Health Considerations

Sore Hocks

Adult French Lops are large and heavy.  Excessive pressure from resting on a wire floor can cause irritation and infection involving the hocks.  I've been told that hock problems are a genetic trait, however I'm convinced that a rabbit's weight and poor housing  play a significant role.  Other contributing factors include:  immobility, long untrimmed nails that may influence proper weight distribution and failure to inspect the hocks frequently.

There are many interventions used by breeders:

• Cleaning with a disinfectant (diluted hydrogen peroxide, iodine based solutions)

• Ointments (Bag Balm, Corona, Neosporin, Preperation H, Furacin) to reduce inflammation and treat infections

I personally have had good luck using a "drying" agent applied directly to the skin.  I remove any crusted debris on the affected area first by gently cleaning the hock with diluted hydrogen peroxide.  After drying, I apply a gentian violet based solution (BLU-KOTE).  "Yes" your bunny now has purple feet.  I call them "purple sandals."

The first line of defense is PREVENTION and early treatment.

• I HIGHLY RECOMMEND USING 14-GUAGE WIRE  FOR THE FLOORING.  It will provide more support and enhance weigh distribution.  Your lop will "Thank You." Don't forget some form of hard plastic mat or wood for your rabbit to lie on.  These MUST be kept clean of urine.

Ear Mites

Lop eared animals in general are more susceptible to ear problems; the French Lop is not excluded.  

The ear mite (Psoroptes cuniculi) can be diagnosed by your vet.  It is not easily seen by the naked eye.  Signs of infestation include:  crusting, brownish exudate, redness, shaking of the head and ear scratching.  It is important to keep the ear canals clean, open and to observe for secondary infections of the ear.

I use Ivermectin (systemic parasiticide).  I give it orally (should be repeated in one week or more) to break the mite cycle.  I have not observed any ill side effects from this medication.

Prevention is difficult as mites are spread by direct contact with infected hosts.  The show bunny is an easy prey for this pest.

"Weepy" Eye

Some say that lops due to their large bold heads, are more prone to eye problems, especially blocked tear ducts.  

Weepy eyes can be caused by several factors:

• Irritants (dirt, wind, ammonia fumes)

• "Notched" or inverted lids

• Chronic conjunctivitis caused by bacterial agents (Staphylococcus aureus or Pasteurella multocida) 

• Dacryocystitis (infected nasolacrimal duct)

It is very important to keep the surrounding eye area clean.  I use normal saline.  This needs to be done daily.  An ophthalmic antibiotic agent (ointment or solution) supplied from your vet needs to be applied as directed.  Your vet can attempt to open a blocked tear duct.  This can be a challenging procedure.  With the aid of a catheter and irrigant, an occluded duct can sometimes be successfully opened.

EARLY aggressive treatment is necessary.

"Fur Block"

Lops molt during seasonal changes of the year.  During this molting process, hair ingested during grooming can be ingested.  Excessive hair can form a Trichobezoar or more commonly known as a hairball in the stomach.  An accurate diagnosis must be made. 

I stress the importance of grass hay (timothy, orchard grass or oat hay) for the prevention of fur block and  general gastrointestinal health.

Hay supplies necessary fiber to stimulate G.I. motility.  It should be supplied several times a week and daily to young babies.

PLEASE refer to the article "G.I. STASIS" under HEALTH LINKS.  This resource will answer many of your questions and could possibly save your lop's life.