health

Losta Lops

~HEALTH/DISEASE~

It is believed that 99% of ailments in rabbits would not accure with proper management, which includes good sanitation. Whether you are a 100 hole rabbitry, or a single pet owner, the quality of your animal(s) is no better than the quality of your management.

Proper periodic grooming is a neccessity in keeping your rabbit healthy, just as proper feeding. Ears, eyes, teeth, fur, skin, trimmed nails, all of which need regular inspection to ensure a healthy rabbit. Just doing these simple things routinely can immensely help to prevent ailments in your animal(s).

The following is a small list of the more common ailments one might come across in your rabbit

BACTERIAL DISEASES

WEEPY EYE (conjunctivitis): inflammation of the conjunctiva, blockage of the tear duct between the lower
                                            eyelid and the nasal area

VENT DISEASE (rabbit syphilis): inflammation of the vent or external genitalia

FOOT ABCESSES: local irritation, may lead to infection of the area

PASTEURELLOSIS: complex disease, associated with several clinical forms
                                "Snuffles" (chronic): caused by the bacteria pasteurella multocida, produces sneezing
                                 with nasal discharge, thin or thick, white or yellow in color. Primarily an upper
                                 respiratory infection.

                                 Hemorrahaci septicemia (acute): same as snuffles, more acute

                                 Abcesses: can also cause weepy eye, wry neck, and inflammation of other organs

PNEUMONIA: infection of the lungs, respiratory system. Commonly the final stage of "snuffles"

PARASITIC CONDITIONS

FUR MITES: Loss of fur around the face, neck, and back

EAR MITES(ear canker): infestation of the ear by a mite. Head shaking, scratching of ears, "scabby"
                                      material on the inside of the ear

MANGE MITE: infestation caused by mange mites. Frequent scratching, self inflicted trauma possible
                         Loss of hair on chin, head, base of ears and neck

E. CUNICULI: a parasite that relicates by spores, developes cysts on brain. Newest research may prove it's
                       a cause of wry neck.

NON INFECTIOUS CONDITIONS

WRY NECK (head tilt): inflammation of the middle ear. Most commonly due to Pastuerella sp. Turning of
                                   the head to one side, loss of balance, can lead to continuous rolling.

RED URINE: normal observation in some rabbits, reddish/orange. Must be differentiated from bladder
                     infection. Associated with incomplete metabolism and compounds present in some animals
                     feeds.

SORE HOCKS: occurs in animals that have small foot pad area for the size of their body. Long toenails may
                        complicate the problem. Ulcerated sore on the bottom of the foot. Or animal will sit with
                        his hind feet tucked under him to releave pressure

MALOCCLUSION (buck teeth, wolf teeth): may be an inherited condition in some animals. Elongation of
                              upper and/or lower incisor teeth due to lack of proper wear or a breakage

GLAUCOMA: genetic defect or a drainage problem in the eye. Enlarged eye, glazed or cloudiness to pupil
                      or cornea of the eye

HEAT PROSTATION: caused by drastic increase in temperatures Animals kept in direct sunlight are
                                   affected most. Too high of humidty. Increase in breath, wetness around nostrils &
                                   mouth. Head may be held high. May be a blue tinge to the ears and mouth

HAIR BLOCKAGE(fur block, fur ball): caused by a physical blockage of the stomach and/or small intestine
                                                          with fur or debris that will not allow digested food to flow properly
                                                           Causes intermittent diarrhea, poor appetite, loss of weight, pulling
                                                           of fur

COPROPHAGY (eating of night feces) a normal activity for rabbits. This activity provides rabbits a way to
                                                         increase digestion and absorption of nutrients

There are no known antibiotics/vaccines approved for use in rabbits. Many breeders have successfully used such antibiotics as Baytril and Penicillen G to control ailments in rabbits. With the use of antibiotics, one should use probiotics (substances with living organisms). Antibiotics kill the gram negative and positive bacteria in the rabbit's system. Probiotics build up the good bacteria which the rabbit needs in his system for fighting diseases/infections. For others, herbal rememadies have proven effective.

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar to 1 gallon water for diarrhea
Yogurt(with live cultures) for re-establishing good bacteria
Dandelion greens to get appetite going again or constipation
Comfrey, Dill, Garlic Glove, or Parsley for disease prevention.

When a rabbit goes off feed, it is due to an imbalance of organisms in the cecum. Offer treats that a rabbit is familiar with or use a probiotic to see if this will correct the problem.

[French Lops] ~ [English Lops] ~ [Mini Lops] ~ [Holland Lops] ~ [Others] ~ [For Sale]

[My Rabbitry] ~ [About the Rabbit] ~ [Care Page] ~ [Selecting Your Lop] ~ [Caging/Housing] ~ [Feeding/Nutrition] ~ [Rabbit ID]

[Health/Disease] ~ [Rabbit Language] ~ [Genetics] ~ [Links] ~ [Warranty] ~ [Shipping] ~ [Showing] ~ [Upcoming Shows]