Body Condition Scoring the Rabbit

Body condition scoring is a technique used to assess body condition in many species. Although no official scoring system exists for rabbits, evaluation of rabbit body condition can be adapted from methods used in cats, dogs, and large animals. This brief article describes specific examination techniques, before reviewing obesity in rabbits and client education . . .


To continue you need to be a LafeberVet.com member. (Français), (Español)

Pour continuer, vous devez être un membre LafeberVet.com

Para continuar, debe ser miembro de LafeberVet.com

Already a LafeberVet Member?

Please Login

References

1.  Adji AV, Pederson AØ, Agyekum AK. Obesity in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A narrative review. J Exotic Pet Med. 2022;41:30-37. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2022.02.003.

2.  Alexandersen P, Hassager C, Christiansen C. Influence of female and male sex steroids on body composition in the rabbit model. Climacteric. 2001;4(3):219-27. PMID: 11588946.

3.  Courcier EA, Mellor DJ, Pendlebury E, Evans C, Yam PS. Preliminary investigation to establish prevalence and risk factors for being overweight in pet rabbits in Great Britain. Vet Rec. 2012 ;171(8):197. doi: 10.1136/vr.100792. Epub 2012 Jul 10. PMID: 22781344.

4.  Dixon LM, Hardiman JR, Cooper JJ. The effects of spatial restriction on the behavior of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2019;5(6):302-308.

5.  Georgiev IP, Georgieva TM, Ivanov V, et al. Effects of castration-induced visceral obesity and antioxidant treatment on lipid profile and insulin sensitivity in New Zealand white rabbits. Res Vet Sci. 2011;90(2):196-204. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.05.023. Epub 2010 Jun 12. PMID: 20542306.

6.  Lee HW, Machin H, Adami C. Peri-anaesthetic mortality and nonfatal gastrointestinal complications in pet rabbits: a retrospective study on 210 cases. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2018;45(4):520-528. doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2018.01.010. Epub 2018 Feb 27. PMID: 29759902.

7.  Mayer J, Brown S, Mitchell MA. Survey to investigate owners׳ perceptions and experiences of pet rabbit husbandry and health. J Exotic Pet Med. 2017;26(2):123-131. doi:1053/j.jepm.2017.01.021.

8.  MSU. Feeding your adult rabbit. Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital web site. Available at http://cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/nutrition-support-service-1/client-education/feeding-your-adult-rabbit-1. Accessed on March 30, 2013.

9.  PFMA. Pet obesity campaign. Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association web site. 2009. Available at http://www.pfma.org.uk/pet-obesity-campaign/. Accessed on March 30, 2013.

An updated version can be found at https://www.pfma.org.uk/rabbit-size-o-meter.

10. Prebble JL, Shaw DJ, Meredith AL. Bodyweight and body condition score in rabbits on four different feeding regimes. J Small Anim Pract. 2015;56(3):207-12. doi: 10.1111/jsap.12301.

11.  Reusch B. Why do I need to body condition score my rabbit? Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund Web site. Spring 2010. Available at rabbitwelfare.co.uk/pdfs/ROSpring10-Bodyconditionscore.pdf. Accessed on March 30, 2013.

12.  RWFA. Rabbits need SPACE. Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund web site. Available at rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-housing/space-recommendations/. Accessed August 21, 2022.

13. Shrubsole-Cockwill A. Obesity A. In: Mayer J, Donnelly TM (eds). Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders: Publisher; 2013. Pp. 401-402.

14.  Sweet H, Pearson AJ, Watson PJ, German AJ. A novel zoometric index for assessing body composition in adult rabbits. Vet Rec. 2013;173(15):369. doi: 10.1136/vr.101771. Epub 2013 Sep 27. PMID: 24078228.

15.  Thompson JL, Koh P, Meredith AL, Brown H. Preliminary investigations into the use of the five-point body condition scale (Size-O-Meter) and its use in pet owner education. J Exotic Pet Med. 2019;31:95-99. doi:  10.1053/j.jepm.2019.07.016.

16.  Vella D, Donnelly TM. Rabbits: Basic anatomy, physiology, and husbandry. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW (eds). Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:

17.  Vennen KM, Mitchell MA. Rabbits. In: Mitchell M, Tully TN (eds). Manual of Exotic Pet Practice. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:  375, 390.

18.  White GA, Hobson-West P, Cobb K, et al. Canine obesity: is there a difference between veterinarian and owner perception? J Small Anim Pract. 2011;52(12):622-626. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2011.01138.x.

19.  Zheng H, Zhang C, Yang W, et al. Fat and cholesterol diet induced lipid metabolic disorders and insulin resistance in rabbit. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2009;117(8):400-405. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1102918. Epub 2009 Mar 19. PMID: 19301228.

To cite this page:

Pollock C. Body condition scoring the rabbit. August 25, 2022. LafeberVet web site. Available at https://lafeber.com/vet/body-condition-scoring-the-rabbit/