Baby rabbit has a sore tummy!

Question
Hi
 Looking for a little advice I have 7 3 1/2 week old lop rabbits. When I went out to close them in tonight I notice one of the was covered on one side with rabbit droppings. I lifted it up and realized it was also covered in droppings underneath. I cleaned it up now I notice that round the rear end is messy what should I do. Before now they have all been in good health. They are obviously still with mum. The affected one is in good form and is eating and drinking.

Answer
Dear Clare,

This is a potentially life-threatening condition in a baby, and you need to get him to a good rabbit vet ASAP (in the next few hours!) for subcutaneous fluids, imodium, and other supportive care.  

In babies like this, I've found (via culture and sensitivity test) that such diarrhea is often caused by E. coli overgrowth from human handling, and this can be controlled with ciprofloxacin--but it has to happen soon if the baby is to be saved.  Dehydration can kill within hours.  Coccidiosis is another possibility, and this can be treated with toltrazuril or ponazuril, if the vet has it.  If not, then Albon or Trimethoprim sulfa may work, though not as quickly as the previous two drugs.

Find a good vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Please also read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

I hope the baby will be okay!

Dana