Signs of Pain in Rabbits

Rabbits conceal pain and illness instinctively — by the time they show obvious distress, they are usually in significant discomfort. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits rarely vocalise pain. Learning the silent signals is essential.

## Why Rabbits Hide Pain

As prey animals, any sign of weakness in the wild invites predation. Rabbits suppress pain behaviour even in domestic settings. This means owners must actively look for subtle changes rather than waiting for clear distress signals.

## Primary Pain Indicators in Rabbits

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Loud, audible grinding or gnashing of the teeth is a strong pain signal — distinct from the quiet "tooth purring" (gentle tooth grinding) that content rabbits do when stroked. If you can hear it from across the room, it indicates significant pain.

Hunched Posture
A rabbit in pain typically hunches its back, pulls its feet under its body, and tucks its head down. The body looks smaller and rounder than normal. This conserves heat and protects the abdomen.

Reluctance to Move
A painful rabbit may sit in one corner for extended periods, resist being picked up, or move stiffly. A rabbit that usually binkies (leaps and twists with joy) and now sits motionless is in discomfort.

Reduced or Absent Grooming
Rabbits groom themselves constantly. A coat that is dull, matted, or has faecal matter stuck to the fur around the back end suggests the rabbit is unwilling or unable to groom — a pain and mobility sign.

Facial Signs (Rabbit Grimace Scale)
Validated research tools for rabbit pain assessment include:
- Orbital tightening (squinting)
- Nose shape change (narrowed or flattened nostrils)
- Cheek flattening (whisker pads pulled back)
- Ear changes (rotated back and pressed close to the head)

Aggression When Handled
A normally gentle rabbit that suddenly bites, scratches, or kicks when picked up is often in pain. Never dismiss this as "bad behaviour" without a physical examination.

Sitting Away from Companions
In bonded pairs, a rabbit in pain often separates from its partner and sits alone.

## What to Do

Note the specific changes, when they started, and how the rabbit is eating and using the litter tray. Call your vet — do not wait to see if the rabbit "gets better on its own." Log observations in Flovvi before the appointment.