RABBITS · Condition guide
Myxomatosis in rabbits: real veterinary case reports
Myxomatosis is a viral disease of rabbits caused by the myxoma virus (a poxvirus). It's transmitted by biting insects — fleas, mosquitoes, mites — and by direct contact with infected rabbits. The classic presentation is dramatic swelling around the eyes, ears, lips, anus, and genitals, often with thick discharge and skin nodules; affected rabbits stop eating, become lethargic, and most die within 1-2 weeks. The disease persists in wild rabbit populations across the UK, Europe, and Australia and is a leading cause of preventable death in unvaccinated pet rabbits.
The good news: effective combined RVHD-2 + myxomatosis vaccines are widely available and should be considered essential for any pet rabbit, indoors or outdoors. Treatment of established disease is largely supportive (fluids, syringe feeding, analgesia, eye care) with a guarded-to-poor prognosis — vaccinated rabbits that contract a milder form have substantially better outcomes than unvaccinated rabbits. Vector control (flea prevention, mosquito screens, indoor housing during high-risk seasons) plus annual vaccination is the only reliable strategy.
What vets typically check for
- Clinical signs are usually diagnostic in endemic areas.
- PCR or virus isolation from skin lesions or conjunctival swabs confirms diagnosis.
- Supportive care: warmth, fluids, syringe feeding, analgesia, eye lubrication.
- Strict isolation from other rabbits — the virus is highly contagious.
- Annual vaccination (combined RVHD-2 / myxomatosis vaccine) for prevention.
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Myxomatosis in rabbits. Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- [Pseudotuberculosis caused by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)].
Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere · 2026 · Germany
A 5-year-old dwarf rabbit was brought to the vet because it had stopped eating, seemed very tired, and had diarrhea. The rabbit was found to be hypothermic and had an enlarged liver and spleen, along with other serious internal issues. Despite various tests revealing severe inflammation and other complications, the rabbit's condition was too poor to treat effectively. Sadly, th
- Sarcoptic mange in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A case report
International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry · 2025
A 2-year-old rabbit was brought to the vet with hair loss and crusty lesions around its eyes and elbows, along with intense itching and shaking its head. After examining the rabbit, the vet diagnosed it with sarcoptic mange, a skin condition caused by mites. The treatment included injections of Ivermectin, given weekly for four weeks, followed by a syrup for 15 days. Thankfully
- Antemortem and Postmortem Diagnosis of <i>Encephalitozoon cuniculi</i> in a Pet Rabbit (<i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>)—A Case Report
Pathogens · 2024 · CH
A pet rabbit showed signs of vestibular disease, which can cause balance issues, and mild kidney problems. Despite treatment, the rabbit did not improve and was ultimately euthanized. Tests confirmed the presence of a parasite called Encephalitozoon cuniculi in various samples, including blood and urine. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing and treating this infect
- Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Rabbit.
Topics in companion animal medicine · 2024 · United States
A geriatric Holland Lop rabbit was brought in for sudden lameness and was found to have a broken leg due to a type of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. The vet amputated the affected leg, and tests confirmed the diagnosis. Unfortunately, the rabbit passed away about a year later, and a follow-up examination revealed that the cancer had spread to several other organs. Related se
- Epidemiologic, clinicopathologic, and diagnostic findings in pet rabbits with myxomatosis caused by the California MSW strain of myxoma virus: 11 cases (2022-2023).
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association · 2024
A group of 11 pet rabbits in California developed myxomatosis, a serious viral infection, after spending time outdoors. Symptoms included swelling around the eyes and genitals, high fever, and in some cases, sudden death. All rabbits tested positive for the myxoma virus, and many showed signs of severe skin and organ damage. Unfortunately, myxomatosis is nearly always fatal, an
- Efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin against naturally acquired Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in 10 pet rabbits: Retrospective case series.
Veterinary dermatology · 2023 · Italy
Ten pet rabbits suffering from sarcoptic mange, which causes severe itching and skin lesions, were treated with a single application of a spot-on combination of fluralaner and moxidectin. Within 21 days, all rabbits showed complete recovery, with no signs of mites or skin problems. The treatment was effective, and none of the rabbits experienced a relapse within 90 days of the
Frequently asked questions
- Can my indoor rabbit catch myxomatosis?
- Yes — mosquitoes and fleas can carry the virus indoors. Indoor-only rabbits are at lower but not zero risk. Vaccination is recommended for all pet rabbits regardless of housing.
- Can I treat it once my rabbit has it?
- Treatment is supportive only — there is no specific antiviral. Vaccinated rabbits that contract a milder form often recover with intensive supportive care; unvaccinated rabbits with classic myxomatosis have a very poor prognosis, and euthanasia on welfare grounds is frequently the kindest option for severe cases.
- How often should I vaccinate?
- Annually with a combined RVHD-2 and myxomatosis vaccine, starting from 5 weeks of age. Discuss the specific vaccine and protocol with your rabbit-savvy vet — products and intervals vary by country.