Rabbits are prone to diseases, especially infectious ones. Diseases can destroy entire livestock, which is dangerous for households and large farms. Therefore, animals must be given specialized medications and vaccines, and iodine solution for rabbits is also used as a prophylactic agent. This helps prevent mass pestilence in the rabbitry.
What is iodine for?
When applied externally, iodine is a common topical antiseptic.It disinfects small wounds and cuts, killing pathogens. When taken orally, this substance is toxic in high concentrations, but in rabbit breeding it is used to prevent a dangerous disease that affects young animals - coccidiosis.
All rabbits suffer, but adult animals are carriers and rarely become ill themselves. But a female rabbit can transmit microorganisms to her babies through milk or through direct contact while caring for the offspring, so iodine is given to both the female and the babies.
This substance not only kills coccidiosis pathogens, but also stimulates the immune system. It affects the thyroid gland, which affects metabolism, strengthening the body's defenses. Rabbits can resist illness more successfully and recover faster.
How to prepare iodine solution
When interacting with metal, iodine loses its healing properties, so it must be diluted in glass or plastic containers. Stirring with metal spoons is also prohibited.
Two working proportions are used: 0.01% and 0.02%. To obtain a weaker version, add 2 milliliters of a 5% solution or 1 milliliter of a 10% solution to water (100 milliliters). The liquid is stirred or shaken.
If there are few rabbits and they cannot drink the medicine at one time, it can be kept in a sealed container for 1-2 days, but it is better to dilute it at one time. The stored drug should be shaken before drinking.
Ready-made solutions with iodine
For preventive measures and treatment of diseases, it is convenient to use affordable products containing iodine. With them it is easier to make correct calculations and there is no danger of making a mistake with the dosage.
"Poviodon"
This medicine was created in Belarus for rinsing the mouth and throat. But the iodine content in it allows it to be used for prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in rabbits. For this purpose, dissolve the product in water in a ratio of 1:10. Per kilogram of animal weight you need to take 0.2-0.2 milliliters of the substance. The water should be clean, boiled, and at room temperature.
A special feature of the medicine is the fact that it can kill not only coccidia, but also cope with other dangerous pathogens: streptococci, staphylococci, proteas and many others.
"Yodovit"
This is a popular antiseptic drug that is used to disinfect cells. It can be given to rabbits in liquid form at the rate of 1 ml per kilogram of animal weight, undiluted or dissolved 1:2. Give twice a day, but no more than 2 days.
The medicine in tablets is not used for drinking pets.
"Monclavit-1"
The product is produced for treating cells and is used for the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. This drug is rarely used to treat coccidiosis, but it is suitable for these purposes. Take 1 milliliter of the product, give it undiluted or dilute it in a 1:1 ratio, and feed the rabbits morning and evening for 2 or 3 days.
You can apply the medicine to the nipples of a nursing rabbit, this will protect newborn rabbits from infection. But they may stop sucking, so this can be done after a trial application to one nipple. If the rabbits behave without changes, this method is suitable for prevention.
"Iodinol"
The veterinary drug is most often used for cattle, poultry and dogs, but it can also be given to rabbits.It also needs to be diluted at the rate of 2 ml of product per kilogram of animal weight, diluting it in water at a rate of 1:2. Give the rabbits two doses for 10 days.
How to give the drug correctly and in what doses?
Since the disease can be transmitted from the female to her offspring, a pregnant rabbit should be given a 0.01% solution with iodine from 25-30 days of gestation to 3-5 days after birth, replacing drinking water with it. The volume of solution per day is 100 milliliters. This is the standard dosage for the prevention of coccidiosis.
After drinking is completed, you need to take a break for 5 days, and then give the female 200 milliliters of a 0.02% medicinal solution. They give it for 15 days in a row. Instructions for the use of iodine for rabbits require that they be given 0.01% liquid after they are removed from their mother in separate cages, in the amount of 50 milliliters of 0.02% product per individual, for 10 days. After this, they pause for 14 days, then again for 15 days they give the rabbits 70 milliliters of liquid per head during the first 7 days. In the second week, the amount of the drug is increased to 100 milliliters per rabbit.
Possible side effects
If you follow the instructions correctly and accurately, side effects are rare. A common reason for their appearance is overdose. In this case, the following symptoms may appear:
- Indigestion, frequent loose stools.
- Dehydration.
- Change in color of mucous membranes.
- In extremely severe cases of poisoning, shock and death occur.
- When spraying the nipples of a nursing rabbit with Monclavit-1, the offspring may refuse milk.
Side effects can be avoided if you do not exceed the concentration of the solution and do not give the liquid too often.
What are the contraindications
Rabbits tolerate iodine well in the indicated dosages and without exceeding the frequency of drug administration. In rare cases, individual intolerance to the drug is noted, so during the first procedure it is necessary to monitor the condition and behavior of the animal. If a reaction is detected, use is canceled.
Iodine is toxic in large doses, when the concentration in the solution is exceeded and when used too often, so it is important for the rabbit breeder to strictly follow the recipe and rules for drinking the product. If you do not break the rules, the medicine will be beneficial, relieve coccidiosis and strengthen the immunity of rabbits.
