singapore rabbits

rabbit liver disease and hepatic lipidosis in Singapore

updated 13 May 2026

rabbit livers fail fast under stress. when a rabbit stops eating for 24+ hours, fat mobilises and overwhelms the liver. it’s called hepatic lipidosis and it’s why stasis is so deadly.

most rabbit liver issues are secondary. understanding them helps you act on root causes.

the main liver conditions in rabbits

hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver)

  • develops with anorexia
  • 24-48 hours of not eating triggers
  • liver function collapses
  • often fatal

liver lobe torsion

  • one lobe twists on its blood supply
  • acute, severe pain
  • emergency surgery needed
  • rare but seen

chronic liver disease

  • from various causes
  • slow progression
  • managed but not cured
  • senior rabbits

parasitic (rare)

  • some liver parasites possible
  • usually diagnosed at necropsy

hepatic lipidosis details

how it happens

  • rabbit stops eating
  • body mobilises fat for energy
  • fat overwhelms liver
  • liver fails to process
  • toxic buildup
  • liver and rabbit decline

prevention

  • never let rabbit go 12+ hours without eating
  • recognise stasis early (our GI stasis guide)
  • syringe-feed at first sign of decreased appetite

symptoms

  • worsening lethargy
  • jaundice possible (yellow gums or whites of eyes)
  • collapse
  • death

treatment

  • aggressive supportive care
  • IV fluids
  • syringe-feeding (Critical Care)
  • antibiotics if indicated
  • vet hospitalisation
  • prognosis guarded

liver lobe torsion details

symptoms

  • sudden severe pain
  • hunched posture
  • complete anorexia
  • shock signs

diagnosis

  • ultrasound (preferred)
  • bloodwork (liver enzymes elevated)
  • examination

treatment

  • emergency surgery to remove affected lobe
  • sometimes responds to conservative care
  • recovery 1-2 weeks if surgery successful

chronic liver disease details

causes

  • toxin exposure
  • genetic predisposition
  • secondary to other illness
  • E. cuniculi sometimes
  • coccidia (rarely in rabbits)

symptoms

  • gradual weight loss
  • decreased appetite
  • changes in droppings
  • behavioural changes

diagnosis

  • bloodwork (liver enzymes)
  • ultrasound
  • sometimes biopsy

treatment

  • supportive medications
  • diet adjustments
  • monitoring
  • managed not cured

the SG vet approach

what to expect:

  • bloodwork including liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP)
  • ultrasound for structural issues
  • sometimes referral to specialist
  • supportive care

the diet considerations

for any liver issue:

avoid

  • high-protein foods (taxing on liver)
  • excess fat
  • treats and fruits during recovery

emphasise

  • high-quality hay
  • moderate greens
  • limited pellets

supplements (vet-guided)

  • SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine)
  • milk thistle (limited evidence)
  • omega-3 (anti-inflammatory)

the cost reality

initial workup:

  • bloodwork: SGD 80-150
  • ultrasound: SGD 100-200
  • diagnosis: SGD 200-400 total

treatment:

  • hospitalisation: SGD 600-1500
  • surgery (lobe torsion): SGD 1000-2500
  • ongoing meds: SGD 50-100 monthly

the SG-specific notes

three things relevant:

1. heat compounds

  • liver under heat stress already
  • hepatic lipidosis risk higher in heat-related anorexia
  • AC essential

2. exotic experience

  • some SG vets less familiar with liver disease
  • specialist consult valuable
  • our vet directory

3. emergency timing

the senior rabbit consideration

seniors:

  • chronic liver disease more common
  • monitor with annual bloodwork
  • diet adjustments important
  • supportive care extends quality of life

the prevention

practical:

  • aggressive stasis treatment (prevents fatty liver)
  • avoid hepatotoxic foods
  • regular vet checkups
  • maintain healthy weight
  • minimize toxin exposure

the bonded pair consideration

bonded pairs:

  • one with liver disease: stress on partner
  • separate only if treatment requires
  • monitor companion too

what owners often get wrong

three patterns:

  • letting stasis progress. the longer not eating, the worse liver gets
  • using OTC supplements without vet. some hepatotoxic
  • ignoring jaundice. yellow gums is emergency

community-sourced information here is not veterinary advice. for any signs of liver issue, consult a licensed SG exotic vet promptly.

community-sourced information, not veterinary advice. for medical issues, see a licensed SG exotic vet — start with our vet directory.

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