Tapeworms in Bunnies

Rabbits have uniquely sensitive digestive systems and so are particularly defenseless against intestinal parasites. Bunnies with tapeworms need immediate attention and care. Pet owners should become familiar with the unique manifestations of tapeworm in bunnies, including the outward symptoms of infection. Prompt medical attention, preferably by a veterinarian that specializes in rabbit care, could ensure your bunny's full recovery.

  1. Infection

    • Tapeworms are not a common rabbit ailment, but they still pose a threat to their health. Bugs, dirt and feces can contain tapeworm larvae. Pet rabbits commonly come into contact with tapeworm eggs with exposure to dogs, which can carry eggs in their feces or fur. Other sources include the hay and special food pellets that indoor rabbits consume for digestive health.

    Symptoms

    • A unique characteristic of tapeworm infection in rabbits is the larvae's retarded growth cycle after ingestion. Tapeworm larvae in rabbits never grow into mature worms. Hatched tapeworm eggs form fluid-filled cysts containing an adolescent tapeworm head. While these cysts will never develop into adult tapeworms, as they would in dogs or humans, their presence can cause hepatitis, emaciation, and death. A rabbit sick with a tapeworm may stop eating, leading to extreme weight loss. Sick bunnies may also have diarrhea, sometimes containing blood or mucus. Your rabbit may seem fatigued and, in some cases, have a swollen or bloated abdominal area. Any one or combination of these symptoms warrants an immediate inquiry with a veterinarian.

    Treatment

    • Take the bunny to a veterinarian as soon as you suspect any illness. A veterinarian will most likely ask you to bring along a recent stool sample to test for the presence of parasites. Most veterinarians who market themselves as "exotic" animal veterinarians have advanced experience caring for rabbits. For the most accurate information on local veterinarians who specialize in rabbits, contact your closest local chapter of the House Rabbit Society. The HRS is an international rabbit rescue society that keeps a database of rabbit-friendly veterinarians. A veterinarian will most likely prescribe your rabbit a de-worming medication. These edible medications should eradicate any parasites. Preventative products are also available for owners who want to continuously treat their pet.

    Prevention

    • Keep rabbits and other pets separate, because rabbits may pick up their parasites. If you cannot isolate your rabbit from your other pets, make sure that your non-rabbit friends are up to date on their veterinarian visits, shots and preventative care to quash infection before it enters the house. Also, because hay can become contaminated with tapeworm eggs, you should throw out any hay that the rabbit was eating before the infection and replace with a fresh batch. If the rabbit eats store-bought pellets, her food may be contaminated, so make sure to replace it immediately.