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Vet Emergency: Dealing with Rabbit diarrhoea
Vet Emergency in London | Emergencies in pets | Emergencies in rabbits

Vet Emergency: Dealing with Rabbit diarrhoea

diarrhoea in rabbits is a cause for concern as it can lead to serious health issues. In this article, we will explore the various factors responsible for diarrhoea in rabbits, how to recognize it, and take prompt action to ensure the well-being of your beloved pet rabbit.

  1. Causes of diarrhoea in Rabbits
  2. How to Recognize diarrhoea in Rabbits
  3. Different Types of Rabbit diarrhoea
  4. What to Do If Your Rabbit Has diarrhoea

Causes of diarrhoea in Rabbits

There are several possible causes of diarrhoea in rabbits, including:

  1. Inappropriate diet: A high-carbohydrate, low-fiber diet can result in an imbalance in the rabbit's gastrointestinal (GI) system, leading to diarrhoea. Rabbits require a diet high in fiber to maintain healthy gut function.
  2. Parasites: Parasitic infections such as coccidia or Eimeria species can result in diarrhoea. These parasites infect the rabbit's intestinal cells and disrupt normal digestion, ultimately leading to loose stools.
  3. Bacterial infections: Pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium spp. or Escherichia coli can overgrow in the rabbit's GI tract and produce toxins that cause diarrhoea.
  4. Stress: Situations that induce stress in rabbits, such as new environments or social conflicts, can result in compromised gut function and diarrhoea.

How to Recognize diarrhoea in Rabbits

The first step in addressing diarrhoea in rabbits is learning how to identify it correctly. Here are some key features to look for in their feces:

  1. Consistency: Normal rabbit feces are small, round pellets. If you notice that your rabbit's stool is softer, mushy, or watery, it's an indication of diarrhoea.
  2. Mucus: Mucus in the rabbit's stool is a red flag since it indicates the presence of inflammation within the intestines. Mucus can appear as slime or jelly-like substance accompanying the feces.
  3. Color and odor: Healthy rabbit feces are typically brownish in color and have a relatively mild odor. diarrhoea can cause the feces to have an abnormal color (such as green or yellow) and a significantly stronger odor.

If your rabbit displays any of these symptoms, it is vital to consult a veterinarian immediately to prevent any severe health complications.

Different Types of Rabbit diarrhoea

Unformed Cecotropes

Cecotropes are a specific type of droppings that rabbits produce as part of their normal digestion process. They are soft, sticky, and dark-colored clusters that look different from regular round pellets. Rabbits consume cecotropes directly from the anus to extract essential vitamins and nutrients.

In some cases, cecotropes may not form correctly and remain unformed called "unformed cecotropes". Unformed cecotropes can be mistaken for diarrhoea due to their soft, squishy appearance. The difference between unformed cecotropes and true diarrhoea lies in consistency - while diarrhoea is watery, unformed cecotropes still maintain a certain level of viscosity.

True diarrhoea

True diarrhoea in rabbits has a distinctly watery consistency and is often accompanied by mucus and distinct unpleasant odors. As mentioned earlier, bacterial infections, parasites, inappropriate diet, and stress can all lead to true diarrhoea. It is essential to differentiate between unformed cecotropes and true diarrhoea since they require different treatments.

Diarrhoea is a real vet emergency in rabbits. If left untreated, the outcome can quickly be fatal. We advise you to consult your vet as soon as possible, at the first sign of diarrhoea.

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What to Do If Your Rabbit Has diarrhoea

If you suspect your rabbit's stools have an abnormal consistency or show signs of mucus, take action by performing the following steps:

  1. Consult a veterinarian quickly: It is crucial to seek professional help at the earliest to avoid complications. The veterinarian will be able to identify the cause of diarrhoea and recommend appropriate treatment.
  2. Collect a sample: Prior to visiting the veterinarian, try collecting a fresh fecal sample from your rabbit. This would enable the vet to perform necessary diagnostic tests effectively and quickly.
  3. Maintain hydration: diarrhoea can lead to loss of fluids and electrolytes, which can result in dehydration. Make sure that your rabbit has access to clean and fresh water at all times. Offering wet vegetables can also help provide additional moisture.

Note that these steps are not substitutes for veterinary care but should be taken alongside it. Proper treatment requires addressing the underlying causes of diarrhoea identified by professional diagnosis.