Communication Behaviors - Rabbits
• Grunt, growl, snort, barking – anger/annoyance/territory protection
• Honking/Oinking – for food/attention/courtship
• High pitched, repetitive scream – fear/terror/pain
• Fear – motionless, crouched position with feet beneath body, head extended, ears flattened against head, eyes bulging
• Alert – ears forward or held laterally
• Erect tail – excitement/anticipation/if threatened
• Tail twitching – courting/urine spraying
• Presenting – flat on floor with feet tucked/head extended/chin on floor (submissive)
• Licking – sign of affection
• Nipping – anger/seeking attention
• Tooth purring – low pitched hum with teeth lightly vibrating & whiskers quivering
• Teeth grinding – slower, louder tooth crunching w/bulging eyes d/t pain
• Wheezing sniffing – talking/irritation
• Chinning – mark with secretions from chin (geographical differences in components, maintains dominance hierarchies)
• Urine spraying

Social Behaviors in Rabbits
• Social species
     o Increased cortisol levels if separated
     o Increased exercise and interaction
     o Safety in numbers
     o Bonding should be supervised

Grooming Behaviors – Rabbits
• Meticulous groomers
• Clean ears with rear feet
• Mutual Grooming
• Grooming after handling
• Do not bathe
• Longhaired Rabbits
• Ectoparasites – seborrhea, alopecia, pruritis, aural discharge

Eating Behaviors
• Herbivorous – need high fiber/low protein
• No sugars or starches
• Lateral/circular grinding motion of jaw
• Develop food preferences early
• Any change in eating habits significant
• Lack of food – polydipsia, lack of water - anorexia
• Counsel owners about how food and water is provided and maintained
• Water bowl may prevent chronic dehydration

Orofacial Path
• Subtle signs: pick up/interest in food but then drop it, change food preferences, dull/quiet
• Obvious signs: hypersalivation, pawing at the mouth, anorexia, lack of grooming, swelling and pain on palpation of affected area
• Examine teeth with otoscope at every exam
• Anesthesia and use of proper speculums is mandatory for complete exam, trimming and filing teeth – do not pull the tongue outside of the mouth.