Breeding Rabbit Care
November, 1997
The topic of this month’s article was prompted by
questions regarding breeding of rabbits. I’ll address those
questions after a brief discussion of some of the most common
medical problems that are encountered by those who raise domestic
rabbits.
Diarrhea can occur, due to various causes. A higher fiber diet
can help treat and prevent diarrhea. When it’s due to a
parasite such as coccidia, treatment is often rewarding. However,
some causes of diarrhea, such as a disease called mucoid
enteritis, are more difficult to turn around. Endotoxemia can
lead to rapid death.
Hairballs in the stomach are not uncommon. Rabbits are unable to
vomit, and so they can’t solve this problem as readily as
cats. ALthough this condition can be treated medically, including
pineapple juice to help dissolve the hair, many times surgical
removal becomes necessary.
Poor alignment of incisor teeth can lead to overgrowth of these
teeth, damage to the lips and excessive drooling. Poor appetite
is another sign of this problem. Because the teeth are
continuously erupting as in horses, periodic clipping of the
incisors may be required for life.
Skin diseases are frequently caused by fur mites (Cheyletiella),
mange mites, ear mites or ringworm. These usually respond to
medications used to treat these same conditions in dogs and cats.
“Sore hocks” can occur on the backs of the hind paws,
especially in Rex rabbits and other breeds with little fur in
that area. Irritation from cage floors can lead to infection
(usually staph. bacteria) that becomes a lifelong recurring
problem.
“Wry neck” or head tilt is caused by infection in the
internal ear or the brain and may be very sever. In standard-size
domestic breeds, the infectious agent is usually the bacteria
Pasteurella Multocida. In dwarf breeds, it is a protozoan
parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi.
Pasteurella infection more commonly leads to respiratory
infection, either of the upper respiratory tract or, less
commonly of the lungs, causing pneumonia. Most domestic rabbits
are carriers of this bacteria. Even when signs occur and respond
to antibiotics, it can be difficult or impossible to eliminate
the organism completely.
Nearly all of these diseases are seen in both domestic and wild
rabbits, because of their many similarities. They are both
Lagomorphs, a clssification that also includes hares. However,
all domestic rabbits (over 50 breeds and varieties) belong to one
species (Orytolagus Cuniculus) and wild rabbits belong to a
number of other species (Sylvilagus spp.). This makes
interbreeding impossible. One breed of domestic rabbit, the San
Juan, has been used to train hunting dogs due to its similarities
to the Cottontail. However, the San Nuan is a member of the
species Oryctolagus Cuniculus and therefore may be crossed with
other breeds of domestic rabbits but not with wild rabbits. What
makes interspecies breeding an impossibility is not a mechanical
problem or incompatibility between the individuals, but rather a
difference in their chromosomes. No matter how the sperm and egg
are brought together, a fusion of their nuclei must occur in
order for an embryo to form. Members of different species have
differences in their chromosomes that make this fusion
impossible. Therefore San Juan-Cottontail crosses do not exist.