Weaning diarrhea in young rabbits
Esther van Praag,
Ph.D.
|
|
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 |
|
Some
stages in the life of a rabbit can be stressful. The resulting fear or
anxiety can adversely affect the rabbit's behavior, increasing its
vulnerability to diseases or infections of bacterial or parasitic origin. The
digestive tract is particularly affected, resulting in diarrhea and abdominal
pain. Weaning is
a delicate phase that determines the development of the digestive system in
young rabbits. The intestine and cecum are gradually invaded by a healthy
bacterial flora. In young, weak rabbits, it is often the pathogenic bacteria
that invade the digestive system rather than the healthy bacteria. The age of
weaning is also a critical factor to consider, as the natural process of
colonization by bacteria typically occurs within the first six to eight weeks. Important causes of stress Parturition. The typical duration is less than 15 minutes. This
event is accompanied by significant stress for the doe, particularly when
parturition is prolonged. Newborns who are too weak may face challenges in
reaching the warm nest prepared by the doe in time. This can potentially
result in insufficient consumption of colostrum milk.
Michel Gruaz Harlequin
doe licking her newborn after parturition Weaning. This is a
challenging step for the young rabbit. Physiological weaning commences at 4
weeks of age. Young rabbits typically consume less milk and show a greater
interest in solid food. Physical weaning typically occurs between six and
eight weeks of age, coinciding with a decline in doe milk production.
Physical weaning is initiated by the doe, as she is absent from her litter
for extended periods of time and feeds less milk to her offspring. The stress
caused by weaning, the new feeding rhythm, and the transition from doe's milk
to a solid food diet of plant origin are all reasons to destabilize the
digestive system and affect the growth of young rabbits. An imbalance of
intestinal and cecal bacterial flora (dysbiosis) is accompanied by a
depression of the immune system and a decrease of the resistance to
infectious or parasitic diseases. It is important to note that the risk of
weaning diarrhea increases rapidly if this is accompanied by the transport of
the young rabbits or a mix of different litters. If young rabbits must be
relocated, it is advisable to observe the behavior of the wild doe rabbit,
which leaves her young in the nest and moves to a new location within the
burrow. This approach ensures that the young rabbits remain in their familiar
environment while the doe is introduced to her new pen or hutch, or other
living environment. It is recommended that weaker kits remain with the mother
for an additional few days to ensure they can consume the remaining milk.
This also prevents the accumulation of milk in the doe's nipples, which can
lead to discomfort and/or mastitis.
Michel
Gruaz 21
days old rabbits are already interested in solid food Change
of food. A modification of the food has been shown to have an impact on both
young rabbits and adults. To mitigate stress during this transition, it is
advisable to gradually introduce the new food while continuing to offer the
old food. Ensuring the quality of the food is paramount in preventing
contamination by toxins produced by fungi. It is essential that the hay be of
the highest quality, and it must be provided at will. Transportation. Transporting
rabbits can be a stressful experience, especially during the weaning period.
Furthermore, a significant amount of stress is imposed on the rabbits when
members of different litters are mixed at weaning time.
Michel Gruaz Mixed
litter of young rabbits Development of the digestive system in young rabbits The digestive system of the rabbit is
unique in the animal world. The doe feeds her offspring once a day for 3 to 5
minutes. Her milk has a relatively high pH level (between 5.0 and 6.5) and
contains short and medium-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids have been
shown to possess antibacterial properties, particularly against Clostridium
perfringens and Escherichia coli. While this should contribute to
a healthy bacterial flora in the gut, this is not the case in rabbits. One of
the enzymes present in doe's milk has the capacity to bind with an enzyme
found in the stomachs of young rabbits. The result is a fatty acid (oily
milk) that prevents bacterial growth in the digestive system of young people
during the first 21 days of their life.
Debbie While
this 21 days old rabbit kit starts to nibble on hay, it continues to drink
the doe’s milk at the age of 4 weeks. From weeks
3 to 6, the young rabbit begins to consume solid food (pellets, hay, fresh
greenery) as well as the fecal and cecal droppings that the doe leaves around
the nest. However, the digestive system of the young rabbit is not yet fully
developed at this stage, which makes it difficult to transition from milk to
solid food. It has been demonstrated that the presence of this oily milk
prevents bacterial growth and colonization of the intestine and the cecum. As the
youngster reduces his milk consumption, the pH of the stomach will decrease
to a range of 1 to 2. During this phase, the bacteria can multiply and
colonize the digestive system. These are predominantly Bacteroides sp.,
Streptococcus fecalis, and other strict
anaerobic bacteria. The regeneration of these bacteria in these organs will
occur through coprophagy. A sensitive caecum Factors
such as stress, elevated acidity levels, diets with excessive protein or
insufficient fiber, or excessive solid food availability during the weaning
period play a significant role. At this age, the immune system of rabbits is
not yet fully developed. As a result, rabbits are unable to protect
themselves against pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium sp. or Escherichia
coli, as well as other types of internal parasites such as coccidiosis or
worms. It should also be noted that
antibiotic administration can result in fatal diarrhea in rabbits. The cecum
is an anaerobic and slightly acidic medium due to the fermentation process
that occurs there. The bacteria contained in this organ are very sensitive to
any change, including pH, osmotic concentration (osmolarity), starch
concentrations in the diet, and stress, e.g., due to illness or fear. This
primarily affects young rabbits between 4 and 12 weeks of age, but it also
affects elderly rabbits. Stress has been shown to cause an
increase in adrenaline (epinephrine) levels in the blood. Adrenaline exerts
its effects on the rabbit's alarm center and on adrenaline-sensitive
receptors located in the intestine. Consequently, the peristaltic movement is
affected, and sometimes it is even halted. The cecum remains partially or
completely empty, and the pH increases, modifying the conditions of
fermentation. The bacterium Bacteroides sp. exhibits signs of
deterioration in these living conditions, leading to the production of gas in
the cecum and intestine.
MediRabbit Barium
studies of affected rabbits show a completed impacted caecum (arrows) Young
rabbits and adult rabbits experiencing stress, or rabbits with health issues
often ignore their cecotrophes. The substandard
quality is often due to disturbances in the cecum, and the odor is frequently
described as abnormal due to the administration of antibiotics. In such a
case, probiotic supplements designed specifically for rabbits may be
prescribed. Weaning diarrhea Weaning
diarrhea is a major concern for rabbit breeders. This pathology of the
digestive system is widespread, with up to 40 to 100% of a litter potentially
affected and succumbing. The
transition to a vegetable-based diet is not straightforward and typically
occurs over time in young rabbits. It is essential for them to understand
that only solid food is available and to become accustomed to new tastes. The
appetite is often reduced, resulting in weight loss. At the level of the
intestine and the cecum, the bacterial flora must adapt and reorganize in order to digest food of vegetal origin. In certain
cases, bacterial reorganization can result in the uncontrolled growth of
harmful bacteria, such as streptococci, Clostridium perfringens, or Escherichia
coli. This growth can be accompanied by the production of bacterial
enterotoxins or other toxic molecules. The latter has been shown to affect
intestinal transit, bacterial flora, and food digestion and absorption.
Furthermore, toxins can also circulate in the bloodstream, reaching vital
organs and causing additional tissue damage. Stress has been shown to cause a
decrease in blood circulation to the digestive system. A lack of oxygen, also
known as ischemia, can result in local tissue damage.
Michel Gruaz Fully
liquid content in the digestive system of this 24 days old young rabbit It is not
uncommon for young rabbits to consume minimal to no food for the first 24
hours after weaning. There is a limited amount of information available
regarding the consequences of such fasting on health. Decreased appetite may
cause changes in the lining of the intestine. Studies have demonstrated that
young rabbits that have been fed a minimal amount of food for a week exhibit alterations in the structure of the
intestine. Specifically, the intestinal villi (folds of the mucosa and
underlying connective tissue) are shorter, and the intestinal crypts are
shallower. The surface area of the small intestine is smaller, which
decreases its absorption of nutrients from the diet. Rabbits exhibit slower
growth rates than those who eat normally. The
combination of a new food, decreased or stopped appetite, and stress can lead
to weaning diarrhea. During an
autopsy, the contents of the intestine and cecum are found to be liquid. Treatment It is
imperative to ensure that young rabbits are adequately hydrated, particularly
in cases of severe diarrhea. In such cases, the administration of a sterile
physiological solution with electrolytes is imperative. The solution should
be kept at a lukewarm temperature to avoid causing hypothermia. The
administration of physiological fluids must be accompanied by a food rich in
fiber and high-quality hay. Activated
charcoal is highly effective in cases of diarrhea. The powder's fine
consistency allows it to bind the toxins produced by the pathogenic bacteria.
This natural product should not be administered over an extended period, as
it has the capacity to bind nutrients, vitamins, and other essential
elements. Kaolin has a similar effect, absorbing bacteria, toxins, water, and
nutrients. Therefore, it is recommended that this product be administered to
young rabbits over a brief period only. Pectin,
which is present in apple peels, has been shown to be effective in the
treatment of diarrhea. Blueberry
or blackcurrant juice, or fresh blueberries, can help treat mild diarrhea and
offer a mild disinfecting action. Carob seed powder, pomegranate, and green
tea are all known for their high antioxidant properties (polyphenols), which
have been shown to support intestinal flora restoration and immune system
stimulation. Aromatic
herbs such as oregano (Origanum vulgare), marjoram (Origanum majorana), thyme, and lavender also have light
disinfecting properties, including against Escherichia coli. Finally,
it is crucial to maintain good hygiene, especially in cases of diarrhea of
bacterial origin. Plants or natural products have been
shown to be effective in preventing or stopping diarrhea. These products are
effective aids that act differently than veterinary drugs. Please note
that they do not substitute for a veterinary treatment when one is required.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express
my sincere gratitude to Michel Gruaz (Switzerland) for the enlightening
discussions on the subject of digestive issues and feeding young rabbits. Further information
Jones JR, Duff JP. Rabbit
epizootic enterocolitis. Vet Rec. 2001 Oct 27;149(17):532. Hoop RK, Ehrsam H, Keller B. 10
years of rabbit autopsy--a review of frequent disease and mortality causes.
Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 1993; 135(6-7):212-6. Tribe GW, Whitbread TJ, Watson
GL. Fatal enteritis in rabbits associated with a spirochaete. Vet Rec. 1989;
124(22):595. Licois D. Tyzzer's
disease. Ann Rech Vet. 1986; 17(4):363-86. Sinkovics G. Rabbit dysentery: 3.
Diagnostic differentiation. Vet Rec. 1978 Oct 7; 103(15):331-2. Patton NM, Holmes HT, Riggs RJ, Cheeke
PR. Enterotoxemia in rabbits.
Lab Anim Sci. 1978; 28(5):536-40. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
e-mail: info@medirabbit.com
