Coccidiosis in rabbits — caused by Eimeria species protozoa — is one of the most common and potentially severe parasitic diseases, especially in young rabbits under 4 months. Intestinal and hepatic (liver) forms exist, and the hepatic form can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Last reviewed: June 2026
What Is Rabbit Coccidiosis?
Coccidiosis in rabbits is caused by Eimeria species — single-celled protozoan parasites that infect either the intestinal epithelium or the bile ducts of the liver. Approximately 12–14 Eimeria species infect rabbits, and co-infection with multiple species is common. The most clinically important hepatic form is caused by E. stiedae, which invades biliary epithelium and can cause severe bile duct proliferation, jaundice, and liver failure. Intestinal coccidia (E. magna, E. media, and others) cause diarrhea and intestinal damage, primarily in young rabbits. As described in Quesenberry & Carpenter's Ferrets, Rabbits & Rodents, rabbits acquire coccidia through ingestion of sporulated oocysts from contaminated feces, food, bedding, or water. Young rabbits under 12 weeks are most severely affected; adult rabbits often carry low-level infections asymptomatically. AEMV Pet Care Guides, 2024 recommend periodic fecal flotation testing as part of routine exotic small mammal health care.
Signs of Coccidiosis in Rabbits
Intestinal coccidiosis:
- Diarrhea — soft, watery, or mucoid; may be blood-tinged in severe cases
- Diarrhea alternating with cecal dysbiosis (soft cecotropes not being consumed)
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Pot-bellied appearance in young rabbits
- Dehydration — skin tenting, sunken eyes
- Lethargy and huddling
Hepatic coccidiosis (E. stiedae):
- Jaundice — yellowing of ears, eyes, and mucous membranes
- Ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation)
- Progressive weight loss despite eating
- Enlarged liver palpable on examination
- Death in severe cases if untreated
Approximately 50–70% of young rabbits in group settings carry at least one intestinal Eimeria species, as documented in the Exotic Animal Formulary (Carpenter) — making it one of the most prevalent parasites in this species.
Diagnosis
Fecal flotation (standard zinc sulfate centrifugation or sugar solution) identifies oocysts. Quantification matters — high oocyst shedding correlates with clinical disease. Blood biochemistry (elevated liver enzymes in hepatic coccidiosis), urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound are added when hepatic involvement is suspected.
Treatment
Intestinal coccidiosis: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMS) at 30 mg/kg every 12 hours for 10–14 days is most commonly used. Ponazuril (20–30 mg/kg once daily for 5 days) is highly effective and increasingly preferred. Toltrazuril (25 mg/kg once daily for 2 days, repeated in 5 days) is another option. Supportive care — fluids for dehydration, syringe feeding if anorexic, probiotics — is critical in young rabbits.
Hepatic coccidiosis: same antiparasitic treatment plus hepatoprotective support (ursodiol, SAMe), longer treatment courses (14–21 days), and monitoring liver values during recovery.
Environmental Management
Infected feces must be removed daily — oocysts become infective (sporulate) within 1–5 days in warm, moist environments. Clean and disinfect cages weekly with 10% ammonia solution (effective against oocysts; bleach is not). Reduce stocking density and eliminate fecal contamination of food and water sources. New rabbits should be quarantined and fecal-tested before introduction.
Treatment Costs
Fecal flotation: $40–80. TMS or ponazuril course: $30–80. If hospitalization is needed for severe dehydration in young rabbits: $300–800/day. Hepatic coccidiosis with liver involvement may require $1,000–3,000 for diagnostics and extended treatment at an exotic vet (1.5–2× standard rates).
When to See a Vet
Call your vet today if:
- Your young rabbit has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- Rabbit's belly looks enlarged or swollen
- Any sign of yellow tinge to ears or eyes
Go to the ER immediately if:
- Young rabbit (under 12 weeks) is not moving or completely limp
- Diarrhea is bloody or black-colored
- Rabbit has not eaten for 12+ hours and is not producing any cecotropes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can coccidiosis in rabbits spread to other rabbits? Yes, very easily. Oocysts are shed in feces and any rabbit sharing the same environment — hutch, exercise area, or bedding — can ingest them. Separate and quarantine any rabbit with diarrhea immediately, and thoroughly disinfect the environment with ammonia-based cleaners.
Can humans get coccidiosis from rabbits? Rabbit Eimeria species are host-specific and do not infect humans. However, basic hygiene — washing hands after handling infected rabbits or cleaning enclosures — is always recommended.
How much does treating rabbit coccidiosis cost? For mild intestinal cases caught early, fecal testing plus a course of trimethoprim-sulfa or ponazuril typically costs $100–200. Severe dehydration requiring hospitalization in young rabbits adds $300–800. Hepatic coccidiosis with liver involvement may cost $1,000–3,000 total for workup, extended treatment, and monitoring.
Can adult rabbits get coccidiosis? Adult rabbits develop partial immunity after exposure and typically carry low-level infections without visible illness. They can still shed oocysts and infect young, immunologically naive rabbits in the same environment. Testing adults in multi-rabbit households is recommended when young rabbits develop coccidiosis.
How do I prevent coccidiosis in my rabbit? Daily removal of all feces from the enclosure before oocysts sporulate, weekly disinfection with 10% ammonia, preventing fecal contamination of food and water, keeping young rabbits separate from adults during their first 3–4 months, and quarantining new rabbits before introduction. Grass and soil can harbor oocysts — supervise outdoor play areas.
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