Rabbits are prey animals that instinctively hide pain, making recognition and assessment critically important for welfare.
Unrecognised pain is a major welfare problem in pet rabbits. Owners and veterinarians must actively look for subtle behavioural changes such as reduced grooming, posture changes, and altered feeding patterns. Rabbit grimace scales are now available for clinical use. Dental disease, GI stasis, and musculoskeletal conditions are common painful conditions requiring proactive management.