Changes

It can be encountered in pet rabbits of all ages, especially if they have been receiving doses of antibiotics that include gram-positive organisms in their spectrum of activity <font color='green'>(Morisse 1978)</font color>. This can be a particular problem if animals from different sources are mixed together on acquisition, especially in conditions of indifferent hygiene. The quality of the diet (especially the protein/cellulose ratio) and of the drinking water is also of aetiological importance.  The levels of ''E. coli'' in the intestinal lumen of a rabbit rises directly in proportion to infestation with ''Eimeria'' species (coccidians).   

It can be encountered in pet rabbits of all ages, especially if they have been receiving doses of antibiotics that include gram-positive organisms in their spectrum of activity <font color='green'>(Morisse 1978)</font color>. This can be a particular problem if animals from different sources are mixed together on acquisition, especially in conditions of indifferent hygiene. The quality of the diet (especially the protein/cellulose ratio) and of the drinking water is also of aetiological importance.  The levels of ''E. coli'' in the intestinal lumen of a rabbit rises directly in proportion to infestation with ''Eimeria'' species (coccidians).   

===Clinical Signs===

==Clinical Signs==

*profuse diarrhoea

*profuse diarrhoea

*fur-chewing

*fur-chewing

*anorexia

*anorexia

===Treatment===

==Treatment==

Treatment is usually unrewarding.

Treatment is usually unrewarding.

*Oral administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics with known activity against gram-negative organisms, including ''E. coli''.

*Oral administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics with known activity against gram-negative organisms, including ''E. coli''.