coccidiosis in rabbits

Coccidiosis is a disease that can affect rabbits, especially young and recently weaned rabbits. Caused by the single-celled parasite Eimeria and often spread through contaminated feces. Several studies indicate that chickens can transmit coccidiosis to immunocompromised rabbits. 

However, it is worth noting that not all types of coccidia are the same, and while some strains can infect both rabbits and chickens, some can only infect rabbits or vice versa. In any case, precautions should be taken to prevent cross-infection between species to avoid the spread of infection. Current prevention and therapy for coccidiosis include anti-coccidiosis chemicals, vaccines, certain feed additives and prebiotics, and proper animal husbandry.

Symptoms of coccidiosis in rabbits

The first symptom is diarrhea. Feces can be yellowish, green or brown, contain mucus or blood. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and even death of the animal in the absence of timely and adequate treatment.

The second symptom is a decrease in the level of activity. Affected rabbits tend to be less active and appear depressed and lethargic.

In severe cases, coccidiosis causes liver damage (signified by an enlarged abdomen) and neurological symptoms such as tremors, HEAD tilt, and incoordination.

The diagnosis is made by a veterinarian after examining rabbit droppings under a microscope.

Treatment of coccidiosis in rabbits

The first step in treating coccidiosis in rabbits is to isolate infected animals from healthy ones to prevent further spread of the disease. It is necessary to remove the litter, carefully disinfect the cages to avoid re-infection.

Anti-coccidial treatments such as sulfa drugs, amprolium, or toltrazuril are commonly used to control the disease. These medicines can be given orally or added to drinking water or animal feed. Treatment should be continued for at least 5 days or until symptoms disappear.

Electrolytes are used - solutions with substances that help maintain proper fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve function. For watering purposes, look for one that is formulated specifically for rabbits and contains a balanced amount of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and calcium). Follow the instructions on the packaging for mixing with water in a certain ratio, depending on the concentration of the solution.

Offer your rabbit an electrolyte solution in a clean water bottle or bowl. Most rabbits prefer to drink from a water bottle, but they will choose a bowl when they are sick. Monitor your rabbit's water intake after administration of electrolytes as they may be bitter. If your rabbit is not drinking enough water, you may need to add additional electrolytes in smaller amounts throughout the day, or use a syringe to gently inject the electrolyte solution directly into his mouth.

Always check with your veterinarian before giving your pet any new supplements, especially when they are sick. And this relates to the question “should I give rabbits iodine for coccidiosis”. While iodine is indeed an essential nutrient for rabbits, and a deficiency can lead to HEALTH problems, there is no scientific evidence that iodine can be used as a treatment or preventive measure against coccidiosis in rabbits.

Prevention of coccidiosis in rabbits

It should be noted that science does not deny absolutely all folk methods for the prevention of coccidiosis in animals. From an evolutionary standpoint, rabbits, like other animals, have a complete immune system consisting of innate and adaptive immune responses. When rabbits are kept in good conditions, receive proper nutrition and care, the immune system works successfully, it can even be “fed”.

At the moment, some immunoregulatory plants can be used as an alternative method to enhance the immune response against coccidiosis.

pine bark

Pine bark, rich in condensed tannins, inhibits the life cycle of coccidia, which has been proven in scientific studies. It is assumed that the mechanism of action of condensed tannins is to penetrate the oocyst wall and damage the cytoplasm, since tannins can inactivate endogenous enzymes responsible for the sporulation process.

Garlic

Garlic and its sulfur compounds, allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, dithiin and allylcysteine ​​have broad antimicrobial activity that can eliminate the negative factors of microbial infections. The garlic compounds propylthiosulfinate and propylthiosulfinate oxide play a key role in regulating the immune response in coccidiosis.

We emphasize that garlic should be fed to rabbits in moderation, since an excessive amount is dangerous for anemia. A good rule of thumb is to start with a small amount, no more than a minced fresh clove of garlic per day mixed into hay and vegetable feed for a medium sized rabbit. The rabbit will most likely refuse to drink garlic infusion.

Prebiotics for rabbits

Prebiotics are specialized plant fibers that cannot be digested by the body but are consumed by beneficial gut bacteria. They promote the growth of these beneficial bacteria, which in turn provide a number of health benefits to the host.

Prebiotics are different from probiotics, which are live microorganisms recommended for diarrhea and enteritis, as they can reduce the colonization of harmful bacteria in the gut.

For rabbits, the same prebiotics used in commercial poultry can be purchased, which include inulin, arabinoxylooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, mannanooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, isomaltooligosaccharides, soy oligosaccharides, and pyrodextrins. These oligosaccharides are obtained from plants such as chicory, onions, garlic, asparagus, artichokes, leeks, bananas, tomatoes, and wheat.

One of the most effective ways to prevent coccidiosis in rabbits is to provide them with a favorable and hygienic living environment: keeping the cages clean and dry, a balanced diet (to avoid eating litter), constant access to fresh water.

It is important to avoid overcrowding and conduct regular check-ups with the involvement of a veterinarian. In case of an increased risk, the specialist may recommend for the prevention of coccidiosis in young rabbits, especially those infections caused by Eimeria stiedae, anti-coccidial drugs, sodium lasalocide or monensin, for addition to the feed.