Page:Care and Management of Rabbits.djvu/260

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242
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF RABBITS

or to stick to the vent so as to give it a plastered effect, isolate the rabbit and change the ration to hay and grain. It is most often caused by feeding too much green food, or feeding it when wet, sour or too old. No green food whatever should be allowed in the ration of an animal under treatment. A change in diet will generally bring the animal back into normal condition. Bran mashes will be found beneficial as a change about twice a week. Where the ration is correct in the first instance there will be no trouble along this fine experienced.

Constipation. If plenty of green food is included in the ration, as recommended elsewhere in this book, you will never be bothered by this ailment. The writer has never had a case of constipation in his hutches. Where the animal is especially ill castor oil is the best remedy, a teaspoonful to the dose.

Pneumonia. There is no recognized cure for this disease. It is best to use the ax. Once rabbits are afflicted with lung disorders, they