What symptom might indicate proliferative enteropathy?

Proliferative enteropathy is primarily associated with gastrointestinal issues in rabbits. A hunched posture is a well-recognized symptom indicating discomfort or pain, often related to digestive problems. When a rabbit is experiencing gastrointestinal distress, it may adopt a hunched position as a way to protect its abdomen, reflecting that it is not feeling well. This posture can signal underlying health issues, including the potential presence of proliferative enteropathy, which causes inflammation in the intestines and can lead to severe digestive complications. Observing a hunched posture in a rabbit should prompt further investigation into its health, particularly concerning gastrointestinal conditions.

The other symptoms like a skin infection, blue breast coloration, and respiratory distress are not directly linked to proliferative enteropathy, as they reflect different health issues affecting other body systems. Skin infections would indicate dermatological problems, while blue breast coloration is often associated with respiratory or circulatory issues. Respiratory distress points to problems with breathing that are not directly related to the gut-related symptoms that proliferative enteropathy would cause.