Why would a rabbit be lethargic?
Lowered energy and appetite: Rabbits show two significant signs of illness: decreased energy (or lethargy) and decreased appetite for both food and water. GI stasis might be a result of an inadequate appetite, like a lack of fiber, dental issues, or a secondary problem such as liver disease or cancer.
Why are some rabbits underweight and some overweight?
UNDERWEIGHT RABBITS. There are many reasons a rabbit may be underweight. Some rabbits suffer from malnourishment early in their life; parasites can result in weight loss. But the primary reasons are the ones discussed by Dr. Susan Brown: The most common reason for weight loss is decreased appetite and, thus, a reduced intake of calories.
What causes the loss of appetite in rabbits?
Loss of appetite in rabbits, or anorexia, is a common but serious symptom in rabbits. This condition is often brought on by pain or stress and can lead to ketosis and hepatic lipidosis. Symptoms of Loss of Appetite in Rabbits The symptoms your pet experiences will vary depending on the underlying causes.
How much fat does a domestic rabbit have?
However, the amount of fat in rabbit meat can be substantially different between domesticated and wild rabbits. In every 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of domesticated rabbit, you will find 5.6 grams of fat. Saturated fat makes up 1.7 of these grams.
What kind of disease can you get from a rabbit?
Courtesy of Dr. Tracy Bartick. Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a widespread protozoal (microsporidian) infection of rabbits and occasionally of mice, guinea pigs, rats, and dogs. Usually, no clinical signs are seen, but a few rabbits develop mild, chronic renal disease.
Can a rabbit lose 10 percent of its body weight?
Weight loss can occur in rabbits, but when they lose 10 percent or more of their normal body weight it becomes a major concern — no longer an issue of decrease in fluid weight. It is especially worrisome when the weight loss accompanies muscle atrophy (or the wasting away of muscle mass).
What causes weight loss and cachexia in rabbits?
There are many different causes for weight loss and cachexia in rabbits. For example, increased metabolism can lead the body to use lean muscle for energy in order to fill the need for increased calories to carry out daily functions. Other causes can include gastrointestinal hypomotility, abnormally slow movement in the gastrointestinal system.
Is it possible for a rabbit to get stasis?
It’s one of the most common maladies that affects rabbits. Symptoms vary, but rabbits who suffer from stasis usually are lethargic or are unable to get comfortable because of gas or cramping. Thankfully, it’s also one of the easiest conditions to treat if it’s caught early on, but it can be fatal if it isn’t treated quickly.
What causes loss of appetite and muscle wasting in rabbits?
Cachexia, with its wasting of muscles and body mass, and chronic loss of appetite, can have more severe underlying diseases that are causing it. These can include metabolic disorders like organ failure, or disorders that are associated with cancer.