Coccidiosis is a common disease among rabbits that causes significant damage to their host. Characterized by ailment weakening and disorder of the digestive system. If the rabbits are already ill with coccidiosis, it is important to begin therapy as soon as possible. So, let's see how to minimize the risk of developing the disease and how to treat coccidiosis in rabbits.
Description of the disease
Coccidiosis (eymerioz) - an invasive disease that does not take the form of an epidemic. The disease is excited by 10 types of coccidia (the simplest unicellular parasites), parasitic in the liver and intestines of rabbits. Nine species of parasites infect the intestinal mucosa of the rabbit, and only one species - the liver. Synchronous infection of the liver and intestines is usually noted. Coccidia demonstrate high resistance to various external factors. Parasites practically do not react to disinfectants. 
The disease is observed throughout the year, escalating in the spring and summer season. The greatest susceptibility is recorded in "babies" of 1-3 months of age. In adult rabbits, the clinical form of coccidiosis is rare, they are only carriers of the pathogen. Infection of rabbits occurs through infected feed, water, milk. Juveniles become infected while sucking the milk of the mother of the disease. Infection of rabbits can occur from other sick animals that have not been quarantined. Spreaders of coccidia can also become rodents, birds, flies.
Read also about such breeds of rabbits as giant rabbits, black and brown breed, gray giant, white giant, Californian, Rex, Butterfly, Baran, flandr (or Belgian giant) and Risen.
Causes of coccidiosis
The reason for the surge of coccidiosis in rabbits is a violation of the hygienic rules of keeping and feeding rules of mammals:
- close conditions of keeping rabbits (finding animals of different ages in one cage);
- the presence of dirt and debris in the sheds;
- dampness and drafts;
- substandard products used for feeding animals;
- monotypic or unbalanced nutrition, lack of vitamins and mineral elements;
- add to the diet of rabbits products that contain coccidia (milk powder or too fat, bran, alfalfa);
- abrupt replacement of some feed on the other.
Did you know? Protein overfeeding contributes to the accumulation in the body of rabbits oxidized degradation products of protein, which, in turn, creates favorable conditions for the development of coccidia.
First symptoms
Despite the fact that the parasites are present in the body of most rabbits, the animal can remain completely healthy. Only after the defeat of coccidiosis of the liver and intestines in rabbits severe symptoms occur.
Signs of hepatic form
With hepatic form of coccidiosis, the symptoms are less pronounced than with intestinal. The time from the infection to the body to the onset of the first symptoms of the disease takes 2-3 days. The disease lasts about 30-50 days. Animals have liver syndrome, manifested in the icteric mucous of the mouth and eyelids. In the absence of proper treatment, rabbits are severely depleted and die. 
Signs of intestinal form
Intestinal coccidiosis occurs in the young in the acute stage. The disease is accompanied by indisposition in the gastrointestinal tract. An external symptom is diarrhea. Diarrhea usually happens in the summer, after eating green grass. Diarrhea is often accompanied by constipation and bloating of the stomach. Young animals lose their appetite, they fall off their bodies, there is a lag in growth. Wool becomes dull, disheveled, belly grows in volume and droops.
In the absence of proper treatment, the animals look haggard and die 10-15 days later. In some individuals, the nervous system is disturbed: the animal suddenly falls, there are staggering movements or convulsions of the extremities. With less acute coccidiosis, these symptoms appear weaker, some of the rabbits recover, becoming carriers of the infection.
Disease treatment
With all the dangers of coccidiosis, its proper treatment can give a positive result. Before treating coccidiosis in rabbits with drugs, all deficiencies are eliminated in terms of conditions and feeding patterns of mammals.
The use of iodine solutions
The use of iodide drugs brings great benefits in the treatment of coccidiosis. Iodine acts as a strong antioxidant. It slows down the development of infection, supports the thyroid gland. For a 0.01% solution, dilute iodine in 1 liter of water. The solution in the morning is poured into the trough of animals.
Important! Due to possible chemical reactions during the preparation of the iodine solution, it is prohibited to use any metal containers.
Sulfa drugs
Sulfanilamides - antimicrobial drugs, quickly and completely absorbed in the small intestine. In the blood, medicinal substances combine with plasma proteins, and then produce an antimicrobial effect. On the first day, sulfa drugs are prescribed at 0.2 g per 1 kg of rabbit weight. The next four days, appoint 0.1 g per 1 kg of mass. After five days, the course of the drug is repeated.
Treatment by "Baykoksom", "Solikoksom", "Stop-Koktsidom" and "Brovitokoktsidom"
Baycox and Solicoks are drugs that have appeared on the market relatively recently. "Baycox " - the most effective anticoccidian remedy. The drug has high healing properties, often saves animals in a very serious condition. The drug is diluted with water in accordance with the instructions. Next you need to syringe a one-time rabbit about 10 ml of pure drug. In the advanced form of the disease "Baykoks" it is recommended not to breed. Using a syringe enter the animal 2 tablets, then otpaivayte through a drinking trough. Thanks to "Baykoks" seriously ill rabbits managed to save literally in one day.
The following drugs are also used in veterinary medicine: "Bipin", "Alben", "Trivit", "Tetramizol", "Enrofloks", "E-selenium", "Tetravit", "Fosprenil", "Enrofloxacin", "Nitoks-Forte" , "Baytril", "Biovit-80", "Amprolium", "Gammatonic" and "Enroksil".For the prevention or treatment of mild form of coccidiosis, the drug is suitable "Solikox". The cost of" Solikox "is almost four times lower than" Baykoksa. "
Other nitrofuran agents are used in the fight against ameriosis. Drugs like "Stop Coccid"and"Brovitokoktsid"are effective both in the treatment and in the prevention of coccidiosis. Use these preparations according to the instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
Did you know? Coccidia develop over time drug resistance. Drugs lose their effectiveness after a year of admission.
Prevention of coccidiosis in rabbits
Prevention of coccidiosis in rabbits is to comply with the following important rules:
- from the moment of birth, young animals should be kept in small groups in sheds with mesh floors;
- it is necessary to carry out everyday thorough cleaning of the sheds. Once every 7-10 days, disinfect (burn cells and other equipment with a fire from a blowtorch);
- feed the animals only high-quality food, avoiding excessive amounts of protein (no more than 10% per 1 portion of feed), swamp grass, wheat and alfalfa bran;
- in the spring and summer season, make a gradual transition from dry food to succulent feeds;
- do not allow the impact on the body of rabbits of such adverse factors as dampness, drafts, wetting;
- try to wash the drinker more often and do not forget to change the drinking water;
- New food in the diet of rabbits always enter gradually.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to dump hay, grass and root crops on the ground contaminated by rabbit feces. Install drinking bowls and feeders in such a way that rabbit feces do not penetrate them.
With the observance of these simple preventive measures, as well as with the timely treatment of rabbits, such an unpleasant illness as coccidiosis will not threaten your pets.
