Causes of Rabbit Constipation & Prevention Tips

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Section 1: Causes of Rabbit Constipation

Rabbits can suffer from constipation due to a variety of factors, including fevers, gastrointestinal atony, and poor management. However, the primary cause is often attributed to inadequate care. This includes improper ratios of concentrate to roughage, overfeeding of concentrates, and insufficient water intake. Longterm feeding of dry, hard foods like sweet potato vines, soybean stalks, straw, and rice hulls can also contribute. Overconsumption of food with a high amount of sand or fur can weaken the gastrointestinal motility. Sudden changes in the environment, lack of exercise, disrupted defecation habits, or secondary diseases can all lead to rabbit constipation.

Section 2: Clinical Symptoms of Rabbit Constipation

In the early stages of rabbit constipation, when the intestines are not completely blocked, symptoms may include a lack of energy, decreased appetite, increased water consumption, difficulty defecating, and small, hard feces. When the intestines are fully blocked, the rabbit may show signs of complete loss of appetite, stop defecating, experience abdominal pain, and be restless. Despite no feces being passed, the rabbit may frequently assume a defecating posture. During palpation, hard fecal masses can often be felt in the rabbit's cecum and colon.

Section 3: Differential Diagnosis Methods for Rabbit Constipation

1. Differentiating Rabbit Constipation from Intestinal Bloat

Both rabbit constipation and intestinal bloat can cause loss of appetite, reduced movement, abdominal swelling, and decreased or absent defecation. However, the causes differ. Intestinal bloat is often due to the consumption of easily fermentable feed or grass with dew or rainwater.

2. Differentiating Rabbit Constipation from Stomach Atony

Rabbit constipation and stomach atony can both present with loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, and bloating. However, stomach atony is usually caused by overeating during periods of hunger or when switching to a new feed.

Section 4: Prevention and Treatment Measures for Rabbit Constipation

1. Preventive Measures

During summer, provide rabbits with ample fresh green feed. In winter, when feeding more dry roughage, ensure they have plenty of water. Regularly and appropriately mix concentrate, roughage, and green feed, and feed rabbits at set times and quantities to prevent overeating. Ensure rabbits have an adequate amount of exercise and keep their feeding utensils clean and free of foreign objects.

2. Treatment Measures

In the early stages of constipation, offer the rabbit a moderate amount of fresh, juicy green feed until their feces soften and then reduce the amount. If constipation is severe, stop feeding the rabbit immediately, increase their water intake, gently massage their abdomen, and use medication to stimulate intestinal motility and increase glandular secretion to soften the feces.

For adult rabbits, you can administer sodium sulfate (28g) or artificial salt (1015g) mixed with a small amount of warm water. For young rabbits, the dose can be halved. If the treatment is not effective, it is advisable to seek veterinary assistance.

We hope this explanation of the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for rabbit constipation is helpful to you.

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