Group animals or not?
Rabbits and guinea pigs are social group animals and should therefore not be kept alone. However, they are just like people; they do not like just anyone. That is why it is important to “match” two animals with each other, see if they really like each other and can live together. Rats also like to live together, while most hamsters are solitary animals and should be housed alone.
Spaying/Neutering
If male and female animals are housed together, at least one of them should be neutered to prevent unwanted offspring. For guinea pigs and rats, this is usually the males, as they are simpler to neuter. In the case of rabbits, it is advised to sterilize the female as well. This is because we know that unspayed females almost all develop a uterine tumor at some point in their lives. During the surgery, the uterus is removed, preventing this issue.
The risk of anesthesia
Many people are aware that anesthesia carries a higher risk for small pets. This is because they are very small, tend to cool down quickly, and often have more difficulty waking up from anesthesia. We always use the safest possible anesthesia, during which the animal is continuously monitored by an assistant. The temperature is regularly checked, and the animal is woken up as soon as possible after the procedure and immediately force-fed to prevent the intestines from remaining inactive for too long (see below).
In addition, we have a V-gel available for rabbits; a special tube that we can place in the throat cavity so that we can monitor breathing and administer safe gas anesthesia.
A rabbit that doesn't eat: always an emergency!
If a rabbit does not eat for more than 12 hours (e.g. due to pain, dental problems), the gastrointestinal tract will come to a standstill, causing gas to form very quickly. The stomach and intestines will then swell, creating a life-threatening situation. That is why a rabbit that does not want to eat is always an emergency and must be fed as soon as possible (via force-feeding). Always contact us if your rabbit does not seem to want to eat.
Nutrition
Rabbits and rodents have specific nutritional needs. Always feed them pellets instead of mixed food, as they will otherwise eat selectively and not receive all the necessary nutrients. Guinea pigs require extra vitamin C in the form of tablets, as they cannot produce enough on their own. Do not give rabbits mineral licks or chew stones, as these often contain too much calcium, which can lead to issues with bladder sludge or stones. Willow branches, for example, are a good alternative for chewing. Hay is an essential nutrient for both rabbits and guinea pigs, and they should always have access to it.
Vegetables and fruit are also good for small rodents, but they should be given in moderation! Too much vegetables and/or fruit can lead to diarrhea.
Dental problems
Because the molars of rabbits and guinea pigs continuously grow, dental problems often arise when these molars do not wear down properly. This can result in issues such as spurs on the molars or incisor teeth piercing the palate. We can trim the incisor teeth of a conscious rabbit, but the molars need to be carefully inspected and trimmed under anesthesia. Since the molars continue to grow, this is a problem the animal will have for the rest of its life.
Bladder issues
We see relatively many bladder problems in rabbits and rodents. This is related to the calcium metabolism and the acidity of the animals' urine (which is very basic/alkaline). This can lead to the formation of bladder stones, which cause pain during urination or blood in the urine. A bladder stone can be clearly seen on an X-ray and can also be effectively removed through surgery.
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of small pets is lower than that of dogs and cats. Rats and hamsters typically live 1-2 years, guinea pigs can live 6-8 years, and rabbits can live up to 12 years.
Want to know more about specific small pet? Then look at the LICG leaflet
