Enterotoxaemia Treatment - Rabbit

Synopsis of treatment for enterotoxaemia and bacterial enteritis

Warmth up to 27°C
Fluid therapy
- Hartmann’s is probably better than dextrose-containing fluids (Clostridial toxins “feed” on monosaccharides)
- intravenous or intraosseous.
- maintenance = 100ml/kg/day
Analgesia
- buprenorphine
- butorphanol
- carprofen
Cholestyramine resin (Questran, Bristol-Myers Pharmaceuticals) - rabbit must be well-hydrated because the same chain of events occur when ispaghula husk (psyllium) is given to rabbits (see anatomy and physiology of the digestive tract).
Antibiotics are indicated if it is a true bacterial enteritis but should be avoided if Salmonbella sp. is isolated.
Probiotics. Lactobacillus spp are claimed to attach to mucosa and compete with pathogenic bacteria.
Transfaunation
- Caecotrophs collected from a healthy rabbit
- Elizabethan collars
- Fed whole to maintain the protective mucus coating
Rabbits with diarrhoea should never be starved
- Ad lib hay and leafy greens. Dandelions, parsley, freshly pulled (not cut) grass and groundsel
- Assisted feeding – commercial high fibre products for herbivores are available (eg). Most rabbits will accept food orally may be necessary.
- Vitamin C may be of use in limiting the absorption of iota toxins and improving mucosal integrity
- Oxbow Critical care for herbivores,
- Supreme Recovery Diet via a syringe or nasogastric intubation

Bell, J. C., Palmer, S. R. and Payne, J. M. (1988). The Zoonoses. Edward Arnold, London. ISBN 0-7131-4561-7
Carman, R. J. (1994) Clostridial enteropathies of rabbits. Journal of Small Exotic Animal Medicine. 2 (4), 179-181
Okerman, L. (1994) Diseases of Domestic Rabbits. Blackwell Scientific Publications ISBN 0-632-03804 -7. 2nd Edition
Walden, N. B. (1990) Rabbits - A Compendium. The T.G. Hungerford Vade Mecum Series for Domestic Animals. Series C Number 13 Published by the University of Sydney Post Graduate Foundation In Veterinary Science March 1990 ISBN 0909973 80 6 ISN 0812 0048