Coccidiosis in Rabbits

Coccidiosis is considered to be the most common disease in rabbits and is very hard to cure. Coccidiosis is caused by a protozoa, which is a single-celled organism. There are nine species of this protozoa that can affect rabbits; however, only one affect the liver, while the other 8 species affect the intestines. Although coccidiosis in rabbits can occur in any rabbit, younger rabbits have a higher risk for this disease. Often, the disease is spread as the eggs from the protozoa are shed in the rabbit feces, which is then transmitted to other animals.

In order for a rabbit to become infected with the protozoa, the protozoa must be ingested, which then has a lifecycle of four to fourteen days. After ingested, the stomach acids break down the protozoa and the cells of the intestinal wall are infected as the parasites feed and multiply, causing damage.

Symptoms of Coccidiosis in Rabbits

Many rabbits with coccidiosis never show any symptoms of having the disease. However, common symptoms of coccidiosis disease are failure to gain weight, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Other common symptoms include depression, swollen body, diarrhea and pale mucus membranes.

Intestinal coccidiosis can cause other symptoms to develop as well. Common symptoms of intestinal coccidiosis include a rough coat, weight loss and profuse diarrhea. It is common for young rabbits with this disease to have kidney and liver damage. Often, feces will contain blood or mucus.

Treatment for Coccidiosis in Rabbits

Coccidiosis in rabbits is very difficult to cure; therefore, prevention is essential. To prevent this disease from infecting rabbits, the environment the rabbits are kept in needs to be as hygienic as possible. This includes cleaning cages daily and ensuring feces does not enter the food or water. There are preventative medications and foods available as well.

Prevention also includes proper nutrition. Daily nutrition for rabbits should include fresh grass or hay, dry rabbit pellets and fresh vegetables. Fresh water should be offered daily to prevent coccidiosis in rabbits.

If you suspect you may have a rabbit with coccidiosis it is essential the rabbit is immediately isolated from all animals because other livestock can be infected as well. The rabbits feces needs to be disposed of properly. The cage, food and water dish needs to be cleaned thoroughly using 10% strength ammonia. The ammonia solution eliminates the eggs. It is best to repeat this process for any rabbits that were in the same proximity as the infected rabbit as a preventative step. After you have cleaned the cages, make sure you wash your hands and clothes well to eliminate transmitting the disease anywhere else.

References:
"Coccidiosis" Rabbit Information
"Rabbit Diseases" PetCareTips