| utilized in a healthy herd.
As in all forms of livestock there are visible appearances that can be indicators of health problems among rabbits. Whether the rabbit is in the developing stages of health problems or is in truly bad shape can vary on the developing stages of the malady. Rabbits can most frequently suffer from intestinal disease, respiratory disease, parasites, and hock irritations. An informed producer can often identify health-related problems and quickly treat their rabbits before it is too late.
Based upon my experience, the most effective way to control many health problems is to understand the digestive system of a rabbit and the basic nutritional needs. Understanding the type of feed a rabbit’s digestive system requires is one component, which includes the size of the food pellets. A publication from Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension states:
“The domestic rabbit is primarily herbivorous and consumes most types of grains, greens, and hay. Diet, whether homegrown or commercially prepared, consists almost entirely of ingredients from plant sources. Observation of rabbits indicates they prefer a pelleted diet to one in a meal form. They adjust to a meal diet and accept it satisfactorily, but during the adjustment period, intake may be low and feed spillage excessive. Some may refuse to consume a nonpelleted diet. Physical form and particle size of feed ingredients may be factors to consider in rabbit diets. The particle size of alfalfa may influence the occurrence of enteritis. Fine grinding (more than 25 percent passing a .25-mm screen and 90 percent passing a 1-mm screen) tends to promote diarrhea; coarse ground material does not.”
A publication from Texas Cooperative Extension Services tells us: “When it comes to digestive ailments, the newly weaned rabbit is most vulnerable to digestive disorders that can result in death. Because of weaning stress, the rabbit may go off feed for 1 or more days. Later, when the rabbit becomes excessively hungry, it simply eats too much feed. This irregular feeding pattern triggers changes in the intestines, where various microbial organisms are found. When over-consumption of feed occurs, certain bacterial species release natural toxic substances that are deadly to the rabbit. Diarrhea may or may not precede death. This nutritional condition occurs also in young calves, lambs, and pigs and is called ‘overeating disease’ or enterotoxaemia.
“This condition can also be caused by changing feeds, especially feeds high in grains. In young rabbits this disease can be controlled by providing grass or alfalfa hay to newly weaned rabbits when the signs first appear, or by controlling the amount of feed provided when the rabbit’s consumption of feed becomes irregular. Diarrhea can also be caused by
coccidiosis, a protozoa that has two forms: hepatic (liver) and intestinal. Hepatic coccidiosis causes animals to have a rough hair coat and to lose weight rapidly; death follows in a few days. Intestinal
coccidiosis, the more common form, also causes weight loss, a rough hair coat, and a ‘potbellied’ look. Both can be controlled with medication from your veterinarian and proper sanitation. Regular cleaning of cages will help to control this disease. Commercial medications are available, but use these only if an outbreak occurs.”
When it comes to respiratory ailments among rabbits pasteurellosis is the most common. Again, Texas Cooperative Extension Service tells us: “In commercial rabbit production, the major respiratory disease is pasteurellosis or ‘snuffles.’ The respiratory tract (upper nasal passages and lungs) becomes infected by a bacterial organism
(Pasteurella multocida). This contagious disease usually occurs when large numbers of rabbits are housed together, especially if poor ventilation conditions exist. The ammonia level from the urine causes irritation to the respiratory system, and this irritation leads to infection, sneezing, and the discharge of pus from the nasal region — but death does not necessarily occur.”
Fortunately, in a small
rabbitry, pasteurellosis is usually not a serious problem, because there are few rabbits and the air quality is usually sufficient (good ventilation and lack of strong ammonia odors). However, a problem may develop if rabbits are regularly taken to shows, where they may well become directly exposed to the bacterium that causes
pasteurellosis.
Antibiotics can help in combating the infection, but there is no cure for this disease. The best control measures are providing a well-ventilated environment and culling of affected animals. Snuffles is often a precursor to pneumonia, which is not uncommon in rabbits (also known as “bordetella,” after the organism which can cause the condition).
Parasites are also a common occurring malady among rabbits. Texas Agricultural Extension Service tells us: “Two major types of parasites affect rabbits: mites that cause ear and skin mange and protozoa that causes coccidiosis of the liver (discussed earlier). Keeping hutches and cages cleaned frequently helps to control infestations of these parasites.
Mites spread from rabbit to rabbit. The signs are crusty or scab-like debris inside the ears (ear mange) or behind the ears on the shoulder region (skin mange). To control mites, treat all adult stock at the same time by applying several drops of an oil solution to the affected area (this procedure drowns the mite). A monthly treatment routine may be necessary. Commercially available oil solutions or other medications may be obtained from your local veterinarian.”
When raising rabbits commercially, wire cages are the only option. Texas Agricultural Extension Service tells us: “One disadvantage of raising rabbits on wire floors is the stress that it may cause to the hocks (the bottom pads of the feet). A rabbit may have poor fur cover on the hocks, be a nervous
stomper, or simply be a heavy rabbit. In these situations, the fur is worn off the hocks, removing this cushion between the wire and the hocks. The hocks may develop open sores, and, if an infection sets in, the rabbit will experience pain and stress. This condition is known as ‘sore hocks.’ Regular examination of the hocks in adult rabbits is helpful in detecting cases early. Effective prevention strategies include selecting breeding stock with thick fur that shows little wear on the hocks, or, the option most chosen by commercial and brood stock operations is to provide a plastic placemat that can be bought at any rabbitry supply vendor.”
Now
for my disclaimer: I am neither a veterinarian nor an animal scientist,
so any information I share with you comes from personal experience, what
I have learned through my research, or from information available on the
Internet (see September’s article). The information I have |
