Need everyones help! -update TWO!!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I want to work out an easy to read list of all the ailments that rabbits can get, signs and symptoms, precautions and treatments (whether at home or at the vet -so you know what to expect too) for my site, the shelter and anyone else to use.

 

I’d like to post as I go, and take input, suggestions, and criticisms…Would you all be up for that?

[Lightchick]

Sounds good! I’d love a cheat-sheet!

You’re going to plaster the “We’re not really vets so it’s not our fault if something goes wrong” warning all over it, right? (So you don’t get sued!)

[RabbitPam]

http://www.petco.com/Content/Article.aspx

I’d found this page on Petco of all places, and thought you might want to check it out for your list.

[Ang]

i would love love love a cheat sheet.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

OK first installlment. OF course I’m not asking for you all to say ‘that’s perfect and right’ as we’re not vets and I won’t be presenting this info as vet information, just let me know if you see glaring errors, have suggestions, things to add, criticisms or even grammer/spelling things!

Thanks again!

Coccidia
What it is: Intestinal Parasite (Protazoa)

Where it comes from/risk factors: Commonly from grass contaminated by wild rabbits. Eggs are ingested after they have been excreted by an infected rabbit. (Not airborne).Primarily seen in young, adults are carriers.

Prevention: Can feed ‘ACS pellets” that contain ‘coccidiostat’ such as clopidol, robenidine, or salinomycin; these are hard to obtain and usually breeders can feed them. Good hygiene and not allowing the rabbit to eat off the hutch floor can go a long way to prevent this disease.

How it presents/signs and symptoms: There are eight types that can affect rabbits, they vary in how they present. Usually shows as weakness, weight loss and bad diarrhea.

Treatment/Prognosis: Can be fatal. Treatment is with sulfaquinoxaline. sulfonamides alone, or in combination with dehydrofolate reductase inhibitors can be used to treat coccidia

[RabbitPam]

Suggestions: First, you might group them under simple headings, like Digestion disorders, Fur and skin ailments, falling or movement issues, etc. When I go to a cheat sheet, I need to see what I’m looking for fast, and what it might be, so will never know the disease name in a panic. This way I can say to myself “it could be this, this or this. I do X next.”

Next I’d keep the layman statements first, then tech. stuff. ex, in Prevention, switch the sentence to start with Good Hygiene, then add about the ACS pellets. And I would be clueless where to get those pellets, so say something like “found in pellets sold by your vet, Oxbow, or others with the nutrition content clearly listed on the package.” In other words, final step is how to get the treatement needed. See a vet. How to administer syringes, for example.

Hope that helps.

[Beka27]

i agree with Pam that the simpler answer should be first… so for signs/symptoms: weakness, weight loss, diarrhea. and then about the eight types…

or if this is really meant to be just a quick guide, keep it very simple. you don’t need the extra info in an emergency. where it comes from can be last for just a bit more info.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks all!! So switch up the organization a bit there…I’m going to try to do all the things that can happen to rabbits as a cheat sheet so yes, the simpler the better! Thanks!!

Lightchick-yes for legal line, what do you think of this (although lengthy I think it describes this best….)

I compliled this information from many sources including personal websites, veterinary textbooks and veterinary publications. I did not perform the scientific research that lead to this information nor am I a veterinarian, so this information as offered as a quick and dirty guideline only. The main purpose I’ve compiled this information for is quickly recognizing when your rabbit is sick and needs vet care. ALWAYS seek the help of a rabbit-wise Veterinarian for any medical concerns with your rabbit.

[BunMumTiff]

I think that sounds perfect and to the point

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Ok,  “take two” Thanks again all!!

 

Coccidia

Signs and Symptoms: shows up as weakness, weight loss and bad diarrhea. There are eight types that can affect rabbits, they vary in how they present.

Where it comes from: Exposure to infected individuals excretion. Commonly from grass contaminated by wild rabbits. Eggs are ingested after they have been excreted by an infected rabbit. (Not airborne).Primarily seen in young, adults are carriers. 

Prevention: Keep cage and all surfaces clean and disinfected. Do not allow the rabbit to eat off the floor-provide food bowls. Limit exposure to other rabbits. Can feed ‘ACS pellets” for prevention that contain ‘coccidiostat’ such as clopidol, robenidine, or salinomycin; May be purchased through a vet or a commercial feed provider.

What it is: Intestinal Parasite (Protazoa)

Treatment/Prognosis: Can be fatal. Rabbit must be seen by a vet as soon as possible for treatment. Treatment is with sulfaquinoxaline. sulfonamides alone, or in combination with dehydrofolate reductase inhibitors can be used to treat coccidia.

[Beka27]

much better!!!

have you thought about doing a spread sheet format?  with columns?  i’m kinda a loser and i love spreadsheets…   that way you could easily run down the list of symptoms til you found what you were looking for…  i guess this is always something you could do at a later date…

[Lightchick]

I think you’re on the right track…  You might want to include something similar to BB’s “The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet…” just to be very specific that you are NOT assuming responsibility for other people’s choices.  (I’m being paranoid on your behalf; forgive me!)

Don’t know if you wanted a grammar-check, too, so ignore the following if you like:
“I compliled this information from many sources, including personal websites, veterinary textbooks and veterinary publications. I did not perform the scientific research that led to this information nor am I a veterinarian, so this information is offered as a quick–and–dirty guideline only. The main purpose I’ve compiled this information for is quickly recognizing when your rabbit is sick and needs vet care. [I would revise to, “The main purpose of this compilation is to assist the rabbit-owner in recognizing that their rabbit is sick and needs veterinary care.”]  ALWAYS seek the help of a rabbit-wise Veterinarian for any medical concerns with your rabbit.”

I love where you’re going with this, btw!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

LOL Thanks for the grammer check !! I’m at work doing a million and one things (so that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!! hehe) so that’s awsome!!

Beka, I love your idea (I loove spreadsheets too!! hehe) what about a spreadsheet of symptoms to diseases

so like

………………………..coccidia …….pasturellosis ……..gi stasis ……….gas

poopy bum……………. x……………….. x
painful bloating …………………………………………………………………………x

^^ Kind of like that!!  (without the dots, had to put those so the spacing stayed )

[Sarita]

http://www.rabbit.org/health/antibiotics.html

I just found this on the House Rabbit Society website and it’s very good – I’ve never seen it before – you are allowed (I believe) to link to them as long as you give them the credit and print out their information as well.

You may want to list those drugs and medications that are toxic to rabbits like Amoxicillan and Frontline – I’m certain there are more but those 2 I can think of off the top of my head.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

That’s a great idea Sarita!!…wow I’m in for a project…so adding a list of toxic drugs, a spreadsheet of symptoms,

What else do you guys think would be need-to-know quick/easy stuff for bunny health? I’m just gathering and formating and researching-not my own info though!!

[Scarlet_Rose]

Hey K & K!  There are a few that I’ve run accross on the internet that may give you some ideas so you may want to take a look and if you use it I would definately ask their permission:

http://www.coloradohrs.com/articles/medical_common-problems_generic.asp

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/medical.html

This doesn’t list the symptoms but rather the disease or affliction then goes into more detail but I like how it is in an easy to read chart form:

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/index_en.htm

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Thanks!! ^^ I’m thinking for publishing online (Not in the shelter on paper but on my site) I want a list of everything I consulted. I’m not going to go into doing proper theisis citations but definitely show where I got the info

Here’s some more I’m working on right now…Not done these ones but working on it! Also I’m working on a symptom chart as I go

Paturellosis

signs and symptoms: Discharge from the eyes and nose (runny nose) and the rabbit will cough and sneeze. Often presents with the rabbit wiping the eyes and nose frequently and wet paws from wiping. Severe cases can present with subcutaneous absesses and wry-neck or head-tilt (caused by inner ear infections). Discharge may be seen from the vagina or blood may be seen in the urine.
Where it comes from/risk factors: Rabbits who recover from this usually remain carriers. Rabbits may not show symptoms until under stress when the immune system is depressed.
Prevention: Keeping all areas sanitized and not exposing the rabbit to others who could be carriers. The disease is a contact disease and is only spread through mating, fighting, wounds and contact (Not airborne-contact with nasal secretions).

What it is: (Snuffles) Bacterial infection (Pasteurella multocida) causing inflammation of the mucous membranes of the air passageways and lungs. In severe cases can cause abscesses, wry-neck and/or infection of the uterus, testes and/or mammary glands.

Treatment/Prognosis: Culture is often used to diagnose. Usually treated with Sulfa drugs like sulfaquinoxaline. Antibiotics for the disease are given-systematic and general. Abscesses are surgically removed, blocked tear ducts or conjunctivitisare treated by flushing of the ducts. Fluids and supportive nutrition should be given as needed.
HVD

Signs and symptoms: Fever, anorexia, collapse, lethargy, convulsions, paralysis, breathing difficulties, nasal hemorrhaging.

Where it comes from: Direct contact with contaminated rabbits or things rabbit has touched (can last three months outside of body).

Prevention: Vaccination. This cannot be done within 14 days of Myxi vaccination. (Not available in NA). Not allowing anything that has come in contact with other rabbits to contact the rabbit. Household bleach at 10% is effective at disinfecting items as is Virkon. Being outside or being exposed to insects puts them at risk, bring them inside. Wash clothes/shoes after coming in contact with other rabbits.
What it is: Viral Hemorrhagic disease. Caused by Calcivirus.
Treatment/prognosis: No cure or treatment. Usually fatal. If the rabbit survives it remains infectious to other rabbits.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

And i have to say after doing all this research I’m thinking twice before my buns ever go outside again. I know I can watch them so cats/birds can’t get them, but what about wild bunnies poop? Yeh, I’m getting a little paranoid!!

[Author]

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