Rabbit Diseases - Be Your Own Rabbit's Veterinarian

A rabbit owner won't be effective unless he knows the common diseases that might affect his pet and the cures that he can do to cure it. Most rabbits only suffer from minor ailments which can be easily tended through first aid. Examples of common paraphernalia which can be included in a first aid kit for these animals are cotton balls, eye-dropper, rubbing alcohol, rectal thermometer, and Q-tips. There are some rabbit diseases, however, which are more serious and need more attention. One example is pasteurella which is characterized by discharges from the nose and matting of the front paws. This is one of the most serious among rabbit diseases because it doesn't have any cure at all. Though there are some antibiotics which can be given, the medication will only mask the symptoms of the disease but not thoroughly cure the animal.

Some other rabbit diseases are coccidiosis, ear-mites, and fur-mites. Coccidiosis has two types namely intestinal and live form and is caused by a protozoan parasite damaging the intestinal tracts or bile ducts. Though this is considered as some of the mildest of all the rabbit diseases, not treating it can lead to more serious illnesses like Mucoid enteropathy or enterotoxemia. Coccidioisis can be treated by putting sulfaquinoxyline in the rabbits' drinking water for a couple of days. Ear-mites, on the other hand, are caused by a parasite called Psoreptes Cuniculi which settles on the ear canal of rabbits. Though not that severe, they irritate the animals so much to the point that their severe scratching causes infections.

Moreover, fur-mites are characterized by having dandruff like flakes on the rabbit's fur. This is caused by bacteria like Parasitivorax and Gibbus and is mostly seen on the back of the neck. Though this can be easily treated, severe cases of it can lead to dermatitis. This can be cured by using cat flea powder mixed with Listerine mouthwash. The mixture should be rubbed on the infected area for ten days. Other formulas which can also be used are Ivermectine or Zimectine Horse Paster Wormers. Some tips which can be done to protect these animals from acquiring rabbit diseases are cleaning the cage regularly, placing the cage in a warm and dry setting, and keeping the equipment and hutches sanitized. Also, isolating new rabbits for two to four weeks can also be helpful until to make sure that they are free of diseases.