MOST COMMON DISEASES OF MINIATURE RABBITS
Tuesday, 23 April 2024
Adequate housing, nutrition and care greatly reduce the risk of your pet getting sick. A healthy bunny eats a lot, moves lively and is eager to play basically all day long.
When a rabbit is behaving in an unusual manner, has a wet nose, bloodshot and dull eyes and fluffy fur, it is a sign that it is ill. In this case, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian. Only diarrhea can be fought on one's own.
Myxomatosis is a common viral disease of rabbits. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and other insects. It can also be caused by feeding rabbits green fodder soiled with droppings of infected wild rabbits. Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, the disease is incurable and the rabbit must be put down. Myxomatosis can be recognized by red conjunctivae, inflamed eyes and swelling of the head (lion's head). A sick rabbit is apathetic and very calm.
Currently, rabbits can be vaccinated against myxomatosis. It is likely that the disease occurs from time to time, but this is not confirmed by scientific studies. In addition, to protect your rabbit from this disease, it is advisable to use a mosquito net, i.e., gauze that protects the animal from mosquito bites. Also, do not allow the rabbit to come in contact with feces of rabbits living in the wild. An individual suffering from myxomatosis must be immediately isolated from other rabbits, as the disease is highly contagious.
It is a disease caused by protozoa, or more precisely, by single-celled parasites called coccidia. They show considerable resistance to external environmental conditions. In an infected animal, they severely damage the intestinal wall. The rabbit takes them into its body together with feed contaminated with its feces. In this way, the development cycle of the parasite is closed. This can be remedied by maintaining hygiene and not allowing feed to become contaminated. The symptoms of coccidiosis are severe diarrhoea, poor appetite and extreme emaciation. Sometimes, liver damage may also occur. With a sick pet, it is mandatory to visit a veterinarian who will make a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
Bloating can be caused by green feed that fermented in the heat, as well as wet and cold feed, or bloating foods (raw potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, white and red cabbage and clover - in their case, you must be very careful and give them to your pet in small quantities). The belly of the rabbit is bloated, as in the case of constipation, but not as a result, but due to the formation of gases in the intestines. The animal has trouble breathing, and often lies down because it feels pressure pains. The feed must then be removed immediately and go to the vet. Flatulence can unfortunately end in death.
Diarrhea is usually the result of a cold, draft, eating unsuitable or even spoiled feed, or living on moist bedding. Feces is then slimy and liquid, has an unpleasant smell. A sick pet should be kept in room temperature, away from the floor or drafts. It must not be given juicy fodder; on the contrary, dry fodder, plenty of hay, and a little cooked, well-drained rice are advisable. Instead of plain water, it is better to prepare for drinking chamomile infusion.
It is advisable to visit a veterinarian as soon as possible and not to treat a rabbit on its own, when symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, leakage from eyes and nose, swelling, emaciation, baldness on the skin, convulsions, cramps, diarrhea, bloated belly, etc. appear. The causes of such diseases can be varied and only a specialist is able to make the right diagnosis. You should know that unfortunately, often the cost of treatment is much higher than the cost of buying a pet. However, a pet is not a toy and you can't just throw it away. Therefore, the issue of possible diseases should be considered before buying a rabbit.
Rabbit eats its own feces (the phenomenon of nocturnal defecation). It is not a sign of disease, but a completely natural physiological activity. This is because nocturnal feces contain a large amount of nutrients, which are properly utilized when they re-enter the animal's digestive system. Eating nocturnal feces is necessary for the life of the rabbit and should not be disturbed or prevented.
Rabbits get sick rather rarely. However, a prerequisite for good health is, of course, to provide the pet with adequate food and care. So it depends largely on the owner how the rabbit will feel.
It is worth knowing that the above suggestions and recommendations for treatments are proven, but not always prove to be 100% accurate in the case of a particular rabbit, so it is always good to consult an experienced veterinarian. When reaching for medicines, always read their leaflets to know the dosage and side effects.
