Companion Animals

Pain Assessment in Rabbits

Rabbits mask pain exceptionally well as prey animals, making reliable pain assessment critical for veterinary and owner welfare management.

Key Facts

Rabbits rarely vocalise in pain, making assessment challenging
The Rabbit Grimace Scale is a validated tool for assessing rabbit pain
Post-surgical pain is frequently undertreated in rabbits
Reduced grooming, hunched posture, and teeth grinding are pain indicators
Rabbits in pain may stop eating, leading to rapid GI stasis

Welfare Considerations

Pain recognition in rabbits is challenging due to their stoic prey-animal behaviour. Without valid assessment tools, pain is often undertreated in veterinary and home settings. The Rabbit Grimace Scale and behavioural indicators provide practical tools for assessing pain. Appropriate analgesia following procedures, illness, and injury is essential for rabbit welfare.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise pain indicators in your rabbit including posture and grooming changes
Ask your vet about validated pain assessment for rabbits
Ensure pain relief is provided following any surgical procedures
Seek veterinary attention promptly if your rabbit stops eating
Advocate for improved rabbit pain management in veterinary training