Probiotics for rabbits

There are many probiotics that may help your rabbit, though different products are not all available in every country. UK Protexin is the company that is foremost in producing pet probiotics http://www.protexin.com/vet/ They currently market Fibreplex http://www.vetuk.co.uk/index.php? main_page=product_info&products_id=1180 Bio Lapis http://www.furrypharm.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=1069 Pro-Kolin http://www.protexin.com/vet/product.php?id=3 Pro-Fibre (this is a more comprehensive product for encouraging healthy gut function in small animals, particularly hind-gut digesters such as rabbits.) http://www.vetscriptions.co.uk/PROTEXINPFRAB.html
A pelleted product for Rabbits containing extra dietary fibre. Pro-Fibre for Rabbits provides palatable multi source fibre to encourage normal hind gut function. Additional fibre source for daily use A conditioner following digestive upsets or antibiotic therapy Includes beneficial microorganisms to rapidly populate the gastrointestinal tract Prebiotics to enhance the growth of beneficial microorganisms Many modern rabbit foods and methods of feeding leave the animal with insufficient fibre in its diet which may lead to alimentary problems, especially in the hind gut. Pro- Fibre combines high fibre with beneficial microorganisms and the inclusion of prebiotics acts to selectively feed beneficial microorganisms within the gut thus enhancing colonisation and growth. The beneficial microorganisms contained in this product occur naturally in the gut of all healthy animals. These microorganisms colonise the immature gut or re-establish the disrupted gut, thus promoting the mechanism of competitive exclusion against potential pathogenic bacteria. Pro-Fibre is formulated for continuous use to promote efficient digestion.

Also available from Protexin are Protexin Soluble and Protexin Professional Vetark Professional make several health products for a variety of animals http://www.vetark.co.uk/

Their probiotic product is Avipro Plus http://www.noahs-cupboard.co.uk/detail.asp? catno=7&pnum=A2A7M

This probiotic is used in a wide range of species, from birds, reptiles, horses, and even elephants. It has high palateability and should be the first port of call when you have a sick animal to provide support while you get veterinary help. AVIPRO PLUS will also help stabilise the gut while the animal is receiving treatment, antibiotics or simply handling stress can cause major gut upsets - AVIPRO PLUS can help. ESSENTIAL FOR THE MEDICINE CHEST Avipro Plus is a probiotic combination of bacteria, enzymes, electrolytes and vitamins. Its high palatability means it can be added to the drinking water making its use simple for all species. AVIPRO PLUS contains: Lactobacillus with Streptococcus faecium which lives for a short time in the birds gut, helping to stabilise the pH. fructo-oligosaccharide soluble fibre prebiotic to encourage the probiotics and make them even more effective. Soluble fibre also improves absorption vitamin A, C and E to compensate for the losses occurring during stress and to maximise protection electrolytes to aid in maintaining adequate levels in birds with diarrhoea which lose electrolytes

Mainland Europe In France, Rongeur Digest is available for rabbits and rodents http://rongeurboutik.com/product_info.php?products_id=914
Given regularly, RONGEUR DIGEST, is a prebiotic, it favours the natural flora of rodents and rabbits. In case of digestive disturbances it is very useful to protect the intestinal barrier. This new expression is consequently adapted as well to the true rodents as in rabbits. A rserver aux rongeurs vrais. Taille 9 cm - Poids: 43 g Marque: Oce Virbac

In Norway and Finland, Zoolac is marketed for dogs, cats and horses. http://www.vetshop.no/storefront.php?pid=26
ZooLac Propaste is a probiotikum. Probiotics consist of live bacteria that is supplied to the digestive system to normalize intestinal flora. ZooLac Propaste used when the natural microbial environment in the gut is or may be disturbed, for example. in conjunction with antibiotics and other situations. ZooLac used for all animals regardless of age.

Is usually given every 6.8 hours until the desired effect achieved. Dosing interval may be adjusted if necessary.

Animal's weight 0 to 10 kg 10 to 25 kg 25 to 50 kg over 50 kg The dose applies to all animal species.

Dose 1 ml 2 ml 3 ml 5 ml

USA/Canada Probiotics specific to rabbits that are actually beneficial are harder to acquire and many have found that certain horse products (also hindgut fermenters) and some non-dairy based human products are more helpful. Probios manufacture products for the pet market http://www.probios.com/index.html The oral gels made for horses may be the most easy to administer to rabbits http://www.probios.com/equineGels.html Also available from the human market is Jarro-Dophilus. http://www.jarrow.com/product/228/Jarro_Dophilus_EPS Jarro-Dophilus EPS is a Stable-Dophilus due to its stability at room temperature and
enteric coating. Eight (8) different strains of probiotic bacteria are delivered directly into small intestines where probiotic bacteria fully exert their beneficial effects. Probiotic bacteria in Jarro-Dophilus EPS are selected from the following 4 genera: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Lactococcus and Pediococcus.

Another product that has been recommended for use with rabbits is Animal Essentials Plant Enzymes and Probiotics which can be obtained here http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/AnimalEssentials-Plant-Enzymes-Probiotics/148017.aspx A probiotic produced for humans which can also be beneficial, particularly when there is e-coli infection, is Saccharomyces boulardii This can be bought from many sources, including http://www.revital.co.uk/Allergy_Research_Saccharomyce s_Boulardii_2
Allergy Research Saccharomyces Boulardii is a probiotic, non-colonizing yeast species closely related to Brewer's yeast and not related to the yeast group to which Candida belongs. Saccharomyces boulardii taken orally produces lactic acid and some B vitamins as it becomes established in the intestine. During use, friendly probiotic bacteria are allowed to colonize in the Gastro Intestinal tract making Saccharomyces boulardii particularly beneficial

in balancing intestinal microbiology. It is then eliminated after supplementation is stopped. It also has been shown to support production of secretary IgA.

Prozyme Plus is marketed for pets and includes digestive enzymes. It is not lactose based. http://shop.robbinspetcare.com/prozyme-200-gm-160servings.html
Prozyme is a combination of four highly concentrated and purified natural plant-derived enzymes (lipases, amylases, proteases and cellulases). Enzyme Activity (same for both regular Prozyme and Prozyme Plus): Alpha-Amylase (Aspergillus oryzae var.) - 2000 SKBU/gram Lipase (Aspergillus niger var.) - 200 LU/gram Cellulase (Aspergillus niger var.) - 50 CCHU/gram Protease (Ananas Comosus) 8 GDU/gram Prozyme Plus (Lactose Free Formula) Ingredients: Rice Starch, dried Aspergillus oryae (var.) fermentation product, dried Aspergillus niger (var.) fermentation product, dried Bromelain derived from Ananas Comosus.

Doctors Foster and Smith sell a product called Peters Rabbit Probiotic. It can be found here http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm? pcatid=17211 The product claims * Supplement to aid and maintain your rabbit's proper digestive health * Helps absorb nutrients * Provides beneficial bacteria your rabbit needs Get your rabbit's digestion back on track. Peter's Rabbit ProBiotic Digestive Tract Conditioner, with Lactobacillus acidophilus, helps recondition the digestive tract of rabbits and small animals. Enhances your rabbit's ability to efficiently absorb nutrients. Natural supplement is used by many rabbit owners for their rabbit's digestive disorders. Also improves overall skin and coat appearance. Ingredients: Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Bifidobacterium bifidum Fermentation Product, Streptococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Aspergillus oryzae Fermentation Product, Yeast, Torula Yucca product, Dried Milk, and Dextrose. Guaranteed Analysis Minimum 1.0 x 108 CFU per gram. (Lactobacillus acidophilus casei, Sreptococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Aspergillus oryzae Torulposis. Benebac Pet Gel This product is widely used and readily available, and is popular with many vets. http://www.drugs.com/vet/bene-bac-pet-gel.html states

Guaranteed Total Live (viable) Lactic Acid Producing Bacteria 20 million colony forming units per gram. (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Pediococcus acidilactici) Ingredients Dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, Dried L. fermentum fermentation product, Dried L. acidophilus fermentation product, Dried L. plantarum fermentation product, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, Dried Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product, Sunflower Oil, Sucrose, Silicon Dioxide, Dextrose, Artificial Color. Proviable RB http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/vet/products/ProductFAQs.aspx#ProviableRB The products information website says What makes Proviable-RB different from other brands of probiotic products?

Proviable-RB contains guaranteed numbers in the billions (with powder plus paste daily administration) of live probiotic microorganisms. Specifically it contains the Enterococcus faecium strain found most often in the intestinal tract of rabbits. Additionally, Proviable-RB paste contains high levels of fiber to improve intestinal motility and encourage normal levels of cecotroph activity. ProviableRB powder contains electrolytes and vitamins to maintain hydration. Some probiotic products may not contain live microorganisms or may not contain the right type or right amount of microorganisms to restore intestinal health.

How does Proviable-RB work? The Enterococcus faecium probiotic in Proviable-RB help to compete with harmful bacteria in the intestines and promote balance of the beneficial microflora. The two dual-purpose prebiotics help to encourage the growth of the beneficial microorganisms in the lower intestinal tract and provide a nondigestible carbohydrate source (fiber). This product is available via veterinary practices. A product that is very rich in a variety of probiotics, as well as other important nutrients, is Green Mush. http://store.veganessentials.com/green-mush-companion-animalnutritional-support-formula-p1316.aspx

You take good care of your own health through a healthy diet and supplementation, so why not do the same for your beloved companion animals? Ideal for any mammal (including hamsters, mice, ferrets and other critters!), Green Mush is an extremely potent and comprehensive array of natures most nutritive and cleansing superfoods, grown and processed to maximize their benefits for your companion animals health. Organically grown, Green Mush is unlike traditional multi-vitamin/mineral products as it is exceptionally absorbable and contains thousands of phytonutrients, protein, and amino acids. Either mix with the usual food the animal will eat or follow the easy recipe on back of the bottle and youll be doing all you can to offer optimal health for your companions. 100% of profits from this supplement are donated to animal rescue! Available in 5 oz. bottle and 10 oz. bottle. Ingredients: Whole leaf barley and wheat grasses, spirulina, broken cell wall chlorella, horsetail herb, nettle leaf, burdock root, alfalfa leaf juice, dandelion leaf juice, kamut grass juice, barley grass juice, oat grass juice, sea vegetables (Nova Scotia dulse and Icelandic kelp), carob pod, Nopal cactus, plant source digestive enzyme complex (protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, alphagalactosidase, bromelain, papain), CoQ10 (40mg per 9.5g or 13.4g per teaspoon), ginger root. Also contains a comprehensive probiotic mixture of beneficial organisms including A. Agilis, L. Acidophilus, R. Arrhizus, DDS-I Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Bulgaricus, A. Brasilienese, B. Brenis, P. Chrysosporium, A. Citreus, L. Casei, P. Calcis, S. Cellulase, P. Denitrificans, S. Faecium, S. Fradiae, P. Flourescens, A. Globiformis, S. Griseoflavus, P. Gelatic, B. Lipolyticum, A. Luteus, A. Lipoferum, A. Lwofii, B. Laterosporous, P. Marinoglutionsa, B. Macerans, P. Nigraclens, P. Putida, L. Plantarum, B. Pumilus, B. Polymyxa, B. Stationis, L. Salivarius, B. Subtilus, B. Succinogenes, A. Simplex, B. Subtilus, S. Thermopolis, A. Terreus, M. Verrucaria, T. Viride, K. Zopfit

Australia and New Zealand Some Protexin products are available from vets. And also from Animal Health Store Australia. http://www.animalhealthstore.com.au/protexin-multi-strain-probiotic.html Protexin is a multi-strain probiotic, which can be beneficial in the treatment of domestic animals,birds and horses and livestock suffering from intestinal dysfunction, poor food conversion, poor disease resistance and restoring gut flora after treatment with anti-biotics. Protexin Soluble (Orange Label) is a soluble formula. Protexin Green Label is an in feed formula containing 60 million CFU/gram. A probiotic marketed for humans, Inner Health Plus,(use only the dairy-free version for rabbits) has been used successfully for rabbits. http://innerhealth.com.au/ It comes in a powder or capsules and

kept in the fridge. If using a capsule, open it and sprinkle the powder inside onto that rabbits salad, where it is eaten readily. http://www.usenature.com/ethical_probiotics.htm gives information about the bacteria included.
50 g Powder Medical Strength Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. Each 1.5 gram (1/2 metric {5ml} teaspoon) contains: 15 Billion Good Bacteria 7.5 Billion Lactobacillus Acidophilus (NCFM) Organisms 7.5 Billion Bifidobacterium Lactis Organisms 180mg Oligofructose

In the absence of a product in Australia specifically for rabbits, its possible to use horse probiotics, and Protexin produce this for horses http://www.cyberhorse.net.au/iah/protexin.htm
Micro-organisms Characteristics/Benefits Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus & Streptococcus thermophilus Isolated from milk, cheese and starter cultures. These yoghurt starters have been associated with all the health claims made for yoghurt. Have been shown to protect against E.coli and Salmonella infections. Lactobacillus acidophilus Isolated from milk, cheese, other dairy products and human intestines. Widely used as a probiotic. Lactobacillus plantarum Isolated from dairy products, fermenting plants, silage, pickled vegetables. Fermented carbohydrates. Lactobacillus rhamnosus Isolated from intestinal tracts of animals, birds and humans. Used in manufacture of dairy products, starter cultures. Has been shown to stimulate immunity. Bifidobacterium bifidum Found in alimentary tract of breast fed and bottle fed infants. Enterococcus faecium Isolated from animal and human intestines. Widely used as a Probiotic. Aspergillus oryzae Isolated from Japanese soy sauce, Sake (rice wine), enzyme mixture and takadiase. Enhances digestion of cellulose/fibre Candida pintolepesii Isolated from cattle caecum, intestinal content of chinchilla and pigeons. Protects stomach lining from bacterial colonisation. When should Protexin be used? Protexin can be used in a wide range of circumstances, either to improve the general health of animals, address specific problems or to maximise animals' performance.

All probiotic products can only work to replenish healthy digestive flora if the gut is in balance itself, that is, if the prebiotic environment is as it should be. High levels of carbohydrate in the diet are very detrimental, producing an environment where healthy gut flora cannot live and allowing harmful bacteria to flourish. Diet, therefore, needs to be in correct balance with low carbohydrates and high fibre. A rabbits stomach acid has extremely low pH and in the healthy rabbits, it is questionable whether probiotic preparations would be able to make a difference as the stomach acid would kill them in transit. This is why caecotrophs are covered in a mucous-like substance to give protection during the second gut transit. However, when gut function is compromised, pH levels can rise dramatically, and it is believed enough to allow probiotics to

become effective in reseeding the hindgut with digestive bacteria. For example, when rabbits have any degree of gut slowdown, this can occur, and both to allow probiotics to help re-establish, and to lessen the effect of stomach acid on a low-functioning gut, many vets will prescribe Zantac syrup (antacid) until the patients normal gut function is restored.
Footnote I am not a vet. I am a rabbit owner. However, I have tried to find out what I can from trusted sources about the usefulness of probiotic preparations in rabbits and at the time of writing (12th February, 2011) feel that I am providing the best information I can. I live in the UK and so my knowledge of products available in other countries is dependent on what I have been able to determine from trusted sources there. I have received information about probiotics available in the USA from, among others, Vanessa Oakes, Karen Izykowsky and Evonne Vey, and those available in Australia from Paige. From France, Jaquie and from Finland, Henriette Munk. Ros Lamb