+ Fecal test results

[arexnamedfern]

Hello! I finally found a vet somewhat local that would do a fecal test (yay!) We have a colony of rabbits, ranging from 3 months old to 7-8 years old.

We took a rabbit for a vet evaluation, there are zero symptoms or concerns with any of them.
The results returned positive for Eimeria, which, not being familiar with, I looked online and found is coccidia.
Some places indicated that many rabbits will test + for this and it isn't a big deal in a non-symptomatic rabbit. Other places seem to think that it is the end of the world. Still others thought it was easily treated but should definitely be treated.

The vet who examined our rabbits was of the mind to only treat if anyone becomes symptomatic. No rabbits are having trouble keeping weight on, no diarrhea or other abnormalities. I have had a few litters a year for the past 7-8 years and have never had symptomatic kits, the most recent litter is currently a happy pack of 3 month olds.

What is your experience, protocol or opinion? I am having a hard time settling it in my mind to not treat them, but if that is the way to go??? If I did treat them, what is the best treatment?

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

I'm not as familiar with coccidia in rabbits but it can be a big problem in sheep, especially lambs during weaning.

Coccidia exists around the animals because they carry and shed it as part of what's naturally in their system. The problem comes when one thing takes over the rest, upsetting the balance.

In lambs you have little growing bodies developing their immune system so it's easier to upset the balance. Plus they're young and nibbling everything. If there is alot of manure and dirty feeders, etc they can ingest lots of coccidia shed from the rest of the animals. If the area is kept up, however that be, deep bedding or regular clean outs or wire cages, then there is less coccidia in/on the environment for them to ingest.

If you wean the lambs this adds a stress event and can tip the scales and they'll start getting sick from it en masse. From the ones that were scooting by just above showing symptoms getting bumped down.