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Effective Prevention and Treatment of Rabbit Enteritis

21. December 2024
Section 1: Symptoms of Rabbit EnterotoxemiaRabbit enterotoxemia is characterized by clinical symptom

Section 1: Symptoms of Rabbit Enterotoxemia

Rabbit enterotoxemia is characterized by clinical symptoms such as diarrhea and drooling. Unfortunately, some affected rabbits may die without showing any symptoms. The primary signs observed in sick rabbits include a lack of energy, rough hair, weight loss, emaciation, abdominal distension, and severe diarrhea. The fur around the rabbit's liver may often be soiled with a gelatinous mucous or yellow, watery diarrhea. Additional symptoms may include cold extremities, gnawing, and drooling. Blood tests on affected rabbits often reveal an increased red blood cell and white blood cell count.

Rabbits with acute symptoms typically succumb to the disease within 1 to 2 days, while those with subacute symptoms usually die after 7 to 8 days.

Section 2: PostMortem Examination

Upon postmortem examination, the stomach may be distended with a large amount of fluid and gas. The duodenum may contain a significant amount of gas and a mucous liquid mixed with bile. The ileum of the affected rabbit may have a mucous, gelatinous, semisolid content, and the fecal balls may be coated with a sticky fluid. The colon may be distended and contain a transparent, gelatinous mucus. In some cases, the serosa and mucosa of the colon and cecum may be congested or show hemorrhagic spots. The gallbladder may be distended, and the mucosa may be swollen.

Section 3: Diagnostic Methods

Initial diagnosis can be made based on the clinical symptoms and postmortem findings. A definitive diagnosis requires bacteriological testing. Additionally, a microscopic examination of the rabbit's small and large intestine feces or mucus is necessary to determine the presence of oocysts or coccidian sporozoites, which helps differentiate enterotoxemia from coccidiosis.

Section 4: Prevention Measures

To prevent rabbit enterotoxemia, it's crucial to ensure the safety and hygiene of the feed. Fresh greens should be thoroughly washed before feeding to rabbits, and moldy or spoiled feed should be avoided. The transition of feed for young rabbits before and after weaning should be gradual, without sudden, significant changes. If illness is detected, affected rabbits should be immediately isolated and treated, and the rabbit quarters and equipment should be thoroughly disinfected.

Treatment Methods:

1. Administer tetracycline orally to the affected rabbit at a dose of 25mg/kg body weight, twice to thrice daily, for 3 to 5 days.

2. Inject streptomycin intramuscularly at a dose of 20mg/kg body weight, twice to thrice daily, for 3 to 5 days.

3. Inject streptomycin intramuscularly at a dose of 15mg/kg body weight, twice daily, for 3 days.

This concludes the introduction to rabbit enterotoxemia by Oxygen Pet Doctor. We hope that pet owners will take this article to heart and prioritize the prevention of this disease in rabbits, reducing their risk of illness.

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