Key Technical Points and Detailed Methods for Rabbit Disease Prevention and Treatment
Rabbits are the collective term for all genera under the family Leporidae of the mammalian order Lagomorpha. There are many breeds; there are approximately 45 purebred rabbit breeds worldwide, which can be subdivided into four major categories: meat rabbits, fur rabbits, laboratory rabbits and pet rabbits. In fact, rabbits of any breed can be kept as pets as long as one has the interest and energy. Let us now take a look at common rabbit disease prevention and treatment techniques!
Red Urine and Blood in Urine
Under normal circumstances it is simply due to food, such as carrots, spinach or other vegetables containing beta-carotene, but it may also be caused by taking antibiotics. As long as the rabbit is alert and eating and drinking normally, and it is not persistent, there is nothing to worry about.
Urinary Calcium
Urinary calcium is a manifestation of excessive nutrition; typically the urine is very viscous, with white sediment or a pale yellow colour. Urinary calcium is basically caused by food; eating too much rabbit pellets or alfalfa hay can both lead to this. Generally speaking, urinary calcium in juvenile rabbits is not a concern, but in adult rabbits it requires attention, as it may cause urinary tract stones. Therefore, adult rabbits should not be given alfalfa hay and should be given less rabbit pellets.
Soft Stool
A sudden change of food, a sharp drop in temperature, fright, inappropriate food or excessive nutrition can all cause soft stool. At this time it is necessary to withhold food, keep the rabbit warm, and give only timothy hay and water. Two tablets of lactasin or one tablet of lactic acid bacteria can be given to help regulate the digestive system.
Diarrhoea
Being chilled, inappropriate food, or alternating diarrhoea and constipation may be a precursor to coccidiosis. For unexplained diarrhoea it is best to take the rabbit to the hospital for a stool test. If it is simply diarrhoea, withhold food and give only timothy hay and water. Give Rabbit Intestinal Comfort at 150 jin of drinking water per bag, dissolved in water below 40 degrees; too high a temperature will kill the beneficial bacteria. Use a syringe with the needle removed to administer it orally, and observe carefully. You can give 5% glucose water to replenish energy or 1% saline to replenish fluids and prevent dehydration.
Bloating
The rabbit's belly is very distended, occasionally passing jelly-like stool, and tapping the abdomen lightly produces a drum-like sound; at this point it is basically bloating. Food should be stopped immediately, and plenty of timothy hay and water given. Freshly squeezed pineapple juice can be given, along with cooled boiled water to ensure dehydration is prevented. Never give sweets or sugar water. Gently massage the belly, and use Rabbit Intestinal Comfort in the drinking water for treatment. For severe bloating, go directly to a veterinary clinic and ask the doctor to examine and prescribe medication.