What can excessive thirst and dehydration in rabbits indicate?

Excessive thirst and dehydration in rabbits can be indicative of coccidiosis, which is an intestinal parasitic disease caused by Eimeria species. This condition often leads to gastrointestinal upset and may result in diarrhea, which contributes to fluid loss and subsequent dehydration. The increased thirst is a rabbit's response to this fluid loss as the body attempts to maintain hydration levels.

In coccidiosis, symptoms like lethargy, poor appetite, and weight loss may also be present alongside the excessive thirst. This combination of symptoms allows for a clearer understanding that coccidiosis affects the rabbit's overall health significantly by impacting its hydration and nutritional intake.

While other health issues such as myxomatosis, viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD), and chronic pneumonia can lead to various symptoms, they do not typically present with excessive thirst and dehydration as primary or notable symptoms, making coccidiosis the more accurate answer in this context.