RHDV - Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease VirusĀ
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a type of calicivirus that is endemic in Australia. Initially this virus was foreign to Australia, however in 1991 was released into the Australian rabbit population as an attempt to control the wild āpestā rabbits from eating crops. Unfortunately virusās do not discriminate, and also affects our domesticated rabbit populations. There are two main strains of the virus, RHDV-1 and RHDV-2, and thankfully in Australia we now have vaccinations available to protect our pet rabbits.Ā
The virus is transmitted via direct contact with infected rabbits, contact with infected faeces or other bodily secretions, and also from vectors such as flies or insects that spread the virus. The virus is extremely stable, and able to remain active in the environment for months.Ā
Once a rabbit becomes infected, the virus causes inflammation of the liver leading to liver failure and bleeding disorders, often resulting in death. Lesions can also be found in other internal organs such as the lungs and heart.Ā
Rabbits who become infected unfortunately have a very high mortality rate, most passing away within 36hrs of infection. Some rabbits do not display any clinical signs prior to death, and are often found deceased with bloody discharge from their nose or genitourinary tract. Other rabbits may show signs such as being lethargic, depressed, not interested in eating, discharge from their eyes and nose, mental dullness, tremors or seizures, with incoordination or trouble breathing.Ā
Kits less than 8 weeks old tend to fight the virus very well and are not as severely affected as their adult counterparts. Most will develop a life long immunity to the strain of the virus they were infected with.Ā
Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is an extremely contagious virus affecting members of the lagomorph (rabbit family), endemic in several countries across the world. The Myxoma virus was released into Australia in 1950 in an attempt to control the wild pest rabbit populations, however unfortunately virusā do not discriminate and our domesticated pet rabbits are also at risk of contracting the virus. Due to various mutations of the virus over the years, our wild rabbit populations have acquired some degree of immunity due to frequent exposure that our pet rabbits have not, resulting in a >95% fatality rate in our pet rabbits.Ā
Myxomatosis is contagious and easily transmitted through direct contact with an infected rabbit, however can also be transmitted via contaminated objects such as food, bedding and water bottles to name a few. The Myxoma virus is also spread via biting insects, such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas and mites, and can quickly spread from one area to another. This means that our pet rabbits can still become infected even without contact with other rabbits.Ā
When rabbits become infected, some will display very obvious and severe signs of being unwell, whereas other rabbits may only show mild or no symptoms prior to death. Some of the symptoms of Myxomatosis include red and swollen eyelids, eyes, nose lips and face, discharge from eye eyes and nose, skin nodules, lumps or purple spots on the skin, lethargy, weight loss, fever or reduced appetite, and finally difficulty breathing, extension of the head and neck, coma and death.Ā
Unfortunately due to the extremely high fatality rate, treatment is solitarily successful and euthanasia is often recommended to prevent prolonged suffering. If treatment is pursued, it is very aggressive and intensive, often consisting of hospitalisation and supportive care including warmth, assisted feeding, IV fluid therapy, antibiotics for secondary infection, pain relief, and isolation from other rabbits.Ā
Unfortunately there is no vaccination available in Australia to prevent infection with Myxoma virus. The best way to protect our pet rabbits is to limit the exposure by quarantining any new rabbits added to the family, and isolating any sick rabbits to prevent spread. Rabbits often become infected by biting insects such as mosquitoes so keeping them inside will limit their exposure, using insect screens and avoiding outside time in the early morning or late evening when insects are most active.
GI Stasis and Hand Feeding
Stasis is a very common condition suffered by rabbits, and can be both a primary condition, or a secondary condition due to another underlying illness. Generally, rabbits are more susceptible to developing GI stasis when they stop eating completely, are not eating properly, or their diet is low in fibre ā resulting in a slowing or ceased motility of ingesta through the gastrointestinal tract.Ā
If you suspect your rabbit is suffering from GI stasis, veterinary care should be sought asap as it canĀ be a life threatening condition. In the meantime we recommend always having fresh food and water on offer, including lots of fresh leafy greens.Ā
Burgess Dual Care or Oxbow Critical Care are both great products high in fibre and nutrients, specially made to be mixed into a water slurry and syringe fed to your rabbit until it is eating normally on its own. It is important to follow the recommended mixing guide on the back of the packet, or follow the advice from your veterinarian, to ensure it is mixed to the correct concentration and fed to the correct quantity. The packet will have a recommended feeding guide, and small frequent meals will be best way to kick start your rabbits GIT again. If your rabbit is completely anorexic, your vet may advise to only feed about 1/3 of their recommended quantity per day and work up to their full caloric requirement over a few days.Ā
Although it is important to get nutrition into your rabbit and stimulate their digestive system, there are several risks associated with hand feeding, and the process should be done slowly and carefully. It is very important not to force feed too much or too quickly, as your rabbit may aspirate the liquid formula, resulting in life threatening pneumonia. If your rabbit is also getting stressed during the hand feeding process, it may be best to discuss placement of a nasogastric tube or oesophageal tube with your veterinarian, to assist with hand feeding and minimise stress, as stress may delay recovery. Depending on your rabbits underlying health condition, your vet may also prescribe some pain relief, as a painful rabbit will not eat.Ā
*We always recommend visiting your veterinarian if your rabbit is unwell, and this advice does not replace that of a veterinary consultation*
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