Wooly-Pod Milkweed Poisoning

Cause:
Eating woolly-pod milkweed, poisoning

Symptoms:
Head tucked down between the front legs, resting on the tip of the nose. Neck muscles are paralyzed, back of the animal is arched and it is unable to raise its head from the floor or control its legs.

Treatment:
In order to enable to body to throw off the poison, you must assist the animal in eating and drinking so it can consume enough to allow this process to happen.


Woolly-Pod Milkweed Poisoning or "Head Down" disease is caused from rabbits eating the leaves and stems of the woolly pod milkweed. Which can be found mixed with straw or hay and are toxic to rabbits. However, this weed is only common to the Pacific Southwest, according to information available. It dries a greenish yellow color, the stems are woody, hollow, smooth and brittle. The leaves are broad and under surface is covered with a fuzzy or woolly growth.

Symptoms may vary somewhat and there is a considerable variation among rabbits as to the susceptibility to the toxins of the milkweed. The more susceptible rabbits, or those who consume large quantities, show more advanced stages of paralysis. Eventually the animal becomes completely paralyzed.

If diagnosed early and assistance is given in eating and drinking to throw off the poisons, treatment can be successful. A breeder can best prevent this from happening by inspecting ALL roughage or bedding and removing all leaves and stems of the milkweed plant.


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