In addition to woolblock, there are various medical conditions which can affect the angora rabbit and virtually any rabbit breed. If in doubt as to the nature of your rabbit's condition seek out a good vet with experience in treating exotics. In the meantime, here are several common ailments and suggestions about what can be done to alleviate them.

1) FUR MITES--These tend to proliferate under warm, humid conditions (in summer), or after shows where infected rabbits have come into contact with one another. They are evidenced by white "flakes" in the wool that resemble dandruff, and are seen as oily, sticky matts on the rabbit in more advanced cases. Bald spots and crusty skin may result if the condition is not dealt with early enough, rendering a coat useless for showing or fiber purposes.

The most effective treatment for ear and fur mites in angora rabbits is a product called Ivomec, developed for use on livestock but not yet approved for use on rabbits. To dose a rabbit with mites using this treatment, weigh the animal and multiply it's weight x 0.18 to arrive at a proper dosage. Using a 1.00cc syringe, draw up the measured amount of Ivomec liquid, remove the needle from the end and squeeze the dose into the rabbit orally. Repeat the dosage 2 weeks later if the case is acute. If you are administering Ivomec preventatively, dose your herd every 4-6 weeks for protection at shows and during the summer months. Make a point of disinfecting cages, feed dishes and grooming tools periodically also, to keep mites under control in the rabbitry.

2) COCCIDIOSIS--Coccidiosis is a parasite affecting mostly very young and very old rabbits. It occurs through contact of the rabbit with its own feces when the oocysts have had 24 hours or more to sporulate. Prevention involves frequent cleaning of cages to minimize contact of animals with infected droppings and occasional dosage with a drug such as Corid, a powdered sulfa formulation administered through the drinking water 3-4 times a year.

Symptoms of Coccidiosis include sudden severe weight loss despite continued good appetite, diarrhea, pot belly, and poor coat and body condition. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, which is why it is important to treat your herd preventatively several times a year.

3) SNUFFLES (PASTEURELLA)--Snuffles is perhaps the most feared rabbit disease among breeders and pet owners alike. There is no known cure or vaccine, and the only permanent solution for this condition is to have the infected rabbit humanely put down. Snuffles may be treated with antibiotics, but the treatment will only mask the symptoms without actually curing the disease. At the first signs of stress (reproductive or environmental) the symptoms resurface, often developing into pneumonia or other secondary infections while the rest of the herd is continually exposed to the bacteria.

Symptoms of pasteurella include sneezing with a COLORED discharge (white, green or yellow), labored breathing, rattling in the chest, runny eyes, and a generally sick demeanor. If you suspect your angora of having developed this condition remove it from the rabbitry immediately and disinfect ALL cages, feed dishes, and any surface the infected animal has come into contact with. Change your clothing and wash hands thoroughly, monitoring the condition of your herd for several weeks and months thereafter to note the presence of pasteurella symptoms elsewhere. If you should begin to note symptoms in other rabbits, repeat the above mentioned procedure. The best defense against snuffles is a clean environment, good ventilation, and a healthy immune system. Clean and disinfect the rabbitry often, and select for stock that is hardy and strong to keep this bacterium down to a minimum.
 

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