You would probably go to the emergency room, if you had a serious cut, were experiencing chest pain, or were having trouble breathing. But what about your rabbit? What conditions indicate that he or she needs emergency veterinary care? Here's a look.

Fly Strike

Fly strike is a unique condition in which flies lay their eggs on the rabbit. Those eggs hatch into larvae, or maggots, and they begin to feed on the rabbit's skin. Fly strike causes severe distress, serious skin damage, and infection. If you see any maggots on your rabbit's skin, you need to seek emergency vet care ASAP. Rabbits with this condition often appear listless. They may yelp in pain and refuse to eat or drink. Generally, the vet will treat the condition by manually removing the maggots, giving IV fluids, and administering antibiotics to treat any infections. If not treated quickly, fly strike is often deadly.

Respiratory Distress/Pneumonia

Any respiratory infection in a rabbit has the potential to turn into pneumonia -- and quickly. This is, in part, because rabbits have such short respiratory tracts, in comparison to humans. Any bacteria in the respiratory tract do not have to travel far to reach the lungs. If your rabbit is wheezing, sneezing, struggling to breath, or has discharge from its nose, take it to the emergency vet. Your vet can prescribe antibiotics, which can be life-saving.

Paralysis of a Limb

There are several reasons why a rabbit may be suddenly unable to move one if its limbs. The rabbit could be suffering from nerve damage due to an infection or he or she may have fractured the leg or foot. Either case demands emergency care. Broken feet and legs can usually be set and splinted. Nerve conditions cannot always be treated; if your bunny has had a stroke or serious spinal cord injury, the best solution may be euthanasia. 

Bloody Diarrhea

Keep a close eye on your rabbit's droppings. If your rabbit ever develops bloody diarrhea, this is a real cause for concern. There is a disease called rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease, which is a contagious infection spread from rabbit to rabbit. Bunnies who spent time in an SPCA or rescue clinic are more likely to have it. The disease causes severe bleeding in the digestive tract. It is often fatal, but, if you reach the vet promptly, they may be able to administer life-saving treatments.

If you think your bunny may be at risk, visit a facility like Metzger Animal Hospital.