Diarrhea

Cause:
ABRUPT FEED CHANGE, toxic feeds, feeding green feed, BAD MILK from nursing mother, stress

Symptoms:
Loose bowels, ranging from soft flat like excretions that hang together to a watery discharge. Especially common in young RABBITS.

Treatment:
Remove water for a day, reduce pellet ration and feed hay. Use a vitamin and electrolyte solution in the water the following day along with an antibiotic medication.


One of the most common ailments among rabbits, especially the young. A diarrhea condition is usually brought on by feeding improper feeds, (especially green feeds) or an abrupt change in rabbit ration. Feeds can also contain toxic ingredients or have too much molasses (laxative) in their formula. Bad milk from nursing mothers will cause young rabbits to have diarrhea.

These cases usually respond readily to treatment, however if allowed to go unchecked can cause dehydration and death. Take the water away completely for 24 hours, reduce pellet ration and feed good quality hay. Follow the next day with a vitamin and electrolyte solution, instead of the plain water, which will help prevent dehydration. Give animals a broad spectrum antibiotic for three days. Symptoms will usually disappear in a day or two.

IF the milk is suspected take the young away from mother and grwo the litter without her help. Rebreed the doe as she probably came into heat which may have caused her problems. Stress or environmental conditions such as temperature extremes, sudden change in weather, over-crowding can all produce this condition. Good management practices, proper housing, use of vitamins and medications will help in reducing the effects of stress on your rabbits.
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