Rabbit Disease – Heat Exhaustion
Rabbits are more susceptible to heat stroke (a kind of Rabbit Disease) than humans. So if you are feeling hot imagine how your bunny feels. As a result, heat stroke can occur when a rabbit is exposed to high temperatures. And maybe even for a short period of time.
Cause: Due to Excessively high temperatures and high humidity, obesity, poor ventilation, insufficient water and crowding.
Symptoms: Increased respiration rate prostration. Excessive saliva discharge. Probably pregnant does and young in the nest box are most susceptible.
Prevention: Provide shade, adequate air movement, and plenty of cool water on a hot day. Wet burlap in the cage will aid in cooling.
Treatment: Rabbits suffering from heat exhaustion can be immersed in lukewarm water to reduce body temperature to the normal. Also, cool compress to the ears can be applied.
Rabbit Disease – Hutch Burn
Hutch burn, also known as urine scald, is a common bacterial disease.
Hutch burn is usually a disease of housed rabbits kept on wet or dirty flooring or secondary to urinary incontinence. Constant urine scalding results in chemical burning of the epidermis. Therefore results in secondary bacterial infections of the perineum.
Cause: Usually associated with wet and dirty hutches. Urine and fecal material cause the skin to become irritated and infected.
Symptoms: Usually, a brownish crust covers the infected area. Also, a bleeding exudate may be seen.
Prevention: Do not allow the fecal material to accumulate in the hutch.
Treatment: Keep the area clean.
Rabbit Disease – Ketosis
Ketosis is a condition characterized by raised levels of ketone bodies in the body. They are associated with abnormal fat metabolism and diabetes mellitus.
Cause: Obesity, large litter, lack of exercise.
Symptoms: Usually occurs just before or just after kindling. Does go off feed and will not eat.
Prevention: Prevent young does from getting too fat. Also, make sure the does are eating at kindling time.
Treatment: Obesity can be prevented by limiting feed to 120 gm to 170 gm daily for does.