Rabbits are very susceptible to heat stress

Rabbits are very susceptible to heat stress

...responds to queries raised by animal lovers across the city

Could my rabbit have diarrhoea? Yes, there are several things that may be causing diarrhoea. Seek advice from your local veterinarian to make a definitive diagnosis. Inappropriate diets: A history of a low-fibre diet, high carbohydrate diet or even sudden dietary change can produce diarrhoea. Affected rabbits are often depressed, dehydrated and have no appetite. It needs proper nutrition and antibiotics after a physical exam. Inappropriate antibiotic therapy: Two or three days of antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, and clindamycin produce diarrhoea. The antibiotics decrease the natural flora in the intestines. Talk to your vet about different antibiotic treatment and proper diagnosis. Mucoid enteritis: More common in young rabbits. A vet would be able to make a diagnosis. Bacterial enteritis: Uncommon in rabbits, although sepsis develops quickly. Aggressive and supportive care will have to be administered. My rabbit has red urine. Could it be blood? On seeing red urine in the bottom of the cage, most owners think there is an emergency. Often the red colour is a normal pigment from porphyrin production. True hematuria, however, is an emergency and a urine dipstick is a quick way to determine if the red urine contains blood. Reproductive disorders: Uterine adenocarcinoma, uterine torsion and more rarely, abortion, may all cause red urine. An ultrasound will be most helpful in determining the organ involved. Female rabbits should be spayed to prevent the cancer adenocarcinoma. Urinary Tract Disease: Red urine can also be seen in rabbits with systitis, urolithiasis and pyelonephritis. The treatment is the same as in dogs and cats. My rabbit collapsed. What should I do? The differential diagnosis for collapses and seizures can include trauma, heat stress, encephalitozoonosis, pasteurellosis, pregnancy toxemia, snake bite, lead poisoning and rabies. Seizures are uncommon. If presented, call veterinarian immediately. Heat Stress: Rabbits are very susceptible to heat stress. Outdoor temperatures above 85F make them especially vulnerable if housed outdoors. Body temperature can be above 106F. If rabbits are outside, do not cool them down quickly but in a slow process. IV fluids may need to be administered by a veterinarian. Lukewarm baths will help. Pregnancy toxemia: Overweight pregnant or post baby rabbits are those most often seen with pregnancy toxemia. Many are weak, ataxic, depressed, recumbent and/or close to death. Seek medical treatment and proper diagnosis.