Coccidiosis- All Rabbit Owners Should be Aware of This

[Jack's-Jane]

Please take time to read the links in this post.
Coccidiosis is a lethal disease. Everyone who keeps Rabbits should know about it and how to minimise the risk of your Rabbits being effected. This particularly applies to those who have several Rabbits (yes, that includes me), those who take in and rehome Rabbits, Rabbit Boarders and Rabbit Breeders.

When very new to keeping Rabbits I found out the hard way about Coccidiosis and it's horrific implications. I introduced 4 baby Rabbits obtained from different sources, they were 8 weeks old. Unbeknown to me one was poorly. An outbreak of Coccidiosis occured and despite prompt Veterinary attention 2 babies died, the other two were VERY ill and whilst they survived the initial illness they had longterm, life limiting problems. Neither made it to their 3rd Birthday

Coccidiosis is preventable in many cases, being aware of it is the first step. Should you be unfortunate to have to deal with an outbreak then Knowing how to try to minimise suffering and losses is our responsibility as Rabbit Care Givers.

If this thread is read by some as me 'thinking I am an expert' then so-be-it.
I am only interested in trying to pass on important information that we, as people responsible for the health and welfare of the Rabbits in our care, should know.

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/GI_dise...es/Cocc_en.htm

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in.../bc/171332.htm

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00d...s_Hedgehog.htm

http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00d...is_rabbits.htm

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/squirts.pdf

Immediate Veterinary Attention is ALWAYS ESSENTIAL.

[Gemmapookie]

Thanks for the info Jane, I didnt know much about coccidiosis, it sounds horrible

As always your advise is correct and relevant. Those of us who want to look after our bunnies properly instead of burying our heads in the sand will be very grateful

[Angela lou]

Thanks Jane, very informative as always

As a child we lost our first rabbit to this horrible disease

[weeble]

Thank you Jane sounds like an awful illness. How common is it? Its not something I have heard a lot about

They are such delicate animals arent they. In some ways I am glad I didnt know all this when I first got B and C it would have scared me off

[shay]

Please take time to read the links in this post.
Coccidiosis is a lethal disease. Everyone who keeps Rabbits should know about it and how to minimise the risk of your Rabbits being effected. This particularly applies to those who have several Rabbits (yes, that includes me), those who take in and rehome Rabbits, Rabbit Boarders and Rabbit Breeders.

If this thread is read by some as me 'thinking I am an expert' then so-be-it.
I am only interested in trying to pass on important information that we, as people responsible for the health and welfare of the Rabbits in our care, should know.

Who cares what some may think??!! I, for one, find your knowledge invaluable.

[Rhian33]

Thank you Jane. I've not read the links yet as I'm using my phone not a computer but will do at the first opportunity. I know the basics but it's always good to know more and find out what has happened to others.

[Grin]

Wow - something else i didnt know!!

I'm finding i am learning something new rabbit related day by day!!

Such delicate little creatures.

Thank you Jane! xx

[hurricanhoney]

Thanks for the information I didn't know much about it either

[Jack's-Jane]

I knew nothing about it either and my 'learning curve' was VERY painful. Both for me, but more importantly, for the Rabbits that suffered because of my lack of knowledge.

I just find it so upsetting to read/hear of scenarios that are a disaster waiting to happen and all attempts at imparting information are snubbed. So the ego of the owner/care-giver remains intact but the Rabbits suffer

[The Duchess]

Thank you Jane.

I've not had any first hand experience but it's always at the back of my mind, in particular following on from Lymington and the risks involved taking in rabbits from such a situation.

I shall read the links later.