# Coccidiosis in Rabbits UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-coccidiosis-uk): Coccidiosis in Rabbits UK — Quick answer. Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection affecting UK rabbits' intestines or liver. Young rabbits are most vulnerable. Signs include diarrhoea, weight loss and poor growth. Good hygiene, clean housing and vet-prescribed treatment prevent serious illness and death.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-coccidiosis-uk): Coccidiosis in Rabbits UK — Two forms of rabbit coccidiosis. | Form | Organ affected | Main signs | |------|----------------|------------| | Intestinal | Small intestine | Watery or mucoid diarrhoea, dehydration, weight loss | | Hepatic (liver) | Liver | Poor growth, enlarged abdomen, jaundice, sudden death in kits | Both forms are caused by different Eimeria species. A rabbit vet can identify the form through faecal testing and clinical signs.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-coccidiosis-uk): Coccidiosis in Rabbits UK — Signs to watch for. - Diarrhoea — watery, mucoid or bloody - Weight loss despite eating - Poor growth in young rabbits - Lethargy and reduced appetite - Dehydration — sunken eyes, dry gums - Bloated abdomen (hepatic form) - Jaundice — yellow gums (hepatic form) Diarrhoea in rabbits is always concerning — it can rapidly lead to gut stasis, a separate emergency. Contact your vet promptly for any digestive upset.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-coccidiosis-uk): Coccidiosis in Rabbits UK — How coccidiosis spreads. Eimeria oocysts are shed in faeces and survive in bedding, hutches and soil for extended periods. Rabbits ingest oocysts through: - Contaminated hay or feed - Dirty water bowls - Grooming fur with attached faecal matter - Contact with infected rabbits' droppings Overcrowded hutches, poor drainage and failure to clean housing accelerate spread.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-coccidiosis-uk): Coccidiosis in Rabbits UK — Diagnosis and treatment. Your rabbit-savvy vet will: - Examine faecal samples for oocysts - Assess hydration and body condition - Check for concurrent gut stasis or other disease Treatment typically includes: - Anticoccidial medication — toltrazuril or ponazuril (vet-prescribed) - Fluid therapy — subcutaneous or intravenous for dehydrated rabbits - Gut support — probiotics and fibre as advised - Environmental decontamination — thorough hutch cleaning Never use anticoccidial drugs intended for poultry or other species without veterinary guidance — dosing errors are dangerous.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-coccidiosis-uk): Coccidiosis in Rabbits UK — Prevention in UK rabbit housing. - Clean hutches regularly — remove droppings daily; full clean weekly - Avoid overcrowding — provide adequate space per RWAF guidelines - Elevated hay racks — keep feed above droppings - Fresh water daily — clean bowls and bottles regularly - Quarantine new rabbits — two weeks before introducing to existing groups - Reduce stress — secure housing, companionship, predator-proof enclosures

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/rabbit-coccidiosis-uk