Rabbit Diseases

 

This table lists the most common diseases and medical conditions that rabbits seem to suffer from the most. It includes the symptoms, causes, and generally recognized treatments. Please note that the following table is provided for information purposes only. These medications, their use and the dosages listed were obtained from my experience as a long time rabbit breeder, and by also talking to many other rabbit breeders. This website makes no claim as to the effectiveness of any drug. The editor/webmaster assumes no responsibility for the listed use or dosage of any of the following drugs. Sorry for the disclaimer, but this is a legal requirement since I am not a licensed Vet. I hope you find this information very useful in your quest to raise the healthiest rabbits possible without always seeking the help and expense of a licensed Vet.

Disease/Condition Symptoms Cause Treatment
Mastitis Inflamed, swollen, hot, discolored mammary system - all or individual. Accession of gland is common. Normally occurs just after kindling or weaning. Bacteria within the mammary system. Non contagious. Treat for 3 days in succession with penicillin G injection intramuscularly at 200,000 IU/ 10 lbs. body weight. Strip glands free of milk. Hot pack application 3-4 times daily.
Weepy Eye Matted fur at medial corner and under lower lid of eye. Discharge from eye. Inflammation of conjunctiva - most common in "bulldog" head type. Usually a result of blocked duct between lower eye lid and nasal area. Usually a history of respiratory infections. Instill Neomycin opthalmic 2-3 times per day for 3-4 days. Opening of naso-lacrimalduct by professional help.
Vent Disease "Scabby" inflammation of genitals - both sexes - can have scabs on nose and mouth in later stages, "scabby nose" refuse to mate and/or conceive. Abortions. Usually spread through mating. Daily application of penicillin ointment to the external genitals or daily administration of Penicillin G intramuscularly for 3 days, 200,000 IU/10 lbs body weight.
Pasteurelosis(snuffles) Persistent sneezing with a productive nasal discharge that is thin or thick and white or yellow in nature. Precursor to many other conditions. Decreased growth rate and production. Primarily an upper respiratory infection where Pneumonia is often a secondary complication. Death associated with secondary infections. Pasturella sp. Infection associated with stress factor. No specific treatment with medications successful. Improve ventilation of rabbitry. Administration of anti-biotic to prevent secondary infection. Reduce stress factors.
Muciod Enteritis (diarrhea) Common in fryer rabbits. Jelly-like secretion in stool, pot-bellied & water bottle like filled abdominal cavity. Won't eat, grinds teeth, high mortality. Unknown cecum impact, intestinal tract filled with jelly-like materials. Probable cause, a combination of factors. Reduce stress, place on high fiber, bland low energy diet. Can treat with broad spectrum antibiotic in water to prevent secondary infections.
Fur Mites (mange) Loss of fur around face, neck, and back. Scratching frequently Mite. Application of cat flea powder. Repeat 10 days after initial treatment to ensure total control of life cycle.
Ring worm Loss of hair in circular fashion with sore in the middle. Most common on feet and legs of young, but can be seen in adults and on any location of the body. Fungus. Contagious to humans and other animals. Caution should be used when handling a rabbit with this condition. Individual animals should be treated with daily application of iodine to the affected area. Isolation.
Ear Mites Shaking head, scratching at ears. Scabby formation inside ears. Infestation of inside outer ear with mites. Saturate inside of ear with oil for 3 days. Ivomec.
Coccidiosis (diarrhea) Diarrhea, poor flesh condition, lower resistance to other diseases. Protozoan parasite. Use of coccidicide on a regular basis.
Wry Neck Turning of the head to one side, loss of balance, continuous roll when excited. Usually doesn't interfere with appetite until later stages. Inflammation of inner ear. The bacteria usually isolated is Pasteurella sp. Often associated with the upper respiratory system. Non contagious. Very difficult. Daily instillation of tetracycline ointment as optic drops, about 60% successful.
Hair blockage (fur block) Intermittent diarrhea, poor appetite or periods of no appetite, loss of weight, molt, pulling fur. Affects single animals. Non contagious. Physical blockage of small intestines that will not allow ingested food to flow through intestinal tract. Daily dosing animal with 1/2 tsp. mineral oil for 3 consecutive days. Repeat once a week.
Sore Hocks Ulcerated area on the bottom of the foot pads that has secondary infection Small foot pad area for size of body, thin fur covering for pad, nervous animals, long toe nails. Use dry solid surface for animals to rest. Treat would with antibiotic ointment until healed.
Malocclusion (buck teeth) Elongation of upper and/or lower teeth. Often times to the extent that the animal will be unable to eat. Inherited condition in some animals. Breaking of one or more opposing teeth causing tooth elongation from not being worn off. Rabbit teeth grow 1/2 inch per month. Cull animals that have the inherited condition. Clipping of the teeth can be done, but not an ethical or intelligent practice with inherited malocclusion.