It’s essential to realize the importance of how a rabbit’s stomach feels. It’s one of the easiest ways to pinpoint whether or not the rabbit is in good health. A lot of issues a rabbit deals with starts from the digestive system, which means it is time to touch the rabbit’s stomach for a health check. To get started, it’s important to ask, what should a rabbit stomach feel like?
A rabbit’s stomach should feel soft to the touch, be devoid of lumps, and have a consistent spread of fur. This includes being free of fleas and ticks that are a common concern with rabbits.
It’s essential to keep tabs on the rabbit’s health by giving the stomach a test. Just having this information will let you know whether or not it is time to rush to the vet.
Key details to consider include:
- Fur Quality
- The Rabbit’s General Condition
- General Behavior
These are key details that are going to ensure you get a proper answer for the question, “What should a rabbit stomach feel like?”
You should always look at some of the surrounding symptoms such as whether or not the rabbit is flopping. When a rabbit starts grunting and flopping, this might be a good time to touch their stomach. Just giving it a small rub will let you know if something is off.
Here is a detailed look at the query, “What should a rabbit stomach feel like?” while also giving you insight into what each part of the stomach means when something is wrong.
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Tips On What a Rabbit Stomach Should Feel Like
1. Soft to the Touch
When you first touch a rabbit’s stomach, you are going to realize it’s similar to a soft lump.
This soft, even feel is common with a rabbit. This is how it should feel. You want to make sure there’s no noticeable hardness along the surface of the stomach.
If you press and it feels hard, this might be a sign that something is wrong and you may have to speak to a vet for further diagnosis.
In general, if you are asking “What should a rabbit stomach feel like?” you want to start here.
If it isn’t soft, this is often a clear-cut sign that additional precautions have to be taken. Remember, rabbits don’t have an easy time dealing with gas and can’t vomit.
So, if you are seeing this type of hardness in a rabbit, it is likely going to involve an underlying health issue.
2. No Lumps
This is one of the biggest problems you are going to have to deal with with an ill rabbit.
You will notice their stomach has a lump that is noticeable as soon as you press against the stomach. This lump doesn’t have to be hard and it might just stick out a little bit.
In some cases, this may have to do with cancer.
It’s important to note, not all lumps are going to be serious. Some lumps are just there but are benign and can be removed if necessary.
It is going to be important to have the lump looked at as soon as possible. This is essential when it comes to keeping things as safe as possible.
3. Even Fur
What about the surface of the stomach?
A lot of people get lost into feeling what is happening inside the stomach. This is okay, but you also have to pay attention to the surface too!
This means rubbing your hand against the belly area and seeing how it feels. If it is even then you are likely dealing with a healthy rabbit.
However, if there are patches of fur that are missing, you may have a rabbit that has fleas. You should inspect for these fleas and head to the vet right away if you find them.
Final Thoughts
This is key information when asking, what should a rabbit stomach feel like?
A rabbit’s stomach should always be even, well-shaped, and not have patches of fur. If this is what you are seeing then it is likely the rabbit is fully healthy.
However, if there are lumps and/or hardness then you are going to have to further inspect the problem area. This is the only way to get to the bottom of what is happening with your rabbit and its stomach.
Here are extra articles on rabbits to read through – keeping baby rabbits safe from the rain, why it’s important not to give alcohol to rabbits, tea bags for rabbits, and rabbits that rest in their poop.