Causes & Prevention of Rabbit Enteritis: Essential Tips

Firstly, let's delve into the common causes of enteritis in rabbits:

1. Poor quality feed: Rabbit food can easily spoil, and consuming moldy feed can lead to enteritis. Therefore, it's essential for owners to thoroughly dry and sterilize the feed, and ideally, prepare and feed the rabbits as needed to prevent large amounts of feed from piling up.

2. Frequent changes in feed: Constantly switching the rabbits' diet is also detrimental, as it can disrupt their digestive system and cause enteritis. It's crucial for owners to maintain a stable diet for their rabbits, and if a change is necessary, it should be done gradually.

3. Uneven feeding: Rabbits do not regulate their food intake, so if the owner feeds them unevenly, it can lead to either overeating or undereating, both of which can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. This is particularly impactful on young rabbits, who may exhibit symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. It's advisable for owners to separate weaned rabbits to prevent uneven feeding, and for young rabbits, feeding in small, frequent portions can aid in digestion and absorption of the feed.

4. Coccidiosis: This disease can trigger enteritis, and young rabbits are highly susceptible. Owners should regularly clean and disinfect the rabbit hutch, disinfecting twice a day during hot weather and once a week during cold weather. Ensure the hutch is wellventilated to avoid moisture. Promptly administer coccidiostat deworming medication by mixing it with the rabbit's feed.

5. Environmental pollution: Poorly managed waste and urine in the hutch can lead to a smelly environment, attracting pests, which can significantly impact the rabbit's health. It's vital for owners to promptly clean up waste, wash the hutch, and maintain fresh, wellventilated air.

6. Medication effects: Consistently giving rabbits inconsistent and unmeasured medication, or frequently changing medications, can lead to digestive dysfunction and trigger acute or chronic enteritis. Owners must remember that rabbits should not be given medication unnecessarily. If necessary, use medication appropriately and avoid frequent changes.

Dr. Oxygen Pet summarizes the common causes of enteritis in rabbits. By avoiding the above behaviors, you can effectively prevent enteritis in rabbits. Additionally, owners can occasionally feed rabbits with Neomycin as a preventive measure, using 1g of Neomycin per kilogram of feed. For specific dosing instructions, please refer to the product leaflet.