Rabbit Diseases and their cure
Rabbits make a dear pet. They are unique creatures who form a strong bond with their owners. They have a fairly long life during which they can suffer through various diseases. It is advised that you try and prevent these diseases from spreading. Some of the diseases that rabbits can undergo during their lifetime are discussed in detail below.
· Liver Coccidiosis
Two types of coccidiosis are identified, intestinal and liver coccidiosis. This disease is caused by a protozoa attack which infects the bile duct and the liver. White spots appear on the liver which makes it impossible for the rabbit to eat. Symptoms of coccidiosis include lack of appetite, weight loss, potbelly and diarrhea, the resultant effect of which can be death.
The drug used for treating coccidiosis is sulfaquinoxyline. Mix this with the rabbit’s drinking water and continue this for a period of 30 days. This measure should bring relief to your much loved pet.
· Pasteurella
Pasteurella or Pasteurellosis, commonly known as snuffles is a common disease infecting rabbits. It is characterized by frequent sneezing with a yellowish nasal discharge, which may be either thick or thin in nature. Originating in the sinuses, snuffles can spread to eyes and other organs of the body causing pneumonia. Pasteuralla is caused by pasteuralla multocid organism, believed to be a natural resident of rabbits’ sinuses which can multiply when under stress. Since this disease is difficult to treat, the best way to deal is to prevent it. Provide your rabbitry with enough ventilation and clean up the hutches at regular intervals.
· Ear Mites
Ear mites are caused by a parasite called psorpotes cuniculi, a mite that builds its nest inside the rabbit’s ear canal. This can lead to severe infections such as accumulation of serum in the ears, spasms of eye muscles and partial paralysis. This condition can be treated by applying mineral oil into the ears once in three days. An alternative method comprises mixing one part idoform and twenty-five parts of vegetable oil with ten parts of ether and applying it on the rabbit’s ear. Removing the crust and scale before swabbing is essential. Follow this method once in a week. It is suggested that you also treat all animals residing near the infected animal. This will prevent the mites from entering the rabbitry.
· Heat Prostration
Exhaustion due to heat can happen anytime, especially if the temperature is more that 92⁰ F. Soaring humidity and poor ventilation of the rabbitry can lead to this kind of a condition. A reddish discharge can come out from the mouth or nose. Unless treated, an infected rabbit can die due to this.
The foremost treatment in this case happens to be the reduction of heat on the rabbitry. See to it that your rabbitry gets enough air circulation so as to reduce the heat. Sprinkling water can also be good idea. This will not only reduce the temperature of the rabbitry but also that of the rabbit’s body as well, thereby relieving it.
· Ulcerative Pododermatitis
Commonly known as soar hocks, it refers to the development of open soars on the rabbit’s hocks. Filthy housing conditions and wire floors devoid of proper bedding can lead to soar hocks.
Antibacterial medications are recommended for effectively treating soar hocks. Soft bedding inside the rabbit cage can be provided with, to treat soar hocks.
These are some of the diseases that can affect your pet rabbit. Diseases are inevitable but preventing them is always welcome. So take good care of your dear bunny by keeping a check on its health regularly