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There are nine species of coccidiosis which affect rabbits, one effects the liver, and the rest affect the intestines. Other animals and poultry can also contract coccidiosis but they are affected by different species. It is old rabbits that are more likely to be resistant and it is youngsters that are most likely to be affected.

Many rabbit breeders feed pellets which have been medicated with anti-coccidiostat agents. These are called ACS pellets. They contain agents such as Clopidol, Robenidine or Salinomycin. These foods are now only obtainable from veterinary surgeons, as these medicated pelleted foods intended for rabbits are toxic if fed to guinea pigs, chinchillas and other small pets. They can no longer be bought from pet food shops. These medicated pellets are great for preventing Coccidiosis in rabbits. I would still advise to look out for anti-coccidiostat agents when buying a pellet mixes intended for use on other small pets, just to make sure that none have not slipped through the net and contain anti-coccidiostats. Sticking to reputable brands should keep your other small animals safe.

Hepatic (liver) coccidiosis in rabbits is caused by one species of Eimeria stiedae. E. stiedae causes bile ducts to thicken. The good news is that it is rarely fatal and treatable. The main symptom is growth retardation. In more advanced cases, the rabbit takes on a ‘pot bellied’ appearance which is caused by enlargement of the liver. This can be treated with Sulfaquinoxaline. It comes in a bottle and is administered by adding it to the drinking water.

Sulfaquinoxaline is an antiprotozoal agent and is used to combat coccidial infections of cattle, swine, fowl and other animals. It is also used in controlling fowl typhiod and cholera and is also used in the treatment of infectious enteritis.

The symptoms of intestinal Coccidiosis varies according to which of the eight eimeria species has caused the disease. Young rabbits are more severely affected. Of the eight species of Coccidiosis affecting the intestines, E. Coeciola (found in the ileum and ceacum) E. Irresidua and E. Perforans (both found in the small intestine) cause only slight growth retardation. E. Magna (affecting both the ileum and ceacum), causes retarded growth and diarrhoea. E. Media (found in the jejunum) causes slight diarrhoea or constipation. Rabbits which are affected by coccidiosis caused by the Eimeria species E. Flavescens (found in the ceacum and colon) and E. Intestinalis (found in the ceacum and ileum), will produce symptoms of weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite and diarrhoea. Both of these can be fatal. The rarer form of Eimeria, E. Piriformis should be treated with Sulfaquinoxaline.

Coccidiosis is spread by a rabbit eating the eggs (Oocysts) of the parasite which have been passed by an infected rabbit. The eggs can remaine alive for over a year and thrive in warm and humid conditions. The biggest cause is hay being contaminated by wild-life and the parasite surviving the harvesting, storing and packaging.

Adults rabbits can be passive carriers of Coccodiosis without necessarily showing any symptoms. It is for this reason that I would strongly suggest quaranteening all new rabbits before moving them to live with any other existing rabbits.

Practicing good hygeine and regularly disinfecting food bowls, living quarters, hay racks and toys, reduces the risk of spreading Coccidiosis. By and large, Coccidiosis is both treatable and preventable. If one suspects that their rabbit is infected with Coccidiosis, then the diagnosis should be made by a vet and treatment started promptly.

Victoria Carey GBAR RVECP Rodentologist

Author's Resource:

The product below has been used by myself in the treatment of Coccidiosis in rabbits and I found it to be very effective: www.hyperdrug.co.uk/images/DSCN2406.jpg

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