Textbook of Rabbit Medicine, Frances Harcourt-Brown. Pg. 348. Pseudopregnancy.
Rabbits are reflex ovulators. Mating stimulates ovulation approx. 10 hours post-coitus. Ovulation can also be induced by mechanical stimulation fo the vagina or by the act of being mounted by another female, which can result in pseudopregnancy. Neutered or entire rabbits of either sex may mount each other to establish dominance or during periods of excitement.
Pseudopregnancy can also be the result of sexual arousal from the close proximity or scent of a male. Reflex ovulation takes place and results in the formation of corporalutea that secrete progesterone. Pseudopregnancy lasts for 16-18 days. The doe is not receptive to a buck during this time. At the end of the period, the doe may pull hair from her body and attempt to make a nest. She may become territorial and attack other rabbits or people that come near.
Although there are anecdotal reports of treating pseudopregnancy in rabbits with hormone preparations, in most circumstances treatment is unnecessary as the condition is self-limiting, Repeated false pregnancies can be prevented by neutering or separating females that are stimulating each other. It may be necessary to house entire males and females in separate locations in multi-rabbit establisments.
First publication of this textbook (for DVM degrees), 2002.