Rabbit IllnessesRabbit Illnesses

Disease, Treatment & Disease, Treatment & PreventionPrevention

* Ask your local veterinarian for dosage levels when using antibiotics and for names of antibiotic powders and ointment.** When antibiotics are a part of the treatment program, a withdrawal period of 10 days must be allowed before the animal is slaughtered for food.** This information on disease was compiled from Rabbits, Rabbits Rabbits which was reviewed by Dr. David J. Black, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. T. J. Lane, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. It was edited by Loretta Rodriguez using literature from Dr T. E. Reed and revised by Dr. Richard Miles, University of Florida.

AbscessesAbscesses

CausesCauses: Bacterial Infection. : Bacterial Infection.

TreatmentTreatment*: Clip the fur around the abscesses, then lance *: Clip the fur around the abscesses, then lance and remove the pus. Disinfect with peroxide and use an and remove the pus. Disinfect with peroxide and use an approved antibiotic ointment or powder to promote healing.approved antibiotic ointment or powder to promote healing.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: : Enlargements under skin near jaw. Enlargements under skin near jaw. Can occur on other parts of the Can occur on other parts of the body where there are wounds or body where there are wounds or scratches.scratches.

PreventionPrevention: Minimize fighting. : Minimize fighting. Eliminate sharp objects that can Eliminate sharp objects that can injure a rabbit.injure a rabbit.

Caked Mammary GlandCaked Mammary Gland

CauseCause: Milk production is in excess of utilization. Too few : Milk production is in excess of utilization. Too few young or the young are not nursing.young or the young are not nursing.

TreatmentTreatment*: Relieve some congestion by partial milking. *: Relieve some congestion by partial milking. Massage gland with an anti-inflammatory ointment. Massage gland with an anti-inflammatory ointment.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: One or : One or more of the mammary glands more of the mammary glands may become swollen, hot and may become swollen, hot and firm. Often mistaken for mastitis.firm. Often mistaken for mastitis.

PreventionPrevention: Reduce ration by : Reduce ration by one-half the day the doe kindles one-half the day the doe kindles and gradually increase full feed in and gradually increase full feed in 7 days. 7 days.

Coccidiosis Coccidiosis

CauseCause: Five different species of protozoa that can injure : Five different species of protozoa that can injure the bile ducts, intestine or cecum.the bile ducts, intestine or cecum.

TreatmentTreatment*: Sulfaquinoxaline in feed or drinking water *: Sulfaquinoxaline in feed or drinking water

continuously for 2 weeks. continuously for 2 weeks.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Affects primarily : Affects primarily young rabbits. In severe cases, symptoms young rabbits. In severe cases, symptoms are diarrhea, loss of flesh, pot belly, loss of are diarrhea, loss of flesh, pot belly, loss of appetite, rough coat fur. Liver may be white appetite, rough coat fur. Liver may be white spotted and enlarged and there may be spotted and enlarged and there may be small hemorrhages in the intestine. small hemorrhages in the intestine.

PreventionPrevention: Keep pens clean and prevent : Keep pens clean and prevent fecal contamination of feed or water. Use fecal contamination of feed or water. Use wire floor pens.wire floor pens.

A rabbit liver infected with hepatic coccidia,

Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis “Weepy “Weepy eye”eye”

CauseCause: Inflammation of eye lid. Can result from irritation by : Inflammation of eye lid. Can result from irritation by dust, sprays, fumes, or bacterial infection. dust, sprays, fumes, or bacterial infection.

TreatmentTreatment*: Use a commercial eyewash product to remove *: Use a commercial eyewash product to remove dust, dirt or other foreign object. If inflammation persists, an dust, dirt or other foreign object. If inflammation persists, an ophthalmic ointment containing antibiotics may be helpful.ophthalmic ointment containing antibiotics may be helpful.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Excessive tear : Excessive tear formation and dark fluid runs down cheek. formation and dark fluid runs down cheek. Rabbit rubs eyes with its front feet which Rabbit rubs eyes with its front feet which further aggravates the condition. Rabbits further aggravates the condition. Rabbits with “snuffles” frequently have weepy eye”.with “snuffles” frequently have weepy eye”.

PreventionPrevention: Minimize fighting. Eliminate : Minimize fighting. Eliminate sharp objects that can injure a rabbit.sharp objects that can injure a rabbit.

Ear Canker Ear Canker

CauseCause: Ear mites.: Ear mites.

TreatmentTreatment*: Use a cotton swab to apply mineral, *: Use a cotton swab to apply mineral, vegetable or olive oil over all visible crust. Inject or vegetable or olive oil over all visible crust. Inject or apply an anti-parasitic medication.apply an anti-parasitic medication.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Scabs or a crust : Scabs or a crust starts forming at base of inner ear. Mites starts forming at base of inner ear. Mites cause considerable irritation and rabbit cause considerable irritation and rabbit shakes its head and tries to scratch ears shakes its head and tries to scratch ears with hind legs. with hind legs.

PreventionPrevention: Do not let unaffected rabbits : Do not let unaffected rabbits in contact with rabbits that have ear in contact with rabbits that have ear canker. Place three drops of oil in canker. Place three drops of oil in rabbits’ ears once a month.rabbits’ ears once a month.

Enteritis: Enteritis: DiarrheaDiarrhea

CauseCause: Likely caused by coccidiosis or other intestinal inflammation. : Likely caused by coccidiosis or other intestinal inflammation. In young rabbits excessive “greens” will cause diarrhea.In young rabbits excessive “greens” will cause diarrhea.

TreatmentTreatment*: Keep rabbits comfortable and encourage feed *: Keep rabbits comfortable and encourage feed consumption. A medicated or vitamin fortified feed may be consumption. A medicated or vitamin fortified feed may be helpful. helpful.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: A watery : A watery diarrhea may be only symptom.diarrhea may be only symptom.

PreventionPrevention: Develop a program : Develop a program to control coccidiosis. Do not to control coccidiosis. Do not feed “greens” to rabbits. feed “greens” to rabbits.

Mucoid Mucoid

CauseCause: Thought to result from an irritant, a toxin or other stressors such as : Thought to result from an irritant, a toxin or other stressors such as dietary changes, antibiotics and travel. Not thought to be contagious.dietary changes, antibiotics and travel. Not thought to be contagious.

TreatmentTreatment*: No successful treatment known, but mortality *: No successful treatment known, but mortality may be slightly reduced by feeding a medicated or vitamin may be slightly reduced by feeding a medicated or vitamin fortified feed. Cull all affected rabbits. fortified feed. Cull all affected rabbits.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Characterized by : Characterized by sub-normal body temperature, loss of sub-normal body temperature, loss of appetite, depression, rough fur coat, tooth appetite, depression, rough fur coat, tooth grinding, dehydration, bloated abdomen grinding, dehydration, bloated abdomen and diarrhea containing mucus material. and diarrhea containing mucus material.

PreventionPrevention: Prevent or reduce the number : Prevent or reduce the number and intensity of stressors in the and intensity of stressors in the environment. Maintain strict sanitation of environment. Maintain strict sanitation of hutches, feeding and watering equipment.hutches, feeding and watering equipment.

Eye infectionsEye infections

CauseCause: Several types of bacteria.: Several types of bacteria.

TreatmentTreatment*: Apply an antibacterial ophthalmic eye ointment.*: Apply an antibacterial ophthalmic eye ointment.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: The eyes of : The eyes of rabbit kits may stick shut and pus rabbit kits may stick shut and pus around the eyes may be noticed. around the eyes may be noticed.

PreventionPrevention: Prevent cold drafts and : Prevent cold drafts and other stressors. other stressors.

Fur Block “Hairball” Fur Block “Hairball”

CauseCause: Rabbit ingests a large amount of its own hair or another : Rabbit ingests a large amount of its own hair or another rabbit’s in a short period of time.rabbit’s in a short period of time.

TreatmentTreatment*: An oral dose of ½ oz. mineral oil may be effective. *: An oral dose of ½ oz. mineral oil may be effective. If the fur block is too large, surgical removal is necessary. If the fur block is too large, surgical removal is necessary.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Rabbit will : Rabbit will sporadically eat small amounts of feed. sporadically eat small amounts of feed. A firm mass can be palpated in the A firm mass can be palpated in the stomach. stomach.

PreventionPrevention: Fur block is noted more : Fur block is noted more often in Angora rabbits. often in Angora rabbits. Dissected hairball. Hair ball size compared to coin.

Fungus Infection Fungus Infection

CauseCause: Fungus.: Fungus.

TreatmentTreatment*: Apply tolnaftate to affected area. Other *: Apply tolnaftate to affected area. Other medications are available. medications are available.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: A dry scaly : A dry scaly skin (dandruff) on the shoulders skin (dandruff) on the shoulders and back. Could also manifest and back. Could also manifest itself on other parts of the body itself on other parts of the body near mucosal orifices (such as near mucosal orifices (such as eye and nose). eye and nose).

PreventionPrevention: Prevent contact with : Prevent contact with affected rabbits. affected rabbits.

Heat Exhaustion Heat Exhaustion

CauseCause: Excessively high temperatures (above 85˚F) : Excessively high temperatures (above 85˚F) and high humidity (above 70%), obesity, poor ventilation, and high humidity (above 70%), obesity, poor ventilation, insufficient water and crowding. insufficient water and crowding.

TreatmentTreatment*:Rabbits suffering from heat exhaustion can be *:Rabbits suffering from heat exhaustion can be immersed in lukewarm water to reduce body temperature to immersed in lukewarm water to reduce body temperature to the normal 101-104˚F. Apply a cool compress to the ears. the normal 101-104˚F. Apply a cool compress to the ears.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Increased respiration rate (panting), : Increased respiration rate (panting), prostration, and excessive saliva discharge. Pregnant does prostration, and excessive saliva discharge. Pregnant does and young in the nest box are more susceptible.and young in the nest box are more susceptible.

PreventionPrevention: Provide shade, adequate air movement, plenty : Provide shade, adequate air movement, plenty of cool water on a hot day. A frozen water bottle tied to the of cool water on a hot day. A frozen water bottle tied to the cage will aid in cooling. cage will aid in cooling.

Initial stage.

Extreme exhaustion.

Hutch Burn Hutch Burn

CauseCause: Usually associated with wet and dirty hutches. Urine and fecal : Usually associated with wet and dirty hutches. Urine and fecal mater cause the skin become irritated and infected. mater cause the skin become irritated and infected.

TreatmentTreatment*: Clean affected area with a germicidal soap and *: Clean affected area with a germicidal soap and keep the area clean. keep the area clean.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Usually a : Usually a brownish crust covers the infected brownish crust covers the infected areas and a bleeding exudate may areas and a bleeding exudate may be seen.be seen.

PreventionPrevention: Do not allow fecal : Do not allow fecal mater to accumulate in the hutch. mater to accumulate in the hutch.

Ketosis Ketosis

CauseCause: Obesity, large litter, lack of exercise. : Obesity, large litter, lack of exercise.

TreatmentTreatment*: Obesity can be prevented by limiting feed to *: Obesity can be prevented by limiting feed to 4 to 6 oz. a day for does.4 to 6 oz. a day for does.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Usually occurs : Usually occurs just before or just after kindling. Does just before or just after kindling. Does go off feed and will not eat. go off feed and will not eat.

PreventionPrevention: Prevent young does from : Prevent young does from getting too fat and make sure the does getting too fat and make sure the does are eating at kindling time. are eating at kindling time.

Mastitis “Blue Breasts”Mastitis “Blue Breasts”

CauseCause: A bacterial infection in the mammary gland caused by an injury from : A bacterial infection in the mammary gland caused by an injury from nest box, cage or a bite from a nursing kit.nest box, cage or a bite from a nursing kit.

TreatmentTreatment*: Penicillin is effective against *: Penicillin is effective against Staphylococcus Staphylococcus or or StreptococcusStreptococcus or a similar organism. or a similar organism.

SymptomsSymptoms: The mammary gland will : The mammary gland will become red in color, swollen, tender become red in color, swollen, tender and dark blue streaks may appear. and dark blue streaks may appear.

PreventionPrevention: Reduce any chance of : Reduce any chance of injury to mammary gland as the doe injury to mammary gland as the doe enters the nest box. Do not transfer enters the nest box. Do not transfer the young to another lactating doe. the young to another lactating doe.

Malocclusion Malocclusion “Buck “Buck Teeth”Teeth”

CauseCause: An inherited condition characterized by excessive growth of the : An inherited condition characterized by excessive growth of the front teeth.front teeth.

TreatmentTreatment*:Teeth on young rabbits can be trimmed until *:Teeth on young rabbits can be trimmed until they reach slaughter weight. they reach slaughter weight.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Lower teeth : Lower teeth protrude and upper teeth curve into protrude and upper teeth curve into mouth. mouth.

PreventionPrevention: Do not use rabbits with : Do not use rabbits with “buck teeth” for breeding purpose. “buck teeth” for breeding purpose.

Pasteurellois “Snuffles” Pasteurellois “Snuffles”

CauseCause: A chronic upper respiratory ailment caused by a bacterial infection.: A chronic upper respiratory ailment caused by a bacterial infection.

TreatmentTreatment*:Tetracycline in feed may be effective in an *:Tetracycline in feed may be effective in an uncomplicated case. For accurate treatment, the organism uncomplicated case. For accurate treatment, the organism needs to be cultured and identified. needs to be cultured and identified.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Typical early signs are a nasal : Typical early signs are a nasal discharge, watery eyes, head shaking, sneezing or discharge, watery eyes, head shaking, sneezing or rattling noise in breathing and a loss of weight. Continual rattling noise in breathing and a loss of weight. Continual infection may cause rabbits to become sterile. infection may cause rabbits to become sterile.

PreventionPrevention: Quarantine all new rabbits for a 3 week : Quarantine all new rabbits for a 3 week period. Cull rabbits that show continuous chronic period. Cull rabbits that show continuous chronic symptoms of the disease. Reduce stressors and have symptoms of the disease. Reduce stressors and have good management and sanitation practices. good management and sanitation practices.

Pneumonia Pneumonia

CauseCause: A bacteria or virus infection usually associated with other respiratory : A bacteria or virus infection usually associated with other respiratory diseases or stress factors such as damp, drafty and unsanitary hutches.diseases or stress factors such as damp, drafty and unsanitary hutches.

TreatmentTreatment*:Treatment may vary depending upon the *:Treatment may vary depending upon the causative agent. A broad spectrum antibiotic may be helpful. causative agent. A broad spectrum antibiotic may be helpful.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Elevated : Elevated temperature, labored breathing, nasal temperature, labored breathing, nasal discharge and loss of appetite are discharge and loss of appetite are symptoms. symptoms.

PreventionPrevention: Control of “snuffles” : Control of “snuffles” reduces occurrences of pneumonia. reduces occurrences of pneumonia. Eliminate drafts and wet conditions. Eliminate drafts and wet conditions.

Ringworm Ringworm

CauseCause: A fungus infection that can appear on any part of the body but most : A fungus infection that can appear on any part of the body but most often will occur on the head. This fungus infection can be transmitted to often will occur on the head. This fungus infection can be transmitted to humans. humans.

TreatmentTreatment*: Clip the fur around affected area and treat with *: Clip the fur around affected area and treat with tolnaftate. Other medications are available.tolnaftate. Other medications are available.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Loss of hair in circular : Loss of hair in circular patches. A yellowish crust forms and sloughs patches. A yellowish crust forms and sloughs off in about 3 weeks. If infection goes off in about 3 weeks. If infection goes untreated, considerable scratching will occur.untreated, considerable scratching will occur.

PreventionPrevention: Do not allow infected rabbits in : Do not allow infected rabbits in contact with other rabbits. Wear gloves when contact with other rabbits. Wear gloves when handling the infected rabbit. handling the infected rabbit.

Salmonellosis “Scours” Salmonellosis “Scours”

CauseCause: Several members of the Salmonella group of bacteria can affect rabbits.: Several members of the Salmonella group of bacteria can affect rabbits.

TreatmentTreatment*: Tetracycline in the feed may be effective. *: Tetracycline in the feed may be effective.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: General symptoms : General symptoms are diarrhea, loss of weight, are diarrhea, loss of weight, conjunctivitis, and rapid breathing.conjunctivitis, and rapid breathing.

PreventionPrevention: Good husbandry practices : Good husbandry practices and a quarantine of new rabbits. and a quarantine of new rabbits.

Skin Mange Skin Mange

CauseCause: An infestation of mites that burrow through the skin and cause : An infestation of mites that burrow through the skin and cause considerable irritation. Mange mites that affect dogs and cats can considerable irritation. Mange mites that affect dogs and cats can infect rabbits. infect rabbits.

TreatmentTreatment*: Dust with an insecticide approved for *: Dust with an insecticide approved for skin mange. Treatment should be repeated in 7 days. skin mange. Treatment should be repeated in 7 days.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: There will be some hair loss, : There will be some hair loss, scaly skin and intense itching and scratching. scaly skin and intense itching and scratching.

PreventionPrevention: Infected rabbits should be separated : Infected rabbits should be separated and treated. The premises should be disinfected. and treated. The premises should be disinfected.

Sore Hocks Sore Hocks

CauseCause: A bruised or infected area on the undersurface of the hock joint. : A bruised or infected area on the undersurface of the hock joint. Related stressors are a dirty hutch, rough surfaces on floor constructed with Related stressors are a dirty hutch, rough surfaces on floor constructed with the wrong size wire grid.the wrong size wire grid.

TreatmentTreatment*: Wash the hock with a germicidal soap and *: Wash the hock with a germicidal soap and apply an antiseptic such as tincture of iodine or an apply an antiseptic such as tincture of iodine or an aluminum powder-based spray.aluminum powder-based spray.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Scabs usually appear : Scabs usually appear in the bottom of the rear feet. Pad and toes in the bottom of the rear feet. Pad and toes may become infected. Nervous and heavy may become infected. Nervous and heavy rabbits are more susceptible to the sore hock rabbits are more susceptible to the sore hock condition, as are Rex breeds. condition, as are Rex breeds.

PreventionPrevention: Do not let wet litter and manure : Do not let wet litter and manure accumulate. Eliminate sharp objects on the accumulate. Eliminate sharp objects on the floor.floor.

Spirochetosis Spirochetosis “Vent “Vent Disease”Disease”

CauseCause: Infection by a spirochete and can be : Infection by a spirochete and can be transmitted by mating. transmitted by mating.

TreatmentTreatment*: Injection of penicillin is the best *: Injection of penicillin is the best treatment. Do not breed until all lesions disappear. treatment. Do not breed until all lesions disappear.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Blisters or : Blisters or scabs occur on the sex glands and/or scabs occur on the sex glands and/or other mucosal orifices.other mucosal orifices.

PreventionPrevention: Always check the : Always check the breeders before mating. Isolate all breeders before mating. Isolate all new rabbits. new rabbits.

Tyzzer’s Disease Tyzzer’s Disease

CauseCause: A bacterial infection usually associated with stressors and : A bacterial infection usually associated with stressors and poor sanitation.poor sanitation.

TreatmentTreatment*:Treatment with antibiotics is not very effective. *:Treatment with antibiotics is not very effective.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: The acute : The acute form results in diarrhea, dehydration form results in diarrhea, dehydration and death within 48 hours. and death within 48 hours.

PreventionPrevention: The best preventative : The best preventative measures are clean stock and good measures are clean stock and good husbandry practices. husbandry practices.

Hemorrhagic typhylitis

Warbles Warbles

CauseCause: The growth of botfly larvae under the skin.: The growth of botfly larvae under the skin.

TreatmentTreatment*: Remove the larvae without crushing it. *: Remove the larvae without crushing it. Clean the wound with germicidal soap or apply an Clean the wound with germicidal soap or apply an antibiotic powder or ointment to prevent infection. antibiotic powder or ointment to prevent infection.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: Warbles can : Warbles can be observed as enlargements under be observed as enlargements under the skin with a small hole in the the skin with a small hole in the center. The condition is painful and center. The condition is painful and the rabbit may lick the area.the rabbit may lick the area.

PreventionPrevention: Screen the area where : Screen the area where the rabbits are kept in order to keep the rabbits are kept in order to keep away the botfly. away the botfly.

Wry neckWry neck

CauseCause: Inflammation of the balance mechanism deep within the ear. : Inflammation of the balance mechanism deep within the ear. The inflammation of the inner ear is usually caused by the organism The inflammation of the inner ear is usually caused by the organism Pasteurella multocidaPasteurella multocida..

TreatmentTreatment*: Use injectable terramycin as ear ointment placed *: Use injectable terramycin as ear ointment placed in both ears each day for about fifteen to seventeen days. in both ears each day for about fifteen to seventeen days. Effectiveness increases the sooner treated. Effectiveness increases the sooner treated.

Signs and SymptomsSigns and Symptoms: The head will be tilted to : The head will be tilted to one side. The degree of head tilt will vary one side. The degree of head tilt will vary considerably, can be so severe that the animal considerably, can be so severe that the animal will not be able to stand on its feet. They will will not be able to stand on its feet. They will usually continue to eat and drink.usually continue to eat and drink.

PreventionPrevention: Wry neck is usually associated : Wry neck is usually associated with high incidents of "snuffles". Adequate with high incidents of "snuffles". Adequate ventilation within the rabbitry decreases the ventilation within the rabbitry decreases the incidents of "snuffles“ and Wry neck.incidents of "snuffles“ and Wry neck.