from a veterinarian.
Respiratory Infections are common among all rabbit breeds and French Lops are no exception. They are usually identified by sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Respiratory infections are usually broken into two groups: Those that affect the lower airway, such as the lungs. And those that affect the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose, mouth and trachea. While neither form of infection is ideal, lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, can be very dangerous (and even fatal) to rabbits. Respiratory infections can be caused by viral and/or bacterial components. Allergens can also contribute, although bacterial sources are most frequently seen. Treatment depends on the source of infection. If it is bacterial a course of antibiotics may be necessary. Some pathogens are particularly virulent and may recur which could mean the rabbit could require long-term medication therapy. If a rabbit persistently sneezes with discharge, seems to have trouble breathing or has nasal discharge and matting on the inside of its front legs from wiping its nose it is recommended to have it evaluated by a veterinarian. A Rabbit that suddenly stops eating and stretches its head up to breathe is in extreme respiratory distress and should be seen by a veterinarian right away.
Eye problems can occur in French Lops due to their flat, bulldog-like faces. This anatomical feature means their eyes can be compressed and with their thickly furred faces the hair can grow against their eye surfaces causing irritation. Irritation from their fur touching their eyeballs can present as redness or discharge from the eyes. Treatment for eye conditions varies, but your veterinarian may recommend carefully trimming the hair around the eyeballs, and applying a topical ointment or opthalmic drops directly to the eye. French Lops are also prone to a congenital/acquired eye defect called entropian where the eyelid rolls inward on itself - this can happen on the upper, lower or both lids. The eyelashes of the lid will scratch the cornea (eye's clear surface) and can cause damage. This condition may resolve with aggressive topical treatment and potentially systemic anti-inflammatory therapy too but most often the only curative treatment is surgical correction.
Ear problems in French Lop are not uncommon, with lopping ears the chance of having ear issues increases as less air circulates within the canal as would in prick-eared rabbits. The reduced air passage means that microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria can grow within the ear canal. Checking the French Lop’s ears by looking inside them regularly is wise. If debris and buildup within the canal is noted, the ears may need to be cleaned with a gentle rabbit-safe ear cleaner. Or the debris should be removed manually with cotton tipped applicators. Rabbits will often scratch or shake their ears if their ears are bothering them so pay close attention if they develop those habits/behaviors. Thick, dark, foul smelling or creamy ear discharge could indicate infection or ear mites and a veterinarian should be consulted.
Rabbits that go outside and play on the ground/soil or have contact with other household animals have the potential for exposure to internal and external parasites such as worms and mites. There are many rabbit safe deworming and topical products that can be used on rabbits and a great many that are fatal. Always consult with a rabbit savvy veterinarian before deworming or applying an external parasite product to your rabbit. Rabbits that have difficulty maintaining weight, or have issues with diarrhea, could have internal parasites. Fecal samples can be checked by a veterinarian’s laboratory to see if parasites are present and need to be treated. Rabbits with fur loss, especially around the back of the neck/shoulder areas, can have fur mites. Most external parasites can be treated successfully with medication. As always, consult your veterinarian.
Gastrointestinal problems can occur in rabbits. First internal parasites should be ruled out by fecal testing. Then other factors should be considered. Diarrhea, inappetence (lack of appetite), weight loss and uncomfortable bellies are all symptoms of GI problems. Diet should be considered once parasites have been ruled out. Rabbits should always have access to quality grass hay to keep their gut functioning properly - a diet that is lacking in hay could contribute to diarrhea or gas buildup in the intestinal tract. Over feeding of commercial pelleted formulas can result in diarrhea too. It is recommended that all rabbits that are past their growth stages be fed measured amounts of pellets instead of free feeding. Other dietary factors that can cause problems include feeding too much fresh or wet veggies/fruits - these food items are very prone to causing gas/bloat issues in rabbits. Since rabbits are unable to vomit or retch/burp in the same manner that dogs and cats are, gas buildup can be not only extremely painful for the rabbit but potentially fatal.
Rabbits can get infectious diseases of their GI tracts, but these causes are less likely, due to the rabbit’s unique system of hindgut fermentation. Some rabbits are prone to diarrhea and soft stool when they experience stress; this is particularly true of young and newly weaned rabbits. Rabbits that have stress diarrhea will often completely resolve their symptoms once the stressful situation has passed. The most common cause of stress-induced diarrhea is travel. If your rabbit is experiencing GI problems it is wise to contact your veterinarian, particularly if you are concerned for dehydration due to frequent diarrhea or the potential for gas/bloating.
One important factor to consider with GI problems in rabbits is that rabbits do produce a form of fecal dropping called cecotropes. These droppings can be confused with diarrhea by those new to rabbits as they are a smaller, softer stool, often clumped together. They are very different than the usual round droppings seen. These cecotropes are normal products of hindgut fermentation and are not cause for concern.
Published statistics report that reproductive problems are relatively common in rabbits that are unaltered (have not been spayed/neutered). With that said, many rabbits do not develop any sort of reproductive issues throughout their lives when left intact. Rabbits can contract contagious venereal diseases from other rabbits they have sexual contact with. Pet rabbits in single rabbit households are extremely unlikely to have any chance of contracting venereal illnesses, but rabbits that are bred have the potential to be exposed to these ailments.
Cancer of the reproductive organs is possible in both male and female rabbits. Though instances of reproductive cancer are higher in unaltered female rabbits that are not, and have not been, bred. Typically reproductive cancer is not seen in young rabbits, it develops in older rabbits that are 3 or more years of age. Symptoms can be hard to detect but might include weight loss, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Your veterinarian can discuss the risks of reproductive cancer and weighing those against spaying/neutering surgery. Please see the section below on spay/neuter surgery for more information if you’re considering those procedures for your rabbit.
The final part of our health section is on issues that aging and senior rabbits face. French Lop rabbits are considered to be seniors when they reach 5-7 years of age. As rabbits age they develop many of the same problems that other animals face as they grow older. Older rabbits are more prone to conditions such as arthritis, muscle loss, eye problems, such as cataracts, incontinence, and even cognitive disfunction, like dementia. Older rabbits may need special accommodations for their housing situation such as more resting mats to keep their older bones comfortable, or even medications to make them feel more comfortable. Talk to your veterinarian about your options if you suspect your older rabbit might have arthritis or any other age-related changes.
