05/03/2026
10 of the most common rabbit diseases, with clear symptoms and practical treatments you can apply on your farm:
1. Snuffles (Respiratory Infection)
Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, wet front paws, breathing difficulty
Treatment:
Use antibiotics (e.g. oxytetracycline)
Isolate infected rabbits
Improve ventilation and reduce dust
2. Coccidiosis
Symptoms: Diarrhea, weight loss, pot belly (young rabbits), weakness
Treatment:
Give anticoccidial drugs (e.g. Amprolium)
Keep cages dry and clean
Avoid wet/dirty feed
3. Mange (Skin Disease)
Symptoms: Hair loss, thick skin, itching, wounds
Treatment:
Ivermectin injection (very effective)
Disinfect cage and environment
4. Ear Mites (Ear Canker)
Symptoms: Scratching ears, brown crust inside ears, head shaking
Treatment:
Ivermectin
Apply oil to soften and clean ear crust
5. Diarrhea (Enteritis)
Symptoms: Watery stool, dirty tail, weakness, dehydration
Treatment:
Give electrolytes
Use antibiotics if infection is suspected
Stop sugary or watery feeds
6. Bloat (Gas Build-up)
Symptoms: Swollen stomach, refusal to eat, sudden death
Treatment:
Give vegetable oil or simethicone
Massage abdomen gently
Prevent with proper feeding (hay is very important)
7. Worm Infestation
Symptoms: Poor growth, weight loss, rough fur
Treatment:
Deworm with Albendazole or Ivermectin
Maintain strict hygiene
8. Heat Stress
Symptoms: Panting, weakness, stretching out, sudden death
Treatment:
Provide cool water
Improve airflow
Wet ears with water during hot periods
9. Sore Hocks (Leg Wounds)
Symptoms: Wounds under hind legs, difficulty moving
Treatment:
Provide soft flooring (not just wire mesh)
Clean and apply antiseptic
10. Conjunctivitis (Eye Infection)
Symptoms: Red eyes, discharge, swollen eyelids
Treatment:
Use antibiotic eye drops
Clean eyes with clean water or saline
Simple Rule That Saves Rabbits
Most diseases come from just 3 mistakes:
Dirty environment
Poor feeding
Poor ventilation
Fix these, and you reduce your losses drastically.
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