Rabbits can live up to 12 years if cared for properly. However, they are susceptible to certain diseases. In order to detect rabbit diseases at an early stage, the animal should be observed daily. If there are any abnormalities, it is important to take a closer look at the rabbit and possibly consult a veterinarian.
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The following list of typical rabbit diseases with symptoms, causes and treatment options will help rabbit owners to quickly recognize signs of disease and to be able to act safely.
Recognize the first symptoms
The best protection against diseases is a healthy diet, species-appropriate accommodation and good hygiene. If these husbandry criteria are met, rabbits can live between eight and twelve years. But even with the best basic conditions, rabbits can get sick or injure themselves.
In any case, getting it first is crucial recognize symptoms of illness to be able to The following signs may indicate that the animal is sick:
- The rabbit doesn’t eat
- The rabbit loses weight suddenly or gradually
- The rabbit is apathetic (predominantly lying down) in the hutch or cage
In addition to these first signs, there are others symptoms typical of each disease. In order to recognize early which disease the rabbit is suffering from and to be able to act as quickly and correctly as possible, the following are the ten most common rabbit diseases with important information on symptoms and the correct treatment.
The ten most important rabbit diseases at a glance
The following diseases may be more common in rabbits:
- abscesses
- eye diseases
- Rabbit sniffles and other respiratory diseases
- kidney and bladder diseases
- Coat and skin changes
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (constipation / diarrhea)
- Encephalitozoonosis / E. cuniculi in rabbits
- Dental problems (misalignment of the incisors or molars)
- RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease)
- myxomatosis
1. Abscesses in rabbits
Abscesses can form under a rabbit’s skin. These can as thickening be recognized and explored. The causes of abscesses on rabbits are:
- Surgical scars contaminated by bacteria
- Minor injury to the skin (e.g. due to ranking fights)
- Abscesses in the jaw area due to misaligned teeth
The penetration of the bacteria causes purulent inflammation, which forming capsules filled with pus. In rabbits, abscesses are common in the neck and jaw area. Jaw abscesses are usually caused by misaligned teeth. Excessively long molars can cause initial injuries and inflammation in the throat, which can then lead to the formation of abscesses.
Treatment of abscesses in rabbits
abscesses can surgically removed or split by the vet become. If there is a split, the abscess is opened and the pus is removed. The abscess cavity is then rinsed daily. The flushing runs over a period of time until the abscess has completely healed from the inside out. In consultation with the veterinarian, parallel treatment with antibiotics is carried out.
Important: Abscesses are very painful for rabbits. At cries of painwhich the animal gives (e.g. grinding with its teeth), one hunched posture can pain in rabbits be recognized.
2. Eye diseases in rabbits
In rabbits, it is not uncommon for injuries to the eye (the eyeball, eyelid and cornea) to occur. Causes of eye injuries can
- Impaling hay or straw
- Ranking fights with conspecifics
be.
The following eye diseases are common in rabbits
- Abscesses behind the eyeball (caused by dental problems)
- Inflammation of the tear duct (consequence of dental problems and colds)
- Cloudy eyes (e.g. due to an infection with E. cuniculi or diabetes mellitus)
The following symptoms indicate inflammation of the eye
- milky-watery discharge from the eyes
- Bonding of the fur in the eye area
- swelling or protrusion of the eye
Treatment of eye diseases in rabbits
If the rabbit has an infectious change in the eye, it will antibiotic treated in the form of an ointment, gel or drip.
3. Rabbit sniffles and other respiratory diseases
There are certain pathogens that can cause a cold in rabbits. An attitude in which the rabbits are allowed to run around in the fresh air is a good prevention of such diseases. In addition, the corner of the toilet should be cleaned regularly, because the urine contains ammonia, which can also irritate the respiratory tract.
frequent Causes of rabbit flu and respiratory disease are:
- Draft (if the cage is right next to the window or in a draft)
- Infection through contact with a sick fellow animal (e.g. a new partner animal)
- Bad hygiene in the cage
- Dry heating air
- Stress (e.g. due to an enclosure that is too small, transport, frequent forced cuddling by the owner, restlessness within the rabbit group, etc.)
The following symptoms are early signs of rabbit cold or other respiratory disease in rabbits
- nasal discharge
- Frequent sneezing
- Strong flank breathing
- refusal of food
- shortness of breath
Treatment of rabbit cold and other respiratory diseases in rabbits
Whether it is a A coldone lung infection or one rabbit fluonly the veterinarian can judge. In most cases, antibiotic treatment is necessary for the rabbit to recover.
4. Kidney and Bladder Diseases in Rabbits
Kidney and bladder disease can also occur in rabbits. This is, for example, a bacterial infection of the bladder and/or kidneys, as well as bladder stones.
First signs and Symptoms of Kidney and Bladder Disease in Rabbits are among other:
- More frequent and heavier urination
- Increased urge to lick or clean in the anogenital area
- Foul-smelling urine
- Pain when urinating (shown by hunching over or making cries of pain such as grinding your teeth)
Treatment of bladder and kidney disease in rabbits
In most cases, bladder stones are due to diet. Because they can get through one calcium excess develop, which can be caused by too much calcium in fresh food or too much dry food. Bladder stones usually have to be surgically removed. If it is an infection, the sick rabbit with antibiotics and painkillers treated. Besides, it should much liquid record and kept warm become.
5. Coat and skin changes in rabbits
Diseased skin and fur changes in rabbits are predominant caused by parasites such as fungi, lice, mites, fleas and lice. Therefore, good hygiene of the environment plays a major role in prevention. Poor hygiene in the enclosure is the main cause of coat and skin diseases in rabbits.
First signs and symptoms of disease affecting coat and skinare:
- redness of the skin
- fur loss
- Discoloration and matting of the fur
- itching
- Formation of crusts and scales
- Circular, hairless spots (usually in the case of fungal infestation)
- shed
Skin parasites or fungal infestation are favored by a weakened immune system (e.g. due to other diseases or stress). A fungal infestation can also be transmitted to humans, other pets, or vice versa.
Treatment of skin and coat diseases in rabbits
If the first signs of such diseases are found in the rabbit, the veterinarian can find out more precisely whether it is an infestation of fungi, mites or other parasites. Depending on the infestation, ointments or washing treatments with antifungal agents (e.g. Daktarin) or Fenistil are used to treat itching. In addition, thorough cleaning of the enclosure is necessary so that the parasites are killed.
6. Gastrointestinal disorders in rabbits
Gastrointestinal diseases can often occur in rabbits. Common causes of gastrointestinal diseases in rabbits are:
- wrong feeding (food too high in carbohydrates and fat or low in raw fibre)
- quick feed change
- viral infections
- Bacteria or parasites (worm infestation, coccidia)
- dental problems
If a rabbit suffers from constipation, it will pass only small balls of feces or none at all. It no longer eats and can indicate pain. Regular combing and brushing should be ensured, especially when the fur is changing or with long-haired rabbits. There Fur balls in the intestine lead to constipation can. A short haircut can also be useful in the long run and, above all, less stressful. A balanced and healthy diet with sufficient green fodder, hay and plenty of exercise can prevent complications.
In rabbits, diarrhea can be recognized by liquid/mushy stools and a sticky anogenital region.
Treatment of constipation in rabbits
Hairballs or the contents of the intestine can be made more slippery by the careful administration of high-quality cooking oils (cold-pressed linseed or rapeseed oil), so that the constipation can be dissolved more easily. For hairballs, the vet can prescribe highly concentrated prescription bromeling tablets.
Treatment of diarrhea in rabbits
Generally, diarrhea occurs as a secondary disease. Therefore, the main disease (dental disease, feeding, parasites) should be looked for.
Depending on the cause, antifungal, antibiotic, or antiparasitic drugs may be administered. In addition, the intestinal flora should be rebuilt. (eg by Omniflora, Bene-Bac) A diet of hay and dried or fresh herbs such as oregano or mint is recommended. Chamomile, black or fennel tea also help. If the rabbit also suffers from flatulence, herbs such as dill, basil, parsley, lemon balm, chervil, tarragon, lovage, marjoram or thyme can be given. Carbohydrates (cereals) and fresh food should be avoided!
Danger: For severe or acute diarrhea, a veterinarian should be consulted within 24 hours.
7. Encephalitozoonosis / E. cuniculi in rabbits
Got a rabbit with the Pathogen Encephalitozoon cuniculi, also E. cuniculi) infected, one speaks of an encephalitozoonosis. With this disease it will central nervous system (spinal cord and brain), the lens capsule of the eye and the kidneys damaged. This disease can be associated with changes in kidney tissue and kidney failure, in the form of chronic inflammation.
If it is an encephalitozoonosis, rabbits can do the following symptoms exhibit:
- loss of balance
- head tilt
- hind leg paralysis
With a blood test…