Pregnancy Toxaemia in Rabbits: Causes and Prevention
Pregnancy toxaemia, or ketosis, occurs in the last week of gestation when the growing kits demand more energy than the doe takes in, so she burns body fat and produces ketones. Overweight does, or does that stop eating because of heat or stress, are most at risk. The condition threatens both mother and litter, yet it is largely preventable with correct feeding and temperature control.
What is pregnancy toxaemia?
Energy demand rises sharply in late pregnancy, especially with a large litter. When feed intake drops or temperature climbs, the body cannot supply enough glucose and fat is converted into ketones. These ketones cause metabolic acidosis, stress the liver and kidneys, and weaken uterine contractions at kindling.
An overweight doe has insulin resistance and mobilises fat faster, while fat around the organs presses on the stomach and reduces feed capacity. Repeated pregnancies without a rest period drain energy reserves, and a sudden switch to low-quality feed has the same effect.
Early and late signs
Signs begin with lethargy and feed refusal, although water may still be accepted. You may notice rapid breathing, muscle weakness and an unsteady gait. An acetone smell resembling rotten apples can sometimes be detected on the breath, which is an important clue but does not appear in every case.
Advanced cases develop convulsions and involuntary movements, consciousness drops and the doe may die before or during kindling. Kits can die inside the uterus and cause additional infection. Any doe in the final week that refuses feed for 12 hours needs urgent veterinary assessment.
- Marked lethargy and feed refusal in the final week of pregnancy.
- Rapid breathing and weakness in the hind limbs.
- An acetone smell on the breath or in the urine.
- Convulsions or involuntary movements in advanced cases.
- Difficult birth or dead kits inside the uterus.
Urgent veterinary treatment
Treatment depends on speed: intravenous or subcutaneous glucose, electrolyte fluids for dehydration, and fast energy sources such as propylene glycol strictly under veterinary direction. Acidosis is corrected and calcium is monitored, and the vet may need to induce kindling or perform a caesarean if the kits are dead.
Do not force-feed the doe and never give injections or drugs on your own. Oxytocin is used only by a vet and only after confirming cervical dilation, otherwise the uterus can rupture. After recovery the doe needs rest and energy-dense nutrition before the next mating.
Practical prevention in the shed
Correct body condition before mating, because an overweight doe should lose weight gradually before pregnancy, not during it. Feed a high-energy, high-fibre ration in the final weeks and never withhold feed to reduce weight. Check intake daily and record any early drop.
Provide ventilation and cooling during the Egyptian summer, because temperatures above 30 degrees dangerously reduce feed intake. Use energy and vitamin support as advised by your vet from our vitamins and mineral salts, and prepare a quiet, dark nest. Read more in our rabbits and keep clean feeding tools such as a rabbit feeder from medical supplies.
- Control doe weight before mating, not during pregnancy.
- Feed a high-energy, high-fibre ration in the final weeks.
- Never withhold feed to reduce weight.
- Cool the shed and reduce heat in summer.
- Monitor intake daily and record any drop.
Conclusion
Pregnancy toxaemia does not begin on the day of birth; it builds over weeks of poor nutrition and heat stress. Monitor the pregnant doe daily and supply enough energy without allowing obesity. Call a vet at once if she refuses feed or develops an acetone smell.
This article is general guidance and is not a substitute for examining your animal by a licensed veterinarian. In emergencies, contact your vet immediately.
