Enteritis

Enteritis is defined as inflammation of the small intestines, which can be commonly encountered with pet rabbits.

Any rabbit can be affected by enteritis, but it is more commonly seen in young rabbits from 10-16 weeks of age. These rabbits are often under increased psychological and physiological stress, having undergone weaning, changes of environment which may be more than one, and potentially alteration to the diet.

Older rabbits may also suffer from enteritis, and any breed, crossbreed, male, female or entire or neutered rabbits can also be affected.

Enteritis is a general term, used to describe inflammation in the intestines. Stress is a big cause, as is an incorrect diet that is low in fibre, high in carbohydrates and sugars. Rabbits that are fed a diet low in fibre, lacking hay and grass which is imperative to encourage peristaltic movement of the gastrointestinal tract are far more likely to suffer from enteritis.

Mucoid enteritis is a type of often fatal enteritis, which is commonly seen in young rabbits at the weaning age. This type of enteritis is associated with the secretion and subsequent accumulation of mucus inside intestines, resulting in the production of mucus diarrhea.

Enteritis is often signified by the production of droppings which cannot be identified as either the ‘hard’ fecal droppings or the soft, cecotroph droppings (these look like brown raspberries, and the rabbit will normally eat them as soon as they are passed).

The rabbit may be slightly ‘off-color’ and may eat less or stop eating altogether, especially if the condition is not identified and treated in the early stages.

In advanced cases or those caused by a bacterial overgrowth resulting in enterotoxemia, the clinical signs are likely to be much severe, with the rabbit being anorexic, lethargic and they may produce liquid diarrhea. Bloating of the abdomen, where toxins have built up in the GI tract can also occur, which is extremely painful for the rabbit.

You should always take your rabbit to see your veterinarian, even if they appear well and just have soft/unidentifiable droppings.

If your rabbit is clinically well your veterinarian may suggest increasing the amount of fibre in your rabbit’s diet, by increasing the amount of hay and grass they eat and looking at the diet and environment in general to see if other changes need to be made, such as reducing the amount of pellets and treats that are fed and seeing where stress can be reduced. In mild cases, caught early and where bacterial overgrowth is not a concern, this is likely to be sufficient.

If your rabbit is clinically ill, passing liquid diarrhea, and not eating, it will need to be admitted for intensive care, and treatment. Treatment will typically include, fluid therapy administered through an intravenous cannula. Pain relief is important and different types of pain relief may need to be given to achieve an adequate effect. Keeping the rabbit warm and clean, as well as giving them nutritional support with a diet high in fibre will usually be required. Appropriate antibiotics and prokinetic medications are likely to be used. A fecal sample may also be taken to assess the level of bacteria and to look for parasites that might be contributing to the rabbit’s poor health. Treatment may need to be continued for many days or even weeks.

Simple enteritis, whereby improving the fibre content in the diet and decreasing stress is highly likely to be highly successful. When there is an underlying bacterial or viral cause, or the disease has progressed into enterotoxemia, this can lead to further complications from toxins building up in the gastrointestinal tract. This is a very serious condition, and the rabbit may not survive, even with aggressive therapy.

Enteritis can often be prevented with a good diet. Keeping your rabbits on at least 85% hay and grass, 10% fresh greens and herbs, and 5% good quality pellets, is ideal. Avoid making any sudden dietary changes. Keep stress to a minimum in the normal living environment. This is especially important with young and newly acquired rabbits who may be more susceptible.