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Lung Worms?
Topic Started: Oct 18 2013, 12:52 PM (556 Views)
hayday
New to the Addiction
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Hello!
I have a rabbit who about every other breath she takes she opens up her mouth. It almost looks as if she is gagging, trying to get something up. She just started this yesterday afternoon. I am not sure what is going on and thought maybe lung worms? I have heard lung worms can be passed to rabbits by livestock and we do have livestock. She hasn't been eating her normal amount of feed the past couple of weeks and not drinking as much water and has lost some weight. However, she is still very active which is what I don't get. I was wondering what your guys thoughts were on this. Does it sound like it could be lung worms or could it be something else? And if you do think it is lungworms how do I go about treating them?

Also she is eight and a half and was the very first rabbit I ever got and is very special to me. Thank you!
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ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
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hayday
Oct 18 2013, 12:52 PM
Hello!
I have a rabbit who about every other breath she takes she opens up her mouth. It almost looks as if she is gagging, trying to get something up. She just started this yesterday afternoon. I am not sure what is going on and thought maybe lung worms? I have heard lung worms can be passed to rabbits by livestock and we do have livestock. She hasn't been eating her normal amount of feed the past couple of weeks and not drinking as much water and has lost some weight. However, she is still very active which is what I don't get. I was wondering what your guys thoughts were on this. Does it sound like it could be lung worms or could it be something else? And if you do think it is lungworms how do I go about treating them?

Also she is eight and a half and was the very first rabbit I ever got and is very special to me. Thank you!
Hi Hayday,

Welcome to Rabbit Addict. So sorry to hear your bunny is not feeling well. Not an expert or a Vet, just a bunny owner trying to help.

Did a search on lung worms. If you have sheep or goats, they can pass lung worms to rabbits.

Here's something I found.
http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org/S/00dis/Parasitic/Lungworm_inf_lagomorphs.htm

Also this could help as well. Shows all illnesses that could occur to rabbits. I didn't see any lung worm on this, but does talk about pin worms.
http://www.merckmanuals.com/pethealth/exotic_pets/rabbits/disorders_and_diseases_of_rabbits.html

Here's other illnesses that affect a rabbit's breathing.

Lung and Airway Disorders

Pasteurellosis, a bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, is common in domestic rabbits. It is highly contagious and is transmitted primarily by direct contact, although transmission by coughing or sneezing may also occur. In conventional colonies, 30 to 90% of apparently healthy rabbits may be carriers that show no signs of the disease. Signs of pasteurellosis include rhinitis (stuffy, runny nose), pneumonia (inflammation of one or both lungs), abscesses (pus-filled sores), reproductive tract infections, wry neck or head tilt (torticollis), and blood poisoning.

Rhinitis (snuffles or stuffy, runny nose) is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the air passages and lungs and can be short or long-lasting. Pasteurella bacteria are the usual culprits, but other bacteria may cause it as well. The initial sign is a thin, watery discharge from the nose and eyes. The discharge later becomes pus-filled. The fur on the inside of the front legs just above the paws may be matted and caked with dried discharge or this area may be clean with thinned fur as a result of pawing at the nose. Infected rabbits usually sneeze and cough. In general, rhinitis occurs when the resistance of the rabbit is low. Recovered rabbits are likely carriers.

Pneumonia is common in domestic rabbits. The cause is typically Pasteurella bacteria, but other bacteria may be involved. The infection causes inflammation of the lungs and of the membrane surrounding the lungs, accumulation of fluid in the lungs and chest, and ruptured blood vessels of the sac around the heart. Upper respiratory disease (rhinitis or snuffles, see above) often occurs before pneumonia. Inadequate ventilation, poor sanitation, and dirty nesting material are contributing causes. Affected rabbits lack appetite and energy, and may cough and have difficulty breathing or a fever. Rabbits usually die within 1 week after signs appear. Diagnosis depends on signs, physical changes, and laboratory test results. Antibiotic treatment often fails because the pneumonia is advanced before it is detected.

Hoping some of this information can help you pinpoint what's wrong with your special girl.


But my advise will always be to contact a Rabbit Savy Vet. I know some breeders take care of their own, and with that many rabbits, the expense of a Vet can be high so they know more than the average pet owner. Maybe talk to a breeder with lots of experience with rabbit illness.

Sorry again to hear your special girl is under the weather. Please give us an update on what you find and how your special girl is doing.
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ZRabbits
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If you have a problem with intestinal worms in your livestock or rabbits, have you ever heard of Diatomaceous Earth? I have to say I have used this product, used it to cover my whole front and back yard, have dusted my rabbits and dog, and "knock on wood" has worked very well. Had a few ticks show up on my rabbits but they were barely alive and just hanging on to fur.

Just thought I would put that out there for you.

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/diatomaceous_earth.html
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NeuBunny
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We keep sheep and goats in the other half of our barn, and haven't ever had a problem with lungworm. I don't get the impression that it is very common in rabbits. Unless you've had problems in your sheep or goats, it wouldn't be my first suspicion. DE won't help with treating lungworms internally (they are deep in the lungs and the DE only works in the intestines). Using it in the environment (floors, around feed bins, any areas that get damp, etc) will help to kill larvae of just about any parasite and minimize the possibility of anything 'migrating' between herds.

If you don't see discharge or sticky fur, I also wouldn't jump right to suspecting Pastuerella. Yes, it is a major killer of rabbits, and one we all dread. But sticky snot is usually the first symptom. Pastuerella affects the upper respiratory system, and your rabbit's symptoms do sound more like a lower respiratory (trachea/lungs). Still, I would quarantine your bunny from others just in case.

Given your girl's age and the symptoms - especially the gradual loss of appetite, the first thing that comes to my mind is a tumor or cancer. If it is a fatty tumor pressing on the lungs or trachea, a vet may be able to remove it surgically. If it is cancer in the lungs, I don't think there is much that can be done. In either case, this is one only a vet (preferably one who really knows rabbits) is going to be able to treat.


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sidd-says-gimme
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I haven't heard of it in rabbits but looks like Z covered anything I possibly could. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
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ZRabbits
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Here's some info on Tumors and Lung Cancer in Rabbits.

http://www.petmd.com/rabbit/conditions/cancer/c_rb_thymoma_lymphoma

Here's the symptoms:

Symptoms and Types



The signs and symptoms of thymoma and thymic lymphoma include the following features:



Bulging of the eyes, usually resulting from the pressure of an underlying tumor within or near the skull; this condition is sometimes called “cranial caval syndrome” in rabbits and other animals
Swelling around the upper torso, but especially in the head, neck and forelimbs (formally called cranial caval syndrome)
Rapid breathing
Shortness of breath
Muscle weakness, including around the esophagus, which may make eating and related activities difficult to perform


Here's another article on cancer in rabbits
http://www.examiner.com/article/cancer-rabbits


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ZRabbits
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How's your rabbit doing? Did you figure out what was wrong with her? Hope all is well.
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