Many rabbits suffer from so-called coccidia in their intestines and liver. These are very small parasites. Rabbits become infected by eating grass and cage litter that contain oocysts of these parasites. Now it is not necessarily the case that all rabbits become ill from this. Young rabbits with little resistance are more susceptible than adult rabbits. Only when the adult rabbit undergoes changes – a new environment or different food – or hygiene leaves something to be desired, can the condition coccidiosis occur.
Cause
Coccidia are microscopic, single-celled parasites that infest the intestinal tract and liver of rabbits as well as other animals. Coccidia are the most common parasite in the rabbit’s intestinal tract and a common cause of illness in young rabbits.
Symptoms
Coccidiosis is certainly not a disease that simply goes unnoticed. Some symptoms that can help you recognize that your rabbit or animal is suffering from coccidiosis are: Diarrhea, gas attacks, constipation, wet droppings, growth retardation, stress & anxiety and a severely reduced appetite. The symptoms of coccidiosis usually occur during or immediately after stress, for example due to changes in the weather, changes in the environment, a long car journey, a very dirty cage or a fever. In general, the intestinal tract is affected first, which in mild cases results in diarrhea. In severe cases, the stool is watery, with pieces of stool and there may also be blood in the stool. The rabbit therefore quickly dehydrates, loses weight, becomes listless and no longer wants to eat and/or drink.
Diagnosis
Based on the clinical symptoms and microscopic examination of rabbit droppings, the diagnosis is made and in many cases the distinction can be made between the different species. There may be mild infections without symptoms, or there may be mild or retarded growth of the coccidia, but the disease can be fatal, especially in young rabbits. In baby rabbits, liver damage can progress so quickly that they can suddenly drop dead. Heavily infected rabbits show signs that point to liver dysfunction and blockage of the bile ducts. These rabbits stop eating and become weak: at the end of the disease they have diarrhea or constipation. Sometimes the (lower) abdomen is enlarged and the skin becomes yellowish in color.
Treatment
The important role of the medication is to stop the growth of the parasite until the rabbit has built up resistance and has the coccidia under control again. For the treatment of coccidiosis, sulfa-based medications can be chosen, such as ESB3 or toltrazuril. Sometimes trimethoprim-sulfa is used at the same time. The latter is especially useful in the case of a severe infestation, when the coccidia damage the intestinal wall so badly that E. Coli or another bacterium can cause a serious secondary infection. Death from coccidiosis is usually caused by dehydration and secondary bacterial infections. Treatment and prevention of intestinal coccidiosis is the same as for liver coccidiosis. Unfortunately, there are no vaccinations available against coccidiosis yet.
Prevention
The most important thing is to keep the infection pressure as low as possible. This means maintaining good hygiene, regularly removing feces and cleaning the rabbit hutch.
