Nematode Infestation – Rabbit

Introduction

Nematode infestations are extremely uncommon in pet rabbits.

The stomach worm, Graphidium strigosum, may cause ulceration and gastric perforation in wild rabbits and in pets, but are extremely rare in my experience.

Clinical signs

They include loss of weight and even death (Okerman 1988). The worms are red and measure 1-2 cm and are found on the mucosa of the stomach (Okerman 1994).

The intestinal worm, Trichstrongylus retortaeformis, which may cause irritation of the small intestine arises when greens or grass are fed. Okerman records this as occurring very rarely in animals kept on wire mesh (1988).

The caecal worm, Passalurus ambiguus, is quite common and is apparently harmless, but can give rise to anal irritation (even to the extent of rectal prolapse) and lack of thrift. It is usually diagnosed coincidentally on examination of faeces for other purposes. However Gentz et al (1995) state that clinical signs of passaluriasis include decreased weight gain, diminished activity, constipation, impaction or intussusception. They also state that the use of a sellotape strip to attempt to harvest eggs from around the anus (as described in oder references) is counter-productive as the rabbit pinworm does not deposit eggs around the anus.

Treatment

Treatment for all nematodes in pet rabbits includes the oral use of piperazine adipate (daily for two days), fenbendazole (once only Panacur®; Intervet). Hillyer (1994) quotes Patton and states that ivermectin is ineffective against passaluriasis

References

• Gentz, E. J. et al. (1995) Dealing with gastrointestinal, genitourinary and musculoskeletal problems in rabbits: Veterinary Medicine 90 (4) 365-372
• Hillyer, E. V. (1994) Pet Rabbits. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 24 (1) 25-65
• Okerman, L. (1988) Diseases of Domestic Rabbits. Blackwell Scientific Publications ISBN 0-632-02254-X