Extend the neck straight up and forward. Anorectic animals should be force fed replacement diets such as Critical Care for Herbivores (Oxbow Pet Products, Murdock, NE; If young rabbits test positive for coccidiosis, administer appropriate therapy (see Coccidiosis). Every An official website of the United States government. Use a tongue depressor or speculum to push the tongue to one side while clipping the medial edges of the lower cheek teeth. Some owners try long-term supportive care to see whether neurologic function returns. Give barium at a standard small-animal dose of 10 to 14 ml/kg orally into the cheek pouch. It is likely owners of these animals do not realize the antibiotics they are giving to their small mammal pets are not approved for their pets. If outdoor housing is used, provide ventilation or protection from direct sunlight. Decreased opacity may indicate lysis from advanced infections or neoplasia. Obtain radiographs of the vertebral column to confirm a fracture or luxation. Other pets in the household kept in contact with infested rabbits should be examined. FOIA Animals with light parasite burdens usually develop immunity to the organism and recover without therapy. Mastitis in rabbits can be either septic or nonseptic. The organisms can be demonstrated with either periodic acid schiff (PAS) or silver stains in histologic sections of skin biopsy specimens. The prognosis for successful therapy is guarded. Red, pink, or orange discoloration of the urine occurs periodically in healthy rabbits. 0000021876 00000 n
The COVID-19 resource centre is hosted on Elsevier Connect, the company's public news and information website.
Director, Special Species MedicineClinical Studies-PhiladelphiaUniversity of PennsylvaniaSchool of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphia, PA 19104, Bacterial Infectious Disease Treatment in Ferrets and Rabbits, Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference 2001, Karen L. Rosenthal, DVM, MS, Diplomate ABVP-Avian.
Remove cuterebrid larvae intact with hemostats if possible. Routine ovariohysterectomy of does before 2 years of age is recommended. In ferrets and rabbits, the enteral route is used extensively, especially with at home administrated antibiotics. Penicillin G procaine for bacterial infections, e.g. REFERENCE RANGES FOR PHYSIOLOGIC VALUES IN RABBITS, REFERENCE RANGES FOR HEMATOLOGIC VALUES IN RABBITS, REFERENCE RANGES FOR SERUM BIOCHEMICAL VALUES IN RABBITS, REFERENCE RANGES FOR URINALYSIS IN RABBITS. The cheyletid mite is a known vector of rabbit myxomatosis in Australia.
If exudate is visible in the ear canal, clean and flush the ear thoroughly. Radiographs of affected areas can help delineate the extent and severity of the disease. Diarrhea may develop in some animals because of changes in the cecal microflora from decreased gastric motility (see Diarrhea/Enteritis). Bacteria colonize the soft palate and nasal turbinates and may produce a lifelong infection. Rabbits with urinary pigment changes or excessive calcium in the urine usually have no other clinical signs. Continue treatment for 4 weeks. The abnormal flora changes the pH which increases volatile fatty acid production, thereby further suppressing the growth of normal bacteria. Mange, fur, and ear mites cause localized or diffuse dermatitis, alopecia, or both. An antibiotic cream such as silver sulfadiazine can be applied topically. All domestic rabbits are descendants of European wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus. The skeletal system is light and delicate compared with most mammals. Provide free-choice timothy hay and fibrous vegetables. A fluorescent antibody test against treponemal antigen also is used, and an ELISA is available to screen for antibodies. 6. Stress is a major factor in GI stasis. Force-feed anorexic patients with products such as Critical Care for Herbivores (Oxbow Pet Products) several times a day. Place the rabbit in sternal recumbency and encircle the foreleg around the elbow to extend the leg. The site is secure.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been developed to detect antibodies to. The additional incisors (peg teeth) are small, rounded teeth located directly behind the upper incisors. Diagnosis of pneumonia is based on clinical signs and supportive diagnostic tests. Primaparous does usually have smaller litters. External coaptation can also be effective for closed, simple, long-bone fractures. The glottis cannot be seen while trying to pass the tube. with a sterile saline solution, 50:50. 0000012207 00000 n 0000030676 00000 n Infections can be transmitted from the doe to offspring or by direct contact with infected rabbits. 0000014043 00000 n No adverse reaction has been noted with 0000045001 00000 n Presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical signs and results of diagnostic testing of rabbits exhibiting neurologic signs. In ferrets, the most appropriate antibiotic based on culture results can be used without regard to serious gastrointestinal upset. Offer free-choice hay and fresh vegetables at all times. However, there are breeds that have ears in a downward carriage, which are known as lops.. Rodents. This method is effective for examining the ventrum of the patient. Bony changes in the bulla may indicate osteomyelitis. This method is quick and easy but leaves rough edges and may cause fractures of the teeth. Colonies are kept Pasteurella-free through serologic testing and strict isolation and sanitation procedures.
No known treatments are available. Fresh water should always be available. Coats can be divided into normal, Rex, and Satin breeds. Administer a topical antibiotic in the ear canal 3 to 4 times daily. Rabbits may act as if they are depressed and in pain. Lesions produced by cheyletid mites consist of a scaly dermatitis with a flaky, grayish-white exudate. General preventive measures are described in the following section on Pasteurellosis. No antibiotic pharmacokinetic studies have been performed in ferrets so drug dose, treatment length, and frequency are based on clinical experience and extrapolated from other species. What is the most likely pathogen at the infection site? The swellings are large, firm, and warm to the touch.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as the fluorinated quinolones, trimethoprim/sulfa, or chloramphenicol are indicated if bacterial enteritis is suspected. 0000009015 00000 n The environment should be treated with flea products safe for cats to prevent re-infection. Choose an antibiotic that penetrates the blood-brain barrier and is effective against pasteurellosis (e.g., chloramphenicol and enrofloxacin). Overweight rabbits are predisposed to hypercalciuria and urolithiasis. 0000021020 00000 n Cystic mastitis must be differentiated from septic mastitis and mammary neoplasia. Skull radiographs may aid in diagnosis. The incidence of abortions, metritis, and infertility may increase in breeding females. Intestinal coccidiosis is often subclinical or causes only intermittent mild-to-moderate diarrhea and associated dehydration. Supportive care is necessary in rabbits that are laterally recumbent or that have severe torticollis. Hepatic coccidiosis results from infection with the highly pathogenic Eimeria stieda. Clostridium piliforme (formerly Bacillus piliformis), which causes Tyzzer's disease, is associated with acute diarrhea and death, primarily in young weanling rabbits.
Subcutaneous administration of fluids is acceptable in non-critical cases and may be the only practical route of fluid administration in small rabbits. Repeated flushes of the nasolacrimal duct daily for 2 to 3 days or every 3 days for four or five treatments is most effective. Frances Anesthesia is usually necessary for proper positioning. A small bone rongeur can be used to clip the sharp edges of the cheek teeth. The severity of disease is determined by the age at time of exposure, the species of Eimeria involved, the number of oocysts ingested, and environmental stress factors. Treat rabbits with simple bacterial cystitis with antibiotics. procaine (long lasting) in the treatment of Thoroughly debride wounds of necrotic tissue. Severe diarrhea may be accompanied by lethargy, weight loss, anorexia, and dehydration. probiotics can be given twice a day, Normally no cross reaction with Submit samples from exudate, blood, or tissue for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing.
Intubation is most successful in large rabbits; consider intubating medium-sized rabbits for long surgical procedures. Abcesses of the mammary gland can develop independent of lactation status. Give injections of benzathine penicillin G (a long-acting penicillin) at 42,000 to 84,000 IU/kg IM at weekly intervals for 2 to 3 weeks. Use either a tuberculin or insulin syringe to minimize the risk of collapsing the vein with too much negative pressure. Staphylococcus aureus and Pasteurella and Streptococcus spp. These permissions are granted for free by Elsevier for as long as the COVID-19 resource centre remains active. With septic mastitis, the affected gland is swollen, firm, erythematous to blue-tinged, and warm to the touch. The cause sometimes is determined only on postmortem examination. Rabbits, hares, and pikas are members of the order Lagomorpha.
Uterine adenocarcinoma is a slow-growing tumor that can be multicentric and involve both horns of the uterus. New York: WB Saunders Preventive serologic screening is not necessary. Instruct owners to wear gloves when handling or treating affected animals because of the zoonotic disease potential. MediRabbit.com is Because most rabbits are fastidious and prefer to defecate and urinate in one spot, they often can be trained to use a litterbox. Anorectic animals can be syringe fed specialized hand-feeding formulas for herbivores (Critical Care for Herbivores, Oxbow Pet Products, Murdock, NE; Nasogastric tubes can be placed in medium-to-large rabbits that require long-term nutritional support or that have had extensive oral surgery. Avoid antibiotics that may induce enteritis. Lesions consist of areas of alopecia with erythema and scaly dermatitis. Mid-femoral amputation of the hind limb is preferred over coxofemoral disarticulation. Clearly, for abscesses, it is best to combine antibiotic therapy with wound debridement and daily flushing to increase the chance of successful therapy. Encourage rabbits to exercise. Euthanasia often is selected in debilitated rabbits if no clinical improvement is seen after several days of therapy. The fur around the alopecic areas is moist. Inadequate restraint can result in a spinal fracture in the rabbit if it is allowed to kick with its hind legs. )&Ls#V41pFwND-Sg+kG 4SwCf:yl9je+73%gZ=/Zj$+g|k~anF$mv7ikb{i6. Check both lateral and medial edges of upper and lower molars. Oxford, UK: Pergamon Press 1996. Medium breeds, which average from 3.5 to 5 kg in body weight, include the Californian, the Silver Marten, and the Rex rabbits. Dietary history is very important. Although a few clinicians advocate routine surgical removal of hairballs, the risk of surgical or anesthetic complications is high considering the debilitated condition of most of these rabbits. Commercial products in paste form are available (e.g., Bene-Bac, Pet-Ag, Inc, Hampshire, IL). the type of infection, daily or every 2nd day. for treatment of bacterial infections. Severity of the diarrhea is variable and is affected by other contributing microorganisms. Ketamine (5-10 mg/kg) and medetomidine (Domitor, Pfizer Animal Health, Exton, PA) (0.15-0.18 mg/kg) in combination given IM or IV provides adequate relaxation and sedation. appetite. and other dermatophytes occur much less frequently. treatment leads to: Depending on Large amounts of calcium sediment may be visible in the bladder in rabbits excreting large amounts of calcium. Overweight rabbits should undergo weight reduction to decrease the risk of developing sore hocks. Allow the rabbit out of the cage as much as possible to exercise. Determination of acute or chronic bacterial disease is imperative as this dictates prognosis, treatment length, and choice of antibiotic. necrosis. Rabbits usually adapt well to amputation and can ambulate easily on three limbs. Rabbits have minimal soft tissue to protect the long bones below the elbow and stifle from penetrating the skin, thus open fractures are common at these sites. Culture of the abscess capsule wall is recommended however, since other bacterial organisms have also been implicated. abscesses, middle ear Systemic antibiotics are necessary if infection is present.
The new PMC design is here! Hindered absorption, when concurrent Give the rabbit petrolatum-based oral lubricants such as Laxatone at 1 to 2 ml/day for 3 to 5 days to aid in fur passage. Boredom also may be a factor in fur-barbering. A limited amount (approximately 2 tablespoons per 2 pounds of body weight) of fruits such as papaya, melon, or berries can be provided as a treat or to entice an anorectic animal to eat. Place soft, dry bedding, such as hay or several thicknesses of newspaper, in one area of the cage. Abscesses can occur in the joints, tooth roots, various organs, and in subcutaneous tissue. Pruritus is not a major clinical sign. Coccidia are susceptible to treatment only during a specific period in the protozoan life cycle. Some owners administer a petrolatum-based cat laxative to their rabbits every 1 to 2 months. Urine scald is associated with urinary incontinence, cystitis, excessive calcium in the urine, uterine adenocarcinoma, or poor management and unclean caging. Consider ovariohysterectomy in does older than 3 years of age with evidence of cystic mastitis or increased aggressive behavior. Presumptive diagnosis is based on identifying Eimeria oocysts in a fecal sample or intestinal scrapings. Critical patients require IV catheterization. Ears can be cleaned 1 to 2 weeks after pain subsides and lesions heal. Do a direct fecal smear or fecal flotation to check for spore-forming gram-positive bacteria and coccidia. Dermatitis resulting from dermatophytosis must be differentiated from other possible causes, including mites, fur-barbering, and bacterial dermatitis. Calcium and phosphorus are excreted primarily through urine in rabbits. Ultrasound examination can provide useful information about abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and reproductive tract. Sudden death may be the only clinical sign in peracute disease. Clinical signs of encephalitozoonosis are similar to those of the neurologic form of pasteurellosis. Infection of the nose, eyelids, lips, and chin may result from autoinfection. Skin irritation or formation of sterile abscesses Microscopic examination of crusts and exudate usually reveals mites and eggs. Keep cages and bedding clean to minimize spread through contaminated fomites. Infection is spread by direct contact with infected rabbits or contaminated fomites, aerosolization, or from does to offspring during birth and nursing. To avoid Ulcerative pododermatitis (sore hocks) usually develops as a result of management-related problems. 4 41 Lesions initially consist of erythematous vesicles that progress to papules, ulcerations, scaliness, and dry crusty lesions. Malocclusion and root elongation of the cheek teeth sometimes accompany mandibular abscesses. Clostridium spiroforme, a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming rod, is one of the primary pathogens in bacterial enteritis in rabbits. Rabbits with severe disease may be anorexic and lethargic. 0000000016 00000 n Mucus and blood may also be present.
H. Schall,
If conjunctivitis is present, cannulate and flush the nasolacrimal duct of the affected eye or eyes with sterile water or saline. With the joint reduced and the limb in extension, apply a splint to allow the surrounding soft tissue to develop fibrosis and keep the luxation reduced. Hold the rabbit at the edge of a table with the neck held in extension. It has been shown experimentally to work by theoretically binding bacterial toxins and has been suggested at a dose of 2g/20 cc of water q24 hours by gavage. The skeleton of the rabbit is light and fragile. benzathine). Pasteurella multocida is often implicated as a primary cause, though other bacteria may also be involved. The stomach or cecum may be distended with intestinal gas that may be detected on abdominal palpation. High dosage treatment (20 mg/kg) over a rabbits, to treat infections due to bacteria, whose sensitivity tests are the most commonly isolated bacteria. The Jugular catheters can be difficult to insert and may require a cutdown procedure. Treat adult rabbits with suspected mite infestations with ivermectin (see. The administration for most antibiotics in rabbits is based on clinical experience. Hormonal influences in breeding season may contribute to aggression and fur-barbering. The underlying skin is normal. Other disease problems may cause clinical signs similar to a vertebral fracture. 0000014444 00000 n (q24h) for 5 to 7 days. Uterine adenocarcinoma is likely in a doe older than 3 years of age with a thickened uterus or multiple abdominal masses. Calculi may also be visible in the ureters or kidneys. Oral administration of antibiotics is effective in rabbits with mild-to-moderate diarrhea. abscesses can be avoided by diluting the amount to be given by the same To accomplish this, choose drugs that are effective against aerobic, anaerobic, gram positive and gram negative organisms. Antibiotic administration in the drinking water rarely allows the drug to reach effective serum concentrations. hb``Pc``9!010$Q5(f`PebdrP01!lg JH005p7w029/0aghg`q;CosN2Kp { k Wj endstream endobj 5 0 obj <>>> endobj 6 0 obj >/PageWidthList<0 595.276>>>>>>/Resources<>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/Properties<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 595.276 841.89]/Type/Page>> endobj 7 0 obj <> endobj 8 0 obj <> endobj 9 0 obj [/Separation/PANTONE#20Orange#20021#20C/DeviceCMYK<>] endobj 10 0 obj <>stream Correct the diet to include adequate roughage if fur-barbering is suspected.
Many infected rabbits are asymptomatic, or may develop clinical signs after a stressful event or other immunosuppressive conditions. Calcium oxalate crystals are commonly present, though ammonium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and monohydrate crystals are also often seen. Patients are also often anorectic. Ptyalism, alopecia, and dermatitis around the mouth are associated with malocclusion. Decrease or eliminate pellets from the diet and encourage rabbits to exercise to prevent obesity. funded solely by the generosity of donors. This is opposed to the classes of drugs that are more effective at a steady state. Elsevier hereby grants permission to make all its COVID-19-related research that is available on the COVID-19 resource centre - including this research content - immediately available in PubMed Central and other publicly funded repositories, such as the WHO COVID database with rights for unrestricted research re-use and analyses in any form or by any means with acknowledgement of the original source. Apply an antibiotic cream topically if a secondary bacterial infection is present. Ovariohysterectomy is successful if done before metastasis has occurred. Pasteurellosis is the most common cause of pneumonia in rabbits, though other bacteria such as. However, they should always be supervised, as they may chew on dangerous objects such as electrical cords and poisonous plants. Educate owners with intact does about the early clinical signs of uterine adenocarcinoma and recommend yearly to semi-annual check-ups once the patient is 3 years of age.
Lesions usually appear on the head and ears and can extend to the neck, legs, feet, and nail beds. An infection of the eye is known as ophthalmomyiasis. Some of the safer drugs include trimethoprin sulfas, Quinolones, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, and metronidazole. Disinfection of the environment is important. Avoid rupture of the larvae. Oral administration is effective in animals with mild-to-moderate diarrhea.
Not all rabbits develop gastrointestinal disease from the more dangerous antibiotics. Calculi usually are composed of calcium carbonate or calcium oxalate and may be associated with high dietary calcium intake. Pluck or wet down the fur from the site for better visibility of the vein. However, coccidia may predispose the rabbit to bacterial enteritis (see Diarrhea/Enteritis). Hepatic coccidiosis is associated with anorexia, weight loss, abdominal enlargement, diarrhea, icterus, and acute death. Alternatively, while supporting the back of the rabbit against your body, the forelegs can be grasped between the fingers of one hand while the hind limbs are supported firmly between the fingers of your other hand.
Diagnosis of the primary cause is based on clinical signs, history, and specific tests. Check rabbits with mild cases of otitis for the presence of mites. Simple lancing of mandibular and joint abscesses is ineffective because of the thick, caseous nature of the exudate. Place the rabbit in sternal recumbency with an assistant extending the neck and head forward. Antibiotic therapy can cause suppression of normal gut flora and overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. Infection may be subclinical with intermittent episodes of mucopurulent nasal discharge, which often is precipitated by stress. Thick, white purulent exudate is present on fine-needle aspirate of the swelling.
Whenever antibiotics are used empirically, consider four-quadrant coverage. Burr guards can also be purchased. The .gov means its official. Clip affected areas and apply topical antifungal agents daily for 3 to 4 weeks. What is the dose and route of administration of that antibiotic?
Diarrhea is associated with antibiotics that are active against gram-positive aerobes and selective gramnegative anaerobes. Satin breeds have a genetic mutation that results in a shiny haircoat. Chloramphenicol (30-50 mg/kg PO q12h) can be used to treat proliferative enteritis caused by L. intracellularis. Administer systemic antibiotics based on culture and sensitivity testing. Cephalic veins can be used to collect small volumes of blood. The highly pathogenic Eimeria stieda infects the liver. Some rabbits also calm down if their eyes are covered with a hand or towel. Foods high in starches or fat such as seeds, nuts, bread, and corn are not advisable as they can predispose rabbits to obesity and GI disease.
Director, Special Species MedicineClinical Studies-PhiladelphiaUniversity of PennsylvaniaSchool of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphia, PA 19104, Bacterial Infectious Disease Treatment in Ferrets and Rabbits, Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference 2001, Karen L. Rosenthal, DVM, MS, Diplomate ABVP-Avian.
Remove cuterebrid larvae intact with hemostats if possible. Routine ovariohysterectomy of does before 2 years of age is recommended. In ferrets and rabbits, the enteral route is used extensively, especially with at home administrated antibiotics. Penicillin G procaine for bacterial infections, e.g. REFERENCE RANGES FOR PHYSIOLOGIC VALUES IN RABBITS, REFERENCE RANGES FOR HEMATOLOGIC VALUES IN RABBITS, REFERENCE RANGES FOR SERUM BIOCHEMICAL VALUES IN RABBITS, REFERENCE RANGES FOR URINALYSIS IN RABBITS. The cheyletid mite is a known vector of rabbit myxomatosis in Australia.
If exudate is visible in the ear canal, clean and flush the ear thoroughly. Radiographs of affected areas can help delineate the extent and severity of the disease. Diarrhea may develop in some animals because of changes in the cecal microflora from decreased gastric motility (see Diarrhea/Enteritis). Bacteria colonize the soft palate and nasal turbinates and may produce a lifelong infection. Rabbits with urinary pigment changes or excessive calcium in the urine usually have no other clinical signs. Continue treatment for 4 weeks. The abnormal flora changes the pH which increases volatile fatty acid production, thereby further suppressing the growth of normal bacteria. Mange, fur, and ear mites cause localized or diffuse dermatitis, alopecia, or both. An antibiotic cream such as silver sulfadiazine can be applied topically. All domestic rabbits are descendants of European wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus. The skeletal system is light and delicate compared with most mammals. Provide free-choice timothy hay and fibrous vegetables. A fluorescent antibody test against treponemal antigen also is used, and an ELISA is available to screen for antibodies. 6. Stress is a major factor in GI stasis. Force-feed anorexic patients with products such as Critical Care for Herbivores (Oxbow Pet Products) several times a day. Place the rabbit in sternal recumbency and encircle the foreleg around the elbow to extend the leg. The site is secure.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been developed to detect antibodies to. The additional incisors (peg teeth) are small, rounded teeth located directly behind the upper incisors. Diagnosis of pneumonia is based on clinical signs and supportive diagnostic tests. Primaparous does usually have smaller litters. External coaptation can also be effective for closed, simple, long-bone fractures. The glottis cannot be seen while trying to pass the tube. with a sterile saline solution, 50:50. 0000012207 00000 n 0000030676 00000 n Infections can be transmitted from the doe to offspring or by direct contact with infected rabbits. 0000014043 00000 n No adverse reaction has been noted with 0000045001 00000 n Presumptive diagnosis is based on clinical signs and results of diagnostic testing of rabbits exhibiting neurologic signs. In ferrets, the most appropriate antibiotic based on culture results can be used without regard to serious gastrointestinal upset. Offer free-choice hay and fresh vegetables at all times. However, there are breeds that have ears in a downward carriage, which are known as lops.. Rodents. This method is effective for examining the ventrum of the patient. Bony changes in the bulla may indicate osteomyelitis. This method is quick and easy but leaves rough edges and may cause fractures of the teeth. Colonies are kept Pasteurella-free through serologic testing and strict isolation and sanitation procedures.
No known treatments are available. Fresh water should always be available. Coats can be divided into normal, Rex, and Satin breeds. Administer a topical antibiotic in the ear canal 3 to 4 times daily. Rabbits may act as if they are depressed and in pain. Lesions produced by cheyletid mites consist of a scaly dermatitis with a flaky, grayish-white exudate. General preventive measures are described in the following section on Pasteurellosis. No antibiotic pharmacokinetic studies have been performed in ferrets so drug dose, treatment length, and frequency are based on clinical experience and extrapolated from other species. What is the most likely pathogen at the infection site? The swellings are large, firm, and warm to the touch.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as the fluorinated quinolones, trimethoprim/sulfa, or chloramphenicol are indicated if bacterial enteritis is suspected. 0000009015 00000 n The environment should be treated with flea products safe for cats to prevent re-infection. Choose an antibiotic that penetrates the blood-brain barrier and is effective against pasteurellosis (e.g., chloramphenicol and enrofloxacin). Overweight rabbits are predisposed to hypercalciuria and urolithiasis. 0000021020 00000 n Cystic mastitis must be differentiated from septic mastitis and mammary neoplasia. Skull radiographs may aid in diagnosis. The incidence of abortions, metritis, and infertility may increase in breeding females. Intestinal coccidiosis is often subclinical or causes only intermittent mild-to-moderate diarrhea and associated dehydration. Supportive care is necessary in rabbits that are laterally recumbent or that have severe torticollis. Hepatic coccidiosis results from infection with the highly pathogenic Eimeria stieda. Clostridium piliforme (formerly Bacillus piliformis), which causes Tyzzer's disease, is associated with acute diarrhea and death, primarily in young weanling rabbits.
Intubation is most successful in large rabbits; consider intubating medium-sized rabbits for long surgical procedures. Abcesses of the mammary gland can develop independent of lactation status. Give injections of benzathine penicillin G (a long-acting penicillin) at 42,000 to 84,000 IU/kg IM at weekly intervals for 2 to 3 weeks. Use either a tuberculin or insulin syringe to minimize the risk of collapsing the vein with too much negative pressure. Staphylococcus aureus and Pasteurella and Streptococcus spp. These permissions are granted for free by Elsevier for as long as the COVID-19 resource centre remains active. With septic mastitis, the affected gland is swollen, firm, erythematous to blue-tinged, and warm to the touch. The cause sometimes is determined only on postmortem examination. Rabbits, hares, and pikas are members of the order Lagomorpha.
Uterine adenocarcinoma is a slow-growing tumor that can be multicentric and involve both horns of the uterus. New York: WB Saunders Preventive serologic screening is not necessary. Instruct owners to wear gloves when handling or treating affected animals because of the zoonotic disease potential. MediRabbit.com is Because most rabbits are fastidious and prefer to defecate and urinate in one spot, they often can be trained to use a litterbox. Anorectic animals can be syringe fed specialized hand-feeding formulas for herbivores (Critical Care for Herbivores, Oxbow Pet Products, Murdock, NE; Nasogastric tubes can be placed in medium-to-large rabbits that require long-term nutritional support or that have had extensive oral surgery. Avoid antibiotics that may induce enteritis. Lesions consist of areas of alopecia with erythema and scaly dermatitis. Mid-femoral amputation of the hind limb is preferred over coxofemoral disarticulation. Clearly, for abscesses, it is best to combine antibiotic therapy with wound debridement and daily flushing to increase the chance of successful therapy. Encourage rabbits to exercise. Euthanasia often is selected in debilitated rabbits if no clinical improvement is seen after several days of therapy. The fur around the alopecic areas is moist. Inadequate restraint can result in a spinal fracture in the rabbit if it is allowed to kick with its hind legs. )&Ls#V41pFwND-Sg+kG 4SwCf:yl9je+73%gZ=/Zj$+g|k~anF$mv7ikb{i6. Check both lateral and medial edges of upper and lower molars. Oxford, UK: Pergamon Press 1996. Medium breeds, which average from 3.5 to 5 kg in body weight, include the Californian, the Silver Marten, and the Rex rabbits. Dietary history is very important. Although a few clinicians advocate routine surgical removal of hairballs, the risk of surgical or anesthetic complications is high considering the debilitated condition of most of these rabbits. Commercial products in paste form are available (e.g., Bene-Bac, Pet-Ag, Inc, Hampshire, IL). the type of infection, daily or every 2nd day. for treatment of bacterial infections. Severity of the diarrhea is variable and is affected by other contributing microorganisms. Ketamine (5-10 mg/kg) and medetomidine (Domitor, Pfizer Animal Health, Exton, PA) (0.15-0.18 mg/kg) in combination given IM or IV provides adequate relaxation and sedation. appetite. and other dermatophytes occur much less frequently. treatment leads to: Depending on Large amounts of calcium sediment may be visible in the bladder in rabbits excreting large amounts of calcium. Overweight rabbits should undergo weight reduction to decrease the risk of developing sore hocks. Allow the rabbit out of the cage as much as possible to exercise. Determination of acute or chronic bacterial disease is imperative as this dictates prognosis, treatment length, and choice of antibiotic. necrosis. Rabbits usually adapt well to amputation and can ambulate easily on three limbs. Rabbits have minimal soft tissue to protect the long bones below the elbow and stifle from penetrating the skin, thus open fractures are common at these sites. Culture of the abscess capsule wall is recommended however, since other bacterial organisms have also been implicated. abscesses, middle ear Systemic antibiotics are necessary if infection is present.
The new PMC design is here! Hindered absorption, when concurrent Give the rabbit petrolatum-based oral lubricants such as Laxatone at 1 to 2 ml/day for 3 to 5 days to aid in fur passage. Boredom also may be a factor in fur-barbering. A limited amount (approximately 2 tablespoons per 2 pounds of body weight) of fruits such as papaya, melon, or berries can be provided as a treat or to entice an anorectic animal to eat. Place soft, dry bedding, such as hay or several thicknesses of newspaper, in one area of the cage. Abscesses can occur in the joints, tooth roots, various organs, and in subcutaneous tissue. Pruritus is not a major clinical sign. Coccidia are susceptible to treatment only during a specific period in the protozoan life cycle. Some owners administer a petrolatum-based cat laxative to their rabbits every 1 to 2 months. Urine scald is associated with urinary incontinence, cystitis, excessive calcium in the urine, uterine adenocarcinoma, or poor management and unclean caging. Consider ovariohysterectomy in does older than 3 years of age with evidence of cystic mastitis or increased aggressive behavior. Presumptive diagnosis is based on identifying Eimeria oocysts in a fecal sample or intestinal scrapings. Critical patients require IV catheterization. Ears can be cleaned 1 to 2 weeks after pain subsides and lesions heal. Do a direct fecal smear or fecal flotation to check for spore-forming gram-positive bacteria and coccidia. Dermatitis resulting from dermatophytosis must be differentiated from other possible causes, including mites, fur-barbering, and bacterial dermatitis. Calcium and phosphorus are excreted primarily through urine in rabbits. Ultrasound examination can provide useful information about abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, and reproductive tract. Sudden death may be the only clinical sign in peracute disease. Clinical signs of encephalitozoonosis are similar to those of the neurologic form of pasteurellosis. Infection of the nose, eyelids, lips, and chin may result from autoinfection. Skin irritation or formation of sterile abscesses Microscopic examination of crusts and exudate usually reveals mites and eggs. Keep cages and bedding clean to minimize spread through contaminated fomites. Infection is spread by direct contact with infected rabbits or contaminated fomites, aerosolization, or from does to offspring during birth and nursing. To avoid Ulcerative pododermatitis (sore hocks) usually develops as a result of management-related problems. 4 41 Lesions initially consist of erythematous vesicles that progress to papules, ulcerations, scaliness, and dry crusty lesions. Malocclusion and root elongation of the cheek teeth sometimes accompany mandibular abscesses. Clostridium spiroforme, a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming rod, is one of the primary pathogens in bacterial enteritis in rabbits. Rabbits with severe disease may be anorexic and lethargic. 0000000016 00000 n Mucus and blood may also be present.
H. Schall,
If conjunctivitis is present, cannulate and flush the nasolacrimal duct of the affected eye or eyes with sterile water or saline. With the joint reduced and the limb in extension, apply a splint to allow the surrounding soft tissue to develop fibrosis and keep the luxation reduced. Hold the rabbit at the edge of a table with the neck held in extension. It has been shown experimentally to work by theoretically binding bacterial toxins and has been suggested at a dose of 2g/20 cc of water q24 hours by gavage. The skeleton of the rabbit is light and fragile. benzathine). Pasteurella multocida is often implicated as a primary cause, though other bacteria may also be involved. The stomach or cecum may be distended with intestinal gas that may be detected on abdominal palpation. High dosage treatment (20 mg/kg) over a rabbits, to treat infections due to bacteria, whose sensitivity tests are the most commonly isolated bacteria. The Jugular catheters can be difficult to insert and may require a cutdown procedure. Treat adult rabbits with suspected mite infestations with ivermectin (see. The administration for most antibiotics in rabbits is based on clinical experience. Hormonal influences in breeding season may contribute to aggression and fur-barbering. The underlying skin is normal. Other disease problems may cause clinical signs similar to a vertebral fracture. 0000014444 00000 n (q24h) for 5 to 7 days. Uterine adenocarcinoma is likely in a doe older than 3 years of age with a thickened uterus or multiple abdominal masses. Calculi may also be visible in the ureters or kidneys. Oral administration of antibiotics is effective in rabbits with mild-to-moderate diarrhea. abscesses can be avoided by diluting the amount to be given by the same To accomplish this, choose drugs that are effective against aerobic, anaerobic, gram positive and gram negative organisms. Antibiotic administration in the drinking water rarely allows the drug to reach effective serum concentrations. hb``Pc``9!010$Q5(f`PebdrP01!lg JH005p7w029/0aghg`q;CosN2Kp { k Wj endstream endobj 5 0 obj <>>> endobj 6 0 obj >/PageWidthList<0 595.276>>>>>>/Resources<>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/Properties<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 595.276 841.89]/Type/Page>> endobj 7 0 obj <> endobj 8 0 obj <> endobj 9 0 obj [/Separation/PANTONE#20Orange#20021#20C/DeviceCMYK<>] endobj 10 0 obj <>stream Correct the diet to include adequate roughage if fur-barbering is suspected.
Many infected rabbits are asymptomatic, or may develop clinical signs after a stressful event or other immunosuppressive conditions. Calcium oxalate crystals are commonly present, though ammonium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and monohydrate crystals are also often seen. Patients are also often anorectic. Ptyalism, alopecia, and dermatitis around the mouth are associated with malocclusion. Decrease or eliminate pellets from the diet and encourage rabbits to exercise to prevent obesity. funded solely by the generosity of donors. This is opposed to the classes of drugs that are more effective at a steady state. Elsevier hereby grants permission to make all its COVID-19-related research that is available on the COVID-19 resource centre - including this research content - immediately available in PubMed Central and other publicly funded repositories, such as the WHO COVID database with rights for unrestricted research re-use and analyses in any form or by any means with acknowledgement of the original source. Apply an antibiotic cream topically if a secondary bacterial infection is present. Ovariohysterectomy is successful if done before metastasis has occurred. Pasteurellosis is the most common cause of pneumonia in rabbits, though other bacteria such as. However, they should always be supervised, as they may chew on dangerous objects such as electrical cords and poisonous plants. Educate owners with intact does about the early clinical signs of uterine adenocarcinoma and recommend yearly to semi-annual check-ups once the patient is 3 years of age.
Lesions usually appear on the head and ears and can extend to the neck, legs, feet, and nail beds. An infection of the eye is known as ophthalmomyiasis. Some of the safer drugs include trimethoprin sulfas, Quinolones, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, and metronidazole. Disinfection of the environment is important. Avoid rupture of the larvae. Oral administration is effective in animals with mild-to-moderate diarrhea.
Not all rabbits develop gastrointestinal disease from the more dangerous antibiotics. Calculi usually are composed of calcium carbonate or calcium oxalate and may be associated with high dietary calcium intake. Pluck or wet down the fur from the site for better visibility of the vein. However, coccidia may predispose the rabbit to bacterial enteritis (see Diarrhea/Enteritis). Hepatic coccidiosis is associated with anorexia, weight loss, abdominal enlargement, diarrhea, icterus, and acute death. Alternatively, while supporting the back of the rabbit against your body, the forelegs can be grasped between the fingers of one hand while the hind limbs are supported firmly between the fingers of your other hand.
Diagnosis of the primary cause is based on clinical signs, history, and specific tests. Check rabbits with mild cases of otitis for the presence of mites. Simple lancing of mandibular and joint abscesses is ineffective because of the thick, caseous nature of the exudate. Place the rabbit in sternal recumbency with an assistant extending the neck and head forward. Antibiotic therapy can cause suppression of normal gut flora and overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. Infection may be subclinical with intermittent episodes of mucopurulent nasal discharge, which often is precipitated by stress. Thick, white purulent exudate is present on fine-needle aspirate of the swelling.
Whenever antibiotics are used empirically, consider four-quadrant coverage. Burr guards can also be purchased. The .gov means its official. Clip affected areas and apply topical antifungal agents daily for 3 to 4 weeks. What is the dose and route of administration of that antibiotic?
Diarrhea is associated with antibiotics that are active against gram-positive aerobes and selective gramnegative anaerobes. Satin breeds have a genetic mutation that results in a shiny haircoat. Chloramphenicol (30-50 mg/kg PO q12h) can be used to treat proliferative enteritis caused by L. intracellularis. Administer systemic antibiotics based on culture and sensitivity testing. Cephalic veins can be used to collect small volumes of blood. The highly pathogenic Eimeria stieda infects the liver. Some rabbits also calm down if their eyes are covered with a hand or towel. Foods high in starches or fat such as seeds, nuts, bread, and corn are not advisable as they can predispose rabbits to obesity and GI disease.