Facts & advice

Holland Lop
 

holland lop rabbit
With energy to spare, this breed loves to play!
Sometimes referred to as the Mini Lop but, despite this name, the Holland Lop Rabbit is not particularly small. These highly active, lop-eared rabbits are energetic and playful, and love cat toys, which keep them entertained and happy.
Vital stats

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Size: Medium, weighing around 2.5kg (5.5lb)
Coat: Mini Lops have medium-length, dense fur that requires weekly or bi-weekly grooming. Their coat is either solid – one colour only – or broken up with patches of colours such as chestnut, black, chocolate, cream, or fawn.
Life span: Up to 10 years
Temperament: Despite their playful, energetic nature, Mini Lops thrive best in quiet, calm households with older children as they can be quite skittish.
Special requirements: Mini Lops need lots of time in the open air to run around and require plenty of stimulation. They're known for enjoying cat toys, whiling the hours away playing with them.
As a rabbit owner you will want what’s best for your pet’s health so they can live a long, happy life. Like all breeds, Holland Lops are prone to certain health conditions. To help you be more aware and prepared for these potential ailments if they should arise, we have put together information on the health issues that we see the most in Holland Lops.

The Mini Lop, as with most lop-eared rabbits, can suffer from ear infections such as otitis, where the ear canal becomes inflamed and itchy. These breeds typically have an extra fold in the outer ear, which creates a build-up of wax and can lead to bacterial or yeast infections.

Symptoms include ear-scratching, swelling, weight loss, head tilt and, in extreme cases, seizures and paralysis. A CT scan may be required to check if the inner ear is affected. Treatment usually involves antibiotics but, in some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Many rabbits suffer from dental problems. Because rabbits’ teeth are constantly growing, they need a good, balanced diet with plenty of hay to help wear down teeth at an even rate.

Some rabbits develop problems with overgrown teeth, which can change the alignment of the mouth and lead to infection and abscesses. Abscesses will need to be surgically removed by your vet, as they do not respond to antibiotic treatment and are too thick to lance, while overgrown teeth may need to be regularly filed.

Parasites are a common problem among all breeds of rabbit. Cheyletiella mites in particular can cause itching and hair loss, but can be easily treated with anti-mite preparations in the form of an injection or spot-on treatment.

The E cuniculi parasite, which affects many rabbits, including lop-eared breeds, can be more difficult to treat. It’s spread by spores in contaminated urine and can be passed on to other rabbits. Although some rabbits with the parasite are symptomless, others are more sensitive. Symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, cataracts, head tilt and paralysis in the back legs. Although the parasite can’t be removed entirely, symptoms can be managed with worming treatments.

Cancer of the uterus is the most common form of cancer in female rabbits, and Mini Lops have an increased risk of developing it.

Symptoms include fertility problems and stillbirths, loss of appetite and blood in the urine. In some cases, the cancer can spread to the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. If caught early enough to ensure that the cancer hasn’t spread to other tissues, removal of the uterus can mean the rabbit may continue to live a healthy life. Ultimately, prevention is better than cure, so ask your vet for their recommendations on spaying female rabbits.

Most animals only take in the calcium they need from their food and expel it through their guts, whereas rabbits absorb all the calcium they eat and expel it through their bladders. This can sometimes result in an excessive build-up of calcium, known as bladder sludge. Some rabbits, including Mini Lops, may develop bladder stones.

Symptoms include squealing or squeaking when passing urine, the presence of blood in the urine, or urine scald – where urine has been in contact with the rabbit’s skin for prolonged periods of time, causing a rash.

Luckily, these conditions are relatively straightforward to treat if caught early. Bladder stones can be surgically removed, while sludge can be treated with fluids to help flush out the bladder. If the rabbit also has cystitis (a bladder infection), a course of antibiotics will help to clear it up. Dietary changes, such as feeding good-quality pellets that ensure your rabbit gets just the right amount of calcium, can help prevent problems from occurring, too.

holland lop rabbit
Holland Lop rabbits sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan rabbit insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.
Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy & pet therapies

Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).

Dental illness & injury

Dental illness & injury

Our cover includes the cost of treating dental illnesses and injuries, you just need to make sure you keep up with your pets annual veterinary dental checks.

Cancer treatments

Cancer treatments & injury

With our cover your vet can choose the most appropriate and successful treatment for the type of cancer your pet has such as surgical removal, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.

Diagnostic tests

Diagnostic tests

We cover the cost of MRI scans, CT scans and ultrasounds so your vet can diagnose problems quickly.

Hereditary conditions

Hereditary conditions

A condition that your pet has inherited or is predisposed to such as hip dysplasia. We will cover conditions that haven't shown symptoms before the start of your policy.

Physical & online consultations

Physical & online consultations

We cover the costs of telephone/video consultations as well as face to face vet consultations to give you the flexibility to choose how your pet is treated.

Prescription medicine

Prescription medicine

We cover medicines that have been prescribed when your pet is unwell (doesn't include routine care like fleas or worming).

Behavioural conditions

Behavioural conditions

Including therapy and drugs for behavioural problems such as separation anxiety or reactivity. We don't set hidden limits so you can claim up to the vet fees maximum benefit.

Surgery & specialised care

Surgery & specialised care

When needed for an injury or illness, we cover the cost of surgery and specialist procedures, like chemotherapy.

Congenital conditions

Congenital conditions

An illness that exists since birth but doesn’t necessarily show symptoms right away. We will cover conditions that haven't shown symptoms before the start of your policy.

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