Coccidiosis of the rabbit
The coccidiosis the rabbit is a common parasitic disease of rabbits . It is caused by certain protozoa , the so-called coccidia , which belong to the genus Eimeria . The coccidiosis of rabbits can be divided into two main groups: liver coccidiosis (also biliary coccidiosis ) and intestinal coccidiosis . Rabbit coccidiosis is an acute disease that occurs primarily in young animals between 6 and 8 weeks of age; the old animals are mostly just carriers of the pathogen without becoming clinically ill themselves.
Pathogen
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The causative agent of liver coccidiosis is Eimeria stiedai . It affects the epithelium of the bile ducts .
Intestinal coccidiosis are caused by different types of coccidia, which often occur as a mixed infection. According to the degree of pathogenicity (disease-causing potency), a distinction is made between strongly pathogenic agents such as Eimeria intestinalis and Eimeria flavescens and moderately pathogenic agents such as Eimeria magna , Eimeria media , Eimeria piriformis and Eimeria irresudia .
The infection occurs by ingestion of encysted sporulated zygotes ( oocysts ) via kotverschmutztes feed.
Clinical picture
Liver coccidiosis
Liver or bile duct coccidiosis is mostly subclinical, i.e. without any clear clinical symptoms . The animals show little weight gain and lack of appetite. In more severe cases, especially in animals with a weakened immune system , constipation and inflation ( meteorism ), peritoneal dropsy ( ascites ) and jaundice ( jaundice ) can occur, which are fatal after a few days.
Laboratory diagnostics show an increase in the bilirubin concentration in the blood and changes in liver values.
Intestinal coccidiosis
In severe cases, intestinal coccidiosis can cause watery or even bloody diarrhea , which is quickly fatal due to the loss of fluid. In older animals or slightly pathogenic Eimeria species, the infection is less pronounced and can manifest itself in loss of appetite and weakness.
diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by microscopic evidence of coccidia in the feces.
therapy
The treatment takes place with coccidial drugs such as sulfonamides or sulfonamide- trimethoprim combinations, although there are already numerous resistant coccidial strains. In addition, Toltrazuril and Diclazuril effective. If necessary, the loss of fluid is compensated for by the administration of electrolyte solutions ( isotonic saline solution , Ringer's solution ) and agents to stabilize the intestinal flora are administered. Broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g. enrofloxacin ) are indicated for the bacterial accompanying infections (especially E. coli ) that are not uncommon .
prophylaxis
Hygiene and disinfection measures can be used preventively. Already boiling water is sufficient to inactivate the oocysts. Daily cleaning of the feed racks and cages is particularly appropriate in commercial holdings. Effective disinfectants are z. B. Cresols .
literature
- H. Schall: Rabbits. In: K. Gabrisch, P. Zwart: Diseases of pets. 6th edition. Schlütersche, Hannover 2005, ISBN 3-89993-010-X .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ 1st addendum to the 12th disinfectant list . Website of the German Veterinary Medical Society eV (DVG). Retrieved April 20, 2013.