HEALTH
Dwarf rabbit dewlap
Julie Lambert, Paris, France
February 24, 2021
01 – What is dewlap?
Dewlap is the name given to the double chin that can be seen on some rabbits. It is a natural fat reserve.
02 – Dewlap in females
Dewlap is a peculiarity of females in dwarf rabbits. It can be described as equivalent to cellulite in females and has nothing to do with obesity. A female rabbit can be quite thin and have significant dewlap. So if your rabbit has a large dewlap, there is no need to worry as long as it does not interfere with your rabbit’s life. However, if it does become a problem, you can go to your vet to find a solution such as neutering, dieting or surgery.
Pipine with its winter outfit and clearly visible dewlap.
Photographed by Julie Lambert.
03 – Dewlap in males
Males cannot have dewlap. So if you see a double chin on your male rabbit, it could be a sign of overweight or even obesity. If this is the case, you should plan a diet and exercise to help your rabbit. Furthermore, if your male rabbit is not larger than average, I advise you to consult a veterinarian to check the nature of this “dewlap” and especially to verify if it is not a tumour or an abscess.
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