Mucoid in Rabbits

[Widget]

I have a friend who breeds rabbits for meat. Last I knew she had about 100 rabbits or so. Unlike past years this year she has had a problem with mucoid wiping out her weanlings. Nothing she has tried has worked. The food she feeds is high in fiber, she tests the water once a year, the cage are kept clean and aren't overcrowded. The adult rabbits are happy and healthy. Yet the mucoid issue just won't go away. Even her vet is stumped. Anyone else been having similar problems this year?

 

[chinbunny]

We are all seeing this problem this year. its either some sort of weird virus, or feed problems. I have lost several rabbits to bloat this year,a nd am consulting MSU over the issue. Got to send two rabbits to them next week to be tested.

 

[CherokeeFlats]

What I do if I notice a rabbit getting bloated is provide them with an anti gas like infant gas drops. All you need is a couple drops and they are better. I have lost a couple to this mostly because they get a belly ache and roll around getting their gut all twisted up. Kinda like a horse and colic... Totally sucks BUT you can prevent it or at least help it. 1/4 table of TUMS berry flavored only will help too. Gas drops work great for the ER type situations. Since doing this, I havent' lost a rabbit from Bloat again. (knock on wood)

 

[Widget]

Thanks. I'll pass the info along. It is sad to see the little guys when they aren't feeling well.

 

[feedstorechick]

I wean my Netherland Dwarfs on 1/2 pellets. 1/2 regular (not quick) uncooked oatmeal and lots of good hay. They don't do well on weaning straight to pellets.

 

[gypsy2621]

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1803&aid=2846
please read this, this is whats taking out weanling kits. it is treatable with antibiotics. it is also rampant in parts of the US right now.
main carriers are mice, seen or not seen.

 

[Widget]

Tyzzer's was already ruled out in my friend's case. She sacrificed a a couple of her does and sent them away for testing. Both came back clean for everything that is normally tested for including Tyzzer's. And these were does who had litters die from mucoid-like symptoms.

 

[chinbunny]

tyzzers is a suspect in whats killing rabbits across the US. Ist also not treatable. I am snding two away monday to be tested for that, and whatever else it is causing it.

Windancer, the anti-gas doesn't help when you are dealing with some sort of bad bacteria, toxin, or a virus. You are gettng enteritis mixed up with GI stasis. Anti-gas does very little to help with enteritis.

 

[CherokeeFlats]

Quote:
For GI stasis we have used Panacure (sp) and it has saved some as well..... Good luck with anything you find out.. please let us know

 

[chinbunny]

Thanks. I didn't panacur treates muciod enteritis. Gis stasis is gas related. Not bacterial. Normally anti-biotics won't get it. Sithemethicone will cure the gas, but not ME.