Rabbit husbandry linked to gut health

Question 1

What is the outcome of rabbits not eating caecotrophs?

Answer 1

Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals

Question 2

What factors can stop rabbits from eating their caecotrophs?

Answer 2

Obesity
Dental health
Joint pain
Restricted access (e.g., buster collars)

Question 3

How can caecotrophs and diarrhoea be differentiated

Answer 3

Ask owner when they are seen
e.g., all day or just night/morning

Question 4

What are the clinical signs of gut stasis in rabbits?

Answer 4

anorexia
inappetence
small dry faecal dropping or no droppings
reduced gut sounds
painful abdomen

Question 5

What is the treatment for gut stasis in rabbits?

Answer 5

drugs that increase gut motility
pain relief
syringe feeding - provide nutrients and rehydrate gut
may need fluids
treat underlying cause