Common Diseases in Rabbits: What You Need to Know

Common Diseases Affecting Pet Rabbits

1. Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (RVD)

Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease, also known as "Rabbit Viral Septicemia," is one of the most devastating infectious diseases for pet rabbits. It typically erupts and spreads rapidly during spring, often affecting the entire group with a near 100% mortality rate. In acute cases, rabbits may collapse suddenly, scream, and convulse before dying. However, most rabbits suffer from chronic RVD, which manifests as listlessness, decreased appetite, dull and lackluster fur, and a "swimming" gait in the limbs. Some may also experience seizures, leading to death within one to two days.

2. Pasteurellosis in Rabbits

Pasteurellosis in rabbits is commonly caused by the Ftype of Pasteurella multocida and is more prevalent in spring. In acute cases, affected rabbits may exhibit symptoms like fever, runny nose, and rapid breathing, with temperatures dropping and convulsions before death, usually within 12 to 18 hours. Chronic cases may include symptoms like scratching the nose with the forepaws, decreased appetite, and can lead to death within one to two weeks.

3. Coccidiosis in Rabbits

Coccidiosis is a serious disease in pet rabbits, caused by coccidia parasites in the intestines or bile ducts of the liver. Early symptoms include lack of energy, decreased appetite, stunted growth, bloating, diarrhea, frequent defecation, and yellowing of mucous membranes. In later stages, neurological symptoms like spasms or paralysis may occur, and the disease carries a high mortality rate.

4. Rabbit Enteritis

Rabbit Enteritis is a disease caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli and its toxins, affecting rabbits with a high mortality rate. Affected rabbits may have normal or slightly low temperatures, show signs of listlessness, decreased appetite, rough fur, and bloating. They often expel large amounts of jellylike mucus. The disease can be fatal within 12 days, and severe dehydration due to diarrhea can lead to rapid weight loss and emaciation. Ultimately, toxic shock can result in a swift death.

Regarding the question of what diseases rabbits are prone to, Oxygen Pet Doctor advises all pet owners to take good care of their rabbits, pay close attention to their health, and seek timely treatment if any abnormalities are detected.