Advances in Rabbit Medicine

In the UK a vaccine has been developed to prevent transmission of the Myxomatosis virus which causes a fatal disease in domesticated rabbits to which there is no cure.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (Rabbit Calicivirus) is an easily transmissible and rapidly fatal disease which affects domestic rabbits in countries around the world. Various vaccines are available to prevent this devastating disease.

Pasteurellosis is common in rabbits and can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from rhinitis (inflammation or irritation of the nose), pneumonia, ear infections, conjunctivitis, and abscesses. Antibiotics have been developed that help treat this infection, particularly the upper respiratory symptoms.

Coccidiosis, a protozoal parasite which affects both the liver and the intestine, is common in
rabbits and can be spread by animals without overt signs. Various medicated feeds have been
developed specifically for rabbits to help control the symptoms of this disease.

Ear mites in rabbits have the potential to not only cause severe irritation, but if left untreated can lead to permanent ear or even central nervous system damage. Treatments that are commonly used to treat mites in other companion animals also help eliminate infection in rabbits.