_Causes._ In rabbits the coccidium perforans is the psorosperm which
usually attacks the bowels. The coccidium oviforme which produces
hepatic coccidiosis is also occasionally found in the intestines. The
perforans is smaller than in cattle being 15 to 25 μ long, by 12 to 15 μ
broad, approximating to the variety found in man.
_Lesions._ There is extensive congestion of the intestinal mucosa, with
thickening and softening of the epithelium so that it breaks down into a
pulp under pressure, also free desquamation with the formation of
abrasions, sloughs and ulcers. In some instances extensive croupous
casts of the intestine are found. As in the other animals the coccidium
is found abundantly in the epithelial cells of the affected parts which
swell up and degenerate. When the parasite has escaped from the cells it
lives free in the abundant mucopurulent and sanguineous secretions of
the bowels.
_Symptoms._ There are loss of appetite, swelling of the abdomen, profuse
diarrhœa, the fæces yellowish in color and containing mucopurulent
matters and blood. The disease may prove fatal in a few days without
much loss of flesh, but if protracted it leads to extreme anæmia,
emaciation and debility and the animal dies in marasmus.
_Diagnosis_ is always to be certified by the profusion of coccidia found
in the fresh liquid discharges.
_Prevention_ must be secured if possible by the removal of the healthy
rabbits from the infected and from the hutch or warren in which the
latter have been. The greatest care must be taken to prevent them from
obtaining access to the droppings of the sick, or to streams, ponds or
wells, into which the drainage from such manure can have found its way.
The safest course is to destroy the sick and burn up them and all their
droppings, as the latter ground into powder can blow on the wind.
_Therapeutic treatment_ has proved unsatisfactory but may be attempted
along the same lines as for the larger animals.