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7 Symptoms of Parasitic Infection in Rabbits
Some parasites cause significant sickness in rabbits. Knowing what to check for and how to protect them against such frequently encountered parasites is critical. Early diagnosis can prevent the remainder of your herd from being exposed to rare illnesses that aren’t curable. If your rabbit is showing the following symptoms, it might be suffering from a parasitic infection;
Rough Skin, Damaged Fur, and Dandruff
A mite infection can manifest in various ways, some more obvious than others depending on the kind of mite you’re dealing with. Symptoms include dandruff or dry skin patches, loss of hair, head shaking, and ear wax buildup that is more excessive than usual.
Diarrhea and Weight Loss
One of the rabbits’ most prevalent internal parasites is Coccidia, which can cause diarrhea and weight loss. This parasite can induce loss of appetite, diarrhea, liver failure, or even death in the most severe instances. The intestines are also infected, which is the reason for weight loss. Young bunnies might die from dehydration or a bacterial illness if not treated immediately.
Fever and Vomiting
For the most part, Cryptosporidium is usually a problem for most miniature rabbits. It has symptoms like stomach cramps, watery diarrhea, weight loss, fever, and vomiting. However, if you see it vomiting frequently, it’s a sign the rabbit has an infection and needs treatment.
Worms
Rabbits are susceptible to various worms, the most common of which are pinworms, but others include roundworms, whipworms, and stomach worms. Weight loss or inability to gain weight are possible symptoms.
Loss of Appetite
Rabbits that eat fresh grass can become infected with Obeliscoides cuniculi, a stomach worm, but your pet may not show any signs until severe infection. Contact a veterinarian immediately if your pet seems sluggish, loses interest in food, or loses weight. Always buy high-quality grass hay from a pet store rather than feed your rabbit grass from your garden, which may be contaminated with chemicals.
Ear Infections
Rabbits all across the world are infected with the ear mite Psoroptes cuniculi. An “ear canker” is caused by mites irritating the ear’s lining and causing serum and thick brown crusts to form. Rabbits scratch and shake their ears and head when they are infested. Secondary infections can cause weight loss, reproductive failure, and injury to the inner ear, leading to torticollis.
Fur Mites
Cheyletiella and Listrophorus are two of the world’s most prevalent species of fur mites. Unlike the sarcoptic mites that cause severe itching, these mites dwell on the skin’s surface and don’t cause as much discomfort. Unless the rabbit gets ill, an infestation of fur mites is typically unnoticeable. A weekly application of permethrin powder can control Cheyletiella mites.
Take your bunny to the vet as soon as possible for a checkup and a stool sample for parasite testing to ensure it’s healthy. Inspect your rabbit for parasites regularly with a flea comb. Remember to go to the vet immediately if you notice something unusual about your furry pet.
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