Rabbit Health

Rabbit's Health

It is better to avoid illnesses best run of rabbits, though, there is always a risk of infection. Many diseases are airborne, are transmitted via bird droppings or are introduced by an owner who has come in contact with an ill animal.

Every precaution must be taken to simply keep lie risks down to an acceptable attributable to poor husbandry. rather than having to treat it. Just consider the multitude of Probably over half of all rabbit potential causes of spreading ailments am partly or wholly disease, creating stress and reducing a rabbit's natural resistance to illness: drafty accommodations, inadequate diets, unclean feeding dishes, contaminated foods, overcrowding, lack of exercise, poor breeding. Each one of these aspects can induce an illness and then cause it to spread.

Even in the best run of rabbits, though, there is always a risk of infection. Many diseases are airborne, are transmitted via bird droppings are introduced by owners who has come to contact with an ill animal. every precaution must be taken to simply keep the risk down  to an acceptable levels. If a feeding pot or water bottle has a crack, replace it. If a hutch wire is rusty, renew it.

Antibiotics

Use of antibiotics on rabbits must be done veterinary supervision. The fact that a rabbit requires certain bacteria in its stomach for digestion means that antibiotics can be counter productive. The medication must destroy essential bacteria  and allow others, which are not beneficial to flourish.

Bloat

This is typically the result of excess green foods. A build-up of gasses in the stomach occurs from fermentation being unable to escape. A mild laxative should help because the rabbit is also constipated. The condition is less likely to occur if more, but smaller, meals are fed.

Canker

Constant scratching of the ear indicates a problem. An inspection may reveal hard, brown wax. This is caused by mites whose life cycle is completed on the host.

Coccidiosis

This is an acute form of diarrhea. It may also affect the liver. Essentially, however, it is an intestinal problem created by microscopic protozoan's of the genera Eimeria and Isospora. Young rabbits who have not yet built up a natural immunity are most at risk. The condition is often the result of overcrowding and poor hygiene.

Diarrhea

Reduce green foods immediately and maintain meticulous hygiene. Persistent diarrhea should be reported to your veterinarian. Diarrhea is often a symptom of another manifestation. Microscopic examination of the feces confirms the cause.

Fleas and Lice

Check the fur for these parasites. Fleas are seen as tiny, reddish, mobile creatures. The rabbit flea, Spilopsyllus cunicun, is believed to be the main carrier of myxomatosis. So if you live in an area where this dreaded disease is still present, constant vigilance is needed. Lice are seen as tiny gray specks. Their eggs are whitish in color. They do not move around a great deal. Usually the back, head and ears of the rabbit are infested. Fleas and lice are both easily eradicated by using acaracides. Infestations can be totally avoided by clean living conditions and regular
inspection of the stock.

Fungal Infection(Ringworm)

This is a stubborn problem to combat. The signs are skin lesions encrusted with a flaky layer. The cause is the fungus Trichophyton. A wholly satisfactory treatment is not available. Iodine, ammonium compounds, oils and soaps have all been used with moderate success.

Heat Stroke

During very hot weather, rabbits may be seen panting, staggering about and even vomiting. Large rabbits and those with foreshortened faces are the most likely to be affected. Place a cold, wet towel around the rabbit and move it to a cool place. The best prevention is a shaded, well ventilated area. Provide cool drinking water and periodically dampen the hutch with water.

Hay Poisoning

Milkweed, a plant found in meadows of the USA, causes this condition. The rabbit is paralyzed, especially its head and back (which becomes arched). The extent of the condition depends upon how much milkweed was ingested. Consult your veterinarian.

Maggots

During warm weather, flies and other winged insects may lay eggs in the rabbits' fecal matter. Rabbits in poor condition have feces clinging to their fur. The eggs hatch and the larvae burrow into a rabbit's tissue. Toxic chemicals are released. Secondary infections are induced as the rabbit scratches and creates wounds. Check your rabbits daily to remove any fecal matter. Wipe an infected area with a mild disinfectant.

Mites

Mites can be spread to and from various animals. So be wary if you own other pets. Mites arc tiny arthropods which move on the skin's surface or burrow into it. Mites often hide in crevices of the hutch during the day, and emerge to feed on the rabbit's blood at night.

Vent Disease

Small blisters develop around the vent. They become more widespread and develop scabs. Consult a veterinarian for the proper treatment. After a two to three week period, the rabbit can be returned to the hutch.

Worms

Various internal worms afflict mammals and birds. They are no problem under normal conditions. Problems begin when infestations of them build up. They reduce the benefits a rabbit receives from its food. General debility then induces other problems. If evidence of worms is seen in the droppings or is vomited up, consult your vet.

Wounds

Minor cuts can be wiped with a mild disinfectant. They usually heal rapidly. More serious wounds should be dressed and treated by a veterinarian. The most difficult problem is keeping the dressing on the rabbit.
 

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