The most expensive rabbit insurance claims

Rabbits are great animals to have around; they’re friendly, inquisitive, and full of character. However, they can also be prone to certain health conditions. Treating these issues can be expensive, highlighting the importance of pet insurance to cover any unexpected veterinary bills. Below are the most expensive health conditions claimed on rabbit insurance.

The 10 most expensive rabbit insurance claims*

* Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between Nov 2023 and May 2024.

1. Primary ileus - £1,701.25 average claim

Primary ileus is a serious digestive condition that occurs when a rabbit’s gastrointestinal tract slows or stops functioning. Symptoms to watch out for include loss of appetite, lethargy, and a reduction in droppings (or none).

Vets will typically diagnose the condition by carrying out physical exams and may use imaging, like X-rays, to get a look inside the rabbit’s body. Treatment often includes fluid therapy, pain relief, and medication to stimulate the gut - meaning it aims to get food and gas moving again. Severe cases may require hospitalisation, driving up costs and any resulting insurance claims.

2. Spondylosis - £2,500.00 average claim

Spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the spine. Humans can suffer with this condition too and, just like in people, it tends to be more common in older animals. Signs to look out for include stiffness, difficulty moving, and pain.

Vets usually diagnose spondylosis using X-rays and other imaging techniques. There’s no cure for spondylosis. Instead, treatment focuses on managing a pet’s symptoms with pain relief, physiotherapy, and supportive care. Advanced cases may need ongoing treatment, contributing to high costs.

3. Urinary bladder issues - £2,500.00 average claim

Unfortunately, bladder issues, such as stones or infections, can be quite common in rabbits. Symptoms include straining to urinate, discoloured urine, and signs of discomfort in your pet.

Diagnosis may involve urine tests, ultrasounds, or X-rays. The type of treatment needed will depend on the exact bladder condition. Typically, rabbits may require antibiotics, surgery, or dietary changes to help sort out any issues. If surgery is required, then this is likely to significantly increase the overall expense of treatment.

4. Lung (pulmonary) disorder - £1,209.01 average claim

Pulmonary disorders include things like infections or other respiratory complications. Signs there may be something wrong include laboured breathing, coughing, and nasal discharge. 

The high cost of insurance claims tends to account for everything from diagnosis and medication to specialist treatment and ongoing care, including hospital stays. For example, diagnosis may involve X-rays and blood tests. And once diagnosed, treatment can involve antibiotics or procedures such as oxygen therapy and nebulisation. This is where medication is delivered directly to a rabbit’s airways in the form of a fine mist. 

Important: Lung conditions can be life-threatening for rabbits. So, if you suspect your pet has an issue, don’t delay in getting them seen by a vet.

5. Gastric (stomach) dilation - £1,068.73 average claim

Gastric dilation in rabbits is when their stomach swells up with gas, food, or fluid because it can’t empty properly. This can cause severe pain and is potentially life-threatening if it’s not treated quickly.

Comon symptoms of gastric dilation in rabbits include abdominal swelling, pain, and lethargy. A vet will generally diagnose the condition using a combination of both physical exams and X-rays. 

The high cost of the average claim tends to be in part due to the emergency care needed. Treatment may include fluids, surgery, or decompression - this is where a tube is put through a rabbit’s mouth into its stomach to release the built-up gas or fluid, relieving the pressure and pain. 

6. Neurological (nervous system) disorder - £1,512.09 average claim

Neurological disorders affect a rabbit’s brain or nerves. Common symptoms include head tilt, loss of balance, and seizures.

Tests such as MRI scans or blood tests might be needed to help diagnose the issue. Treatment depends on the cause, but may include medication, supportive care, or long-term management. Advanced diagnostics and ongoing care can be expensive, resulting in costly insurance claims.

7. Intestinal impaction (blocked intestines) - £1,877.75 average claim

Intestinal impaction in rabbits happens when the intestine becomes blocked. It can be one of the more common serious conditions in rabbits.

Causes include things such as hairballs, the rabbit swallowing something it shouldn’t, or a poor diet. This condition can quickly become life-threatening. So, if your rabbit is showing symptoms such as low appetite, no droppings, and visible discomfort, you should call a vet.

If a vet suspects a blocked intestine, they may use an X-ray or ultrasound for a proper diagnosis. Treatment often requires fluid therapy, pain relief, and sometimes surgery. The severity of this condition and emergency treatment are some of the main factors that lead to the high cost of the average claim.

8. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) - £1,500.00 average claim

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It’s relatively rare in rabbits but extremely serious. Signs include lameness (meaning they have trouble moving), swelling, and pain.

Diagnosis may involve X-rays, biopsies, and other tests. Cancer treatment costs can make insurance claims high, which may include surgery, pain management, or even palliative care. 

9. Dental (tooth) disorder - £1,909.76

Dental issues are one of the most common health issues in rabbits. This is because they have continuously growing teeth, an adaptation that helps them stay the right length for chewing their favourite fibrous foods! 

Symptoms of dental issues include drooling, weight loss, and signs of difficulty eating. To get to the root of the issue (no pun intended!), vets may carry out dental exams and X-rays. 

As for treatment, this might include things such as tooth trimming, extractions, or even surgery. The recurring nature of dental problems can often lead to ongoing expenses, while the specialist nature of dental care tends to mean it’s one of the more costly areas of pet health treatment.

10. Rhinitis - £1,260.85 average claim

Rhinitis refers to inflammation of the nasal passages, often caused by infections or even allergies, including certain types of hay, dust, or chemicals. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing.

Vets may use swabs, imaging, and blood tests to establish the cause of the inflammation. Treatment for rhinitis in rabbits typically includes antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, while making changes to the rabbit’s hutch or enclosure may be needed too if allergies are the main cause. Chronic cases that require ongoing medication, or complications, can increase costs and claims.

Advice for rabbit owners

For more advice on how to look after your rabbit, including what rabbits eat, how long they live, and how to tell if they’re sick, read our guide by Veterinarian Marianne Tornvall.

Why pet insurance matters

Being torn between getting prompt treatment for your sick animal while also worrying about the potential costs of vet treatment can be one of the worst things about being a pet owner. And, as we’ve seen, rabbit health conditions can be surprisingly expensive. 

This is where rabbit insurance comes in. Prices with Agria Pet Insurance start at £18.92 annually for a lifetime rabbit policy or £1.58 monthly**, leaving you to focus on your rabbit’s care without worrying about being out of pocket.

** Based on all new Agria Lifetime Insurance between Nov 2023 and May 2024.