netherland dwarf health problems

[Peanutthebunny]

hello everybody im thinking of getting 2 Netherland dwarfs is there any health problems they get

[Louiethebunny]

i’ve never heard of any problems specific to Netherlands dwarfies, but they can develop health problems like any other bunny. As long as you make sure they behave normally and take them to the vet for annual check ups, they can live happy, healthy lives!

[Peanutthebunny]

thankyou Louie what type is your Louie

[Louiethebunny]

my louie is a havana rabbit, but he has white feet which could mean he is mixed with something but I’m not sure

[Peanutthebunny]

thankyou i love Havanas they are very cute

[LBJ10]

Nethies are a dwarf breed. Certain problems are more common in dwarf breeds simply because the dwarfism gene causes their faces to be smooshed. This means teeth, sinuses, inner ears, etc. can be affected. It doesn’t mean your particular bunnies will have problems or that non-dwarf breeds don’t have these problems. But you do see it more with the dwarf breeds. The face shape puts them at a higher risk.

[Peanutthebunny]

do you think they get brachycephalic

[Wick & Fable]

I haven’t heard people use the term specifically for rabbits (I feel people usually associate it with dogs), but yes, just like other animals who have been purposely bred for shorter faces, we do see some short-faced-associated problems with some NDs, because they are a dwarf breed. Similar to dogs and cats, as LBJ10 mentioned, we see more problems in the teeth, sinuses, inner ears, etc. in dwarf breeds than in non-dwarf. This does not guarantee all dwarves will have them, nor exempt non-dwarves from getting them.

In my mind, the stand-out for a short-face like an ND are dental issues. Rabbit teeth grow continuously (like human nails or hair, but human teeth stop growing), so it is important that they constantly eat hay and chew on rabbit-safe materials to keep them worn down; however, due to the smooshed skull of dwarf breeds, their teeth may need intervention by an exotic (rabbit-experienced) vet because of misaligned teeth that, despite usual hay diet and chewing behavior, cannot be maintained on their own. My ND, Wick, has had several dental procedures as a result of his misaligned jaw and overbite (bottom teeth do not rest behind the front teeth; they are in front of them).

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Peanutthebunny]

do you think I should get another kind of rabbit

so I don’t have the risk of that because they might not live through that

[Hazel]

As LBJ said, not all dwarfs will have these problems, there’s just a higher risk. I don’t think you should limit yourself to one particular breed though. I would always recommend adopting a bunny from a shelter if possible, if you go that route you could end up with any kind of rabbit of course. But I think that’s part of the fun. 🙂

[Peanutthebunny]

do you think its a bad idea to get a dwarf and a bigger rabbit from a shelter and put them together?

[Louiethebunny]

If they’re bonded, it shouldn’t be a problem. Some people recommend certain breeds for new owners based on temperament, but if you’re up to the challenge owning any bunny is worth it! I have heard lop breeds tend to be mellow, but temperament varies from rabbit to rabbit.

[Wick & Fable]

I also think the breed temperament idea, similar to dogs, can mean very little when you get the chance to meet individual rabbits. Their personalities are so variable, even within the same breed, just like dogs.

I think just being open minded is a great approach, especially when going into a rescue. I volunteer for my area’s rabbit society to screen adoption applicants and help them find a rabbit during adoption days and one of the rules we try to suggest is looking at at least 3 rabbits. Someone coming in with their mind fixated on a particular breed or particular one they saw on the website may miss out on a more wonderful fit somewhere else in the rescue system! What is advantageous about adopting from a rescue is that you have a rabbit who is more developed and thus you can probably get a more certain idea of any chronic conditions they may have or sensitivities.

In terms of compatible pairs, personality trumps all I would say. Breed and size don’t really matter too much. It’s said male female pairs work out more times than same sex pairs, but there are still many cases where they do. Rescues can have already bonded pairs as well, so you don’t need to worry about it if that’s a concern.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Wick & Fable]

Also, I don’t necessarily want to dissuade you from getting a dwarf. All in all, regardless of rabbit breed, size, sex, etc., there is always the chance of needed medical help. With dwarves, we just see a tendency for more in particular areas due to the facial structure.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Peanutthebunny]

thankyou wick im going to be open-minded but if I don’t find the rabbit for me in a rescue ill look at breeders because all rabbits deserve a home even if they are from a breeder 🙂

but I’m going to look at a shelter when I’m ready to get a rabbit and I’m going to try getting one from there

besides all rabbits are cute

[Louiethebunny]

i definitely agree ALL bunnies are cute! I don’t know much about breeders, but best thing about shelters is you can visit with the rabbits before adopting, and as Wick stated, they often have prebonded pairs that are already fixed to spare the hassle.

[Peanutthebunny]

thankyou yeah I used to think no I must get one from a breeder but no know I  now that the shelter rabbits need love as well

(I knew they needed love I wanted to adopt a pet from a shelter)

say hi to Louie for me and give him a piece of apple(or something to fit into his diet :)) to say how much I love him(definitely not as much as you though)

[Louiethebunny]

i will definitely do that!

[Peanutthebunny]

thanks 🙂

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