Use
of Probiotics in Rabbits
|
|
MediRabbit.com is
funded solely by the generosity of donors. Every
donation, no matter what the size, is appreciated and will aid in the
continuing research of medical care and health of rabbits. Thank you |
|
When
administering probiotics to a rabbit, it is important to consider whether the
probiotic bacteria are compatible with the rabbit's gastrointestinal
environment. Most
probiotic solutions contain: ·
Lactobacilli
·
Bifidobacteria,
·
Lactococcus
·
Pediococcus These
four bacteria are typically not present in the rabbit digestive system. In
the absence of these bacteria in a healthy GI tract, their efficacy after
administration may be questionable. This is because the environmental
conditions of the rabbit gastrointestinal tract may not be suitable for those
bacteria. Ref: There
are a few other points that require further consideration: 1.
It is imperative
to determine whether the bacteria can withstand the highly acidic environment
of the rabbit stomach? Ref: 2.
After the stomach is passed, the
question arises as to whether the bacterial population will survive the
anaerobic conditions of the cecum. Ref:
Jilge
B, Meyer H. Coprophagy-dependant changes of the anaerobic bacterial flora in
stomach and small intestine of the rabbit. Z Versuchstierkd.
1975;17(5-6):308-14. 3. A
study was conducted on probiotics for horses, examining various brands of
probiotics currently on the market. The authors demonstrated that the
bacteria did not reach the intestine, and that the tubes contained
significantly fewer bacteria than the label indicated: Ref: Weese
JS. Microbiologic evaluation of commercial probiotics. J Am Vet Med
Assoc. 2002; 220(6):794-7. "OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate contents of commercial probiotic products marketed for veterinary
or human administration. DESIGN: Microbiologic culture assay. SAMPLE
POPULATION: 8 veterinary probiotics and 5 human probiotics. PROCEDURE:
Quantitative bacteriologic culture was performed on all products, and
isolates were identified via biochemical characteristics. Comparison of
actual contents versus label claims was performed. RESULTS: Label
descriptions of organisms and concentrations accurately described the actual
contents of only 2 of 13 products. Five veterinary products did not
specifically list their contents. Most products contained low concentrations of
viable organisms. Five products did not contain 1 or more of the stated
organisms, and 3 products contained additional species. Some products
contained organisms with no reported probiotic effects; some of these
organisms could be pathogens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most
commercial veterinary probiotic preparations are not accurately represented
by label claims. Quality control appears to be poor for commercial veterinary
probiotics." 4.
One possible solution is to mix the
food with cecal matter from another healthy rabbit. Once more, in the event
of a rupture in the cecal membrane, there is a high probability that the
bacteria will perish during the obligatory passage through the stomach. It is
important to note that parasites or diseases may be transmitted from a
healthy rabbit to a sick one. 5. The probiotic product has been shown to have a positive
effect on the health of sick rabbits. It is safe and can be used routinely. Ref: The subject of administering
probiotics to rabbits is a contentious one, but given the absence of reported
harm and no known side effects, it is considered safe for rabbits with
gastrointestinal problems or undergoing oral antibiotic therapy. |
e-mail: info@medirabbit.com
