Rabbit diseases are very harmful to the rabbit. Rabbits can suffer from various kinds of diseases, including bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic. We will classify and describe the most common Rabbit Diseases according to their origin in the first paragraph.
Many people are not aware of the fact that rabbits can easily get sick. Rabbit diseases are very harmful to them and can lead to death in severe cases. The most common rabbit diseases are infectious, but also non-infectious. We will classify and describe the most common ones according to their origin in bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic disease.
Types of Rabbit Diseases & Basic Prevention
Rabbit diseases are very harmful to the rabbit. Rabbits can suffer from diseases of very different origins like any living thing. Next, we will classify and describe the most common diseases according to their origin in bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic.
Most of the rabbit diseases are specific to them. I.e they are not transmitted between different animal species. So if there is another animal living with our jumping buddy we do not have to worry, in principle, for possible contagions of serious diseases.
In order to prevent the great majority of diseases and common problems, we must follow the vaccination schedule that our specialist veterinarian tells us, maintain good hygiene, adequate and healthy food, be exempt from stress, frequently check his body and coat, in addition, to observe their behavior for the minimum detail that does not seem strange in their individual behavior, no call attention and we go to the veterinarian.
Rabbit Diseases of viral origin
Rabies: This rabbit disease is spread all over the world but also in many areas of the planet and is eradicated because there is effective vaccination, which is mandatory in many parts of the world. Many mammals are affected by this disease. If we try to get our rabbit’s vaccination up-to-date, once we avoid potential contact with animals that appear to be sick with rabies, we can rest easy. Anyway, we must know that there is no cure and the best thing is to avoid prolonging the suffering of the animal that suffers.
Cone hemorrhagic disease: This Rabbit disease is caused by a calicivirus and is transmitted very rapidly. It is also contagious both directly and indirectly. The routes of entry of this viral infection in the nose, conjunctiva and oral. The most common symptoms are nervous and respiratory signs, in addition to anorexia and apathy. Because this virus manifests very aggressively causing seizures and nosebleeds, affected animals usually die within a few hours after the onset of the first symptoms. Therefore, it is best to prevent this disease by following the schedule of vaccination that our veterinarian tells us. Generally, an annual bivalent vaccine is administered to the rabbits, which covers this disease and myxomatosis at the same time.
Myxomatosis: The first symptoms are described after 5 or 6 days after infection. There is a lack of appetite, inflammation of the eyelids, inflammation of the lips, ears, breasts, and genitals, in addition to the nose with transparent nasal discharge and pustules around the mucous membranes. There is no treatment for this disease so it is best to prevent with the appropriate vaccines in spring and summer, with summer being the time of the year with more risk. The vectors or transmitters of the virus that causes this disease are hematophagous insects, that is to say, they feed on blood, such as mosquitoes, flies, ticks, fleas, lice, horse flies, etc. Sick animals die between the second and fourth week after infection. You Can Also Like To Read Polish Rabbit
Rabbit Diseases of bacterial and fungal origin
Pasteurellosis: This disease is of bacterial origin and can be produced by two different types of bacteria, Pasteurella and for bordetella. The most common factors that favor this bacterial infection are the dust of the dry food that we give our rabbits, the environment and climate of the place where they live and the stress they may have accumulated. The most common symptoms are sneezing, snoring and a lot of nasal mucus. It can be treated with specific antibiotics which will be very effective if the disease is not very advanced.
Pneumonia: In this case, the symptoms are also respiratory, resulting in sneezing, nasal mucus, snoring, coughing, etc. Therefore, it is similar to pasteurellosis but turns out to be a much deeper and more complicated bacterial infection that reaches the lungs. Your treatment will also be with specific antibiotics.
Tularemia: This bacterial disease is very serious since it does not present symptoms, only that the affected animal stops eating. It can only be diagnosed with laboratory tests since we can not rely on more symptoms or tests that can be done at the veterinary clinic at the time. Being without eating any food the affected rabbit can die between the second and the fourth day. This disease is linked to fleas and mites.
Generalized abscesses: The most common abscesses in rabbits are lumps under the skin that are filled with pus and are caused by bacteria. We will have to go to the veterinarian to start treatment as soon as possible and we must perform cures to eliminate the bacterial infection and the abscess itself.
Conjunctivitis and eye infections: They are produced by bacteria on the eyelids of rabbits. The eyes become inflamed and there are abundant ocular secretions. In addition, in more severe cases the hair around the eyes is stuck, the eyes are filled with leaks and secretions that prevent the animal from opening its eyes and can even become pus. Conjunctivitis may be of nonbacterial origin, causing irritation from different allergens such as household dust, tobacco smoke or dust that can be produced in its bed if it contains very volatile particles such as sawdust. We must apply specific eye drops that our trusted veterinarian prescribes for as long as you tell us or even more.
Pododermatitis or plantar calluses: Also known as ulcerated tarsal disease. It occurs when the environment of the rabbit is wet while the floor of the cage is not the most suitable. The wounds are produced that are infected with bacteria that end up producing the pododermatitis in the legs of the affected rabbits. It is a very contagious disease as these bacteria are lodged at almost any point of small pro wounds and even cracks in the skin that do not get to be injured yet.
Rabbit ringworm: It is produced by a fungus that affects the skin of rabbits. It reproduces at high speed by spores, so if it manifests itself, it is difficult to control the contagion to other individuals that coexist. There are areas without hairs that are rounded and crusted on the skin, especially on the face of the animal.
Diseases of the middle ear and inner ear: These complications are caused by bacteria and greatly affect the organ of equilibrium that is in the ear, so the most notable symptoms are a loss of balance and rotation of the head to the side u Other depending on which ear is affected. These symptoms usually manifest when the disease is already advanced so we realize it usually late and therefore almost no treatment is usually effective.
Coccidiosis: Coccidiosis is one of the most deadly diseases in rabbits. Coccidia is microorganisms that attack from the stomach to the colon. These microorganisms live in balance in the digestive system of the rabbit in a normal way, but when there are very high stress levels and drops of important defenses is when coccidia multiply uncontrollably and adversely affect the rabbit. The most common symptoms are hair loss along with digestive disorders such as excess gas and continuous diarrhea. In the end, the affected rabbit stops eating and drinking and ends up dying.
Rabbit Diseases of external parasitic origin
Scabies: Scabies are produced by mites that form tunnels in the various layers of the skin, even reaching the muscles, of the infected animal. There they reproduce and lay their eggs from which, when hatching out new mites that produce more pruritus, wounds, crusts, etc. In the case of rabbits, there are two types of scabies, the one that affects the skin of the body in general and the one that only affects the ears and ears. Scabies is highly contagious among rabbits and is caused by contact with infected animals. It is prevented and treated with ivermectin. You Can Also Like To Read Havana Rabbit
Fleas and lice: If our rabbit spends part of the day outside in the garden or in contact with dogs or cats that do come out, it is likely to end up having fleas and lice. We must avoid it by deworming mainly our pets that can have them more easily as are cats and dogs, and we must also use some antiparasitic specific for rabbits that our specialist veterinarian. In addition to problems of excessive scraping by the pruritus produced by these parasites, we must think that they are hematophagous and that therefore they feed on the blood of our pet with its sting and many times this is how they transmit many diseases such as myxomatosis and Tularemia.
Rabbit Diseases of internal parasitic origin
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is very common in rabbits of any age, but especially in small ones. These small mammals are very delicate and sensitive in their digestive tract. Among the most common causes is abruptly changing the diet and not washing fresh food properly. Therefore, we must make sure that we have thoroughly washed any fresh food with water before giving it and in case of having to change the diet for any reason, we must do it gradually at first mixing the diet that we want to withdraw with the new one and gradually go Introducing more new and removing more the previous one. Thus your digestive system will adapt properly to the change without driving in problems.
Coliform infection: This infection is a secondary infection by opportunistic parasites. When our rabbit already suffers, for example, coccidiosis, this disease causes that they easily give secondary infections. Coliform infection in rabbits is due to Escherichia coli and the main symptom and the most serious problem it produces is continuous diarrhea and if it is not treated in time with enrofloxacin injection or diluted in the water taken by the rabbit, it can end up producing the Death of the animal.
FAQ
What are common rabbit diseases?
Rabbits are prone to a variety of diseases, some of which can be serious or even fatal. The most common rabbit diseases include Pasteurellosis, Myxomatosis, Encephalitozoon Cuniculi (E. Cuniculi), and Snuffles.
What disease is killing my rabbits?
Common rabbit diseases include respiratory infections, pasteurellosis, and myxomatosis. Respiratory infections are often caused by bacteria or viruses that can spread from one rabbit to another and cause coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Pasteurellosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida that can cause inflammation of the eyes, mouth, nose, ears, and lungs. Myxomatosis is a viral disease that causes swelling around the head and face in rabbits.
What are the 2 main infectious diseases in rabbits?
Rabbits are susceptible to a variety of infectious diseases, but two of the most common are myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). Myxomatosis is caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system, skin, and eyes of rabbits. Symptoms can include swelling around the head, face, and genitals as well as discharge from the eyes and nose. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you get a better understanding of the most common rabbit diseases. If you are caring for rabbits, it is best to be aware of their susceptibility to disease and take proper precautions in order to decrease the likelihood that your pet will become infected with any type of illness. It’s also important to keep an eye out for symptoms so if one does appear, they can be treated promptly before causing serious harm or death. Take good care of your pets!
As A Reference: Wikipedia
