What is Pasteurellosis in rabbits? Pasteurellosis is a disease of bacterial nature caused by Pasteurella multocida. The disease affects the respiratory tract, trachea and lungs of rabbits.
The causative agent of the disease, the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, is transmitted through direct contact, contaminated feces, utensils and other items, and by airborne droplets.
Fluffy very quickly pick up the infection from their sick relatives, just being near. It is enough to breathe the same air, which makes pasteurellosis rabbits quite a formidable disease.
The disease is also transmitted from the mother rabbit to the babies during the birthing process. The good news is that rabbits are protected from the disease by maternal antibodies for the first time in their lives (the first few weeks).
There are places on the body of the animal that should be especially protected from getting there malicious bacteria. These are the nose and open wounds. Once in the body, Pasteurella multocida affects the trachea and then the lungs. The rabbit experiences breathing problems, then other painful sensations join.
The incubation period lasts from 5-10 hours to several days.
Hemorrhagic septicemia is an acute form of pasteurellosis, which develops in the rabbit’s body if the bacterium has entered it for the first time. In this stage of the disease, the animal dies very quickly and with virtually no symptoms.
Symptoms of a formidable disease
How to realize that the rabbit is overcome by the disease? Pay attention to the following symptoms:
- nasal discharge;
- redness of the eyes;
- sneezing;
- swelling around the muzzle;
- difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, open-mouth breathing;
- snoring;
- soiled hair on the front legs and under the tail;
- lacrimation;
- fever;
- thirst;
- loss of interest in food;
- diarrhea and constipation.
Once sick, the fluffy lump may lose a lot of weight. As pasteurellosis progresses, the rabbit becomes increasingly lost, it is difficult for him to stand and orient himself in space. Due to diarrhea (which often alternates with constipation in this disease), severe dehydration of the body occurs. To other problems with the gastrointestinal tract can be added and abdominal bloating. Under the tail of the animal is dirty and wet.
The pet is not given to hands, scratching. The rabbit may also begin to lose hair.
The most terrible thing about pasteurellosis: the rate of death of furry favorites. If the disease is in the acute stage, they die on the second day after infection. If in the chronic stage – the time is a little longer, about a week.
Treatment of pasteurellosis
How to cure the disease? Act quickly, especially if pasteurellosis in rabbits in the acute stage. Then it is possible to save the life of furry friends.
In pasteurellosis, the doctor can prescribe antibiotics belonging to the group of cephalosporins, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides. For example, Apramycin. This powder is given to pets once a day (20-30 mg per 1 kg of body weight of the rabbit) for 5-7 days.
The veterinarian should examine the pet to make sure whether any other infection has not joined the diseased organism, otherwise pasteurellosis will develop with complications.
Cage disinfection. The place of residence of the sick is also worth treating. For this purpose, you can use the preparation Biodes-R. Rabbits do not have to be moved to another place.
But you can also relocate the animals temporarily, and the cage is treated with open fire to surely destroy all pathogenic bacteria. Use a blowtorch for this purpose.
Old hay, bedding, manure, leftover feed, bowls and other small things should be burned and replaced with new ones. Put good quality hay and straw in the cage of sick pets. Put boiled vegetables in bowls (potatoes and beets are useful). Rabbits should drink a lot! In addition to drinking water, you can give them a decoction of chamomile during the period of illness. Offer the animals also vitamin and mineral complexes.
Prevention: what to do to keep rabbits from getting sick?
It is important to keep rabbits clean. Regularly sanitize the cage and all surfaces in it, clean up on time.
It is also important that the room in which live fluffy tails, well ventilated. At the same time, remember that a draft for rabbits is destructive.
Take care of a balanced, nutritious diet for pets! It is very important to monitor their diet, so that rabbits get all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and trace elements.
Make sure that the rabbits are not stressed. Everyone knows that these pets are very sensitive and fearful, right? Loud sounds, the neighborhood of a large, aggressive animal nearby, overheating and similar conditions reduce the immunity of fluffy and lead to increased morbidity.
Rabbits in the cage should not be too many. “Cramped but not in offense” is not the case. Spaciousness, the opportunity to run and frolic, not huddle around each other – that’s what animals need for complete happiness (and health!).
Always quarantine new rabbits beforehand and only then place them in a cage with the others!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pasteurellosis in Rabbits
Pasteurellosis is a bacterial disease caused by Pasteurella multocida that primarily affects the respiratory tract, trachea, and lungs of rabbits. It is a serious condition that can lead to severe health issues or even death if not treated promptly.
The bacterium Pasteurella multocida is transmitted through direct contact, contaminated feces, utensils, and airborne droplets. Rabbits can contract the disease by being in close proximity to infected animals or through contaminated environments.
Yes, Pasteurellosis can be transmitted from the mother rabbit to her babies during the birthing process. However, newborn rabbits are initially protected by maternal antibodies for the first few weeks of life.
Symptoms include nasal discharge, redness of the eyes, sneezing, swelling around the muzzle, difficulty breathing, snoring, soiled fur on the front legs and under the tail, lacrimation, fever, thirst, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and constipation. In severe cases, the rabbit may lose weight rapidly and show signs of severe dehydration and abdominal bloating.
The incubation period for Pasteurellosis can range from 5-10 hours to several days after exposure to the bacterium.
Treatment usually involves antibiotics such as cephalosporins, tetracyclines, or aminoglycosides. An example is Apramycin, administered at 20-30 mg per kg of body weight daily for 5-7 days. The veterinarian will also check for any secondary infections that could complicate the condition.
Immediate veterinary care is crucial. The rabbit’s living environment should be disinfected using products like Biodes-R, or by burning old bedding and cleaning the cage thoroughly. Providing high-quality hay, fresh vegetables, and plenty of water is important. Vitamin and mineral supplements may also be beneficial.
Hemorrhagic septicemia is an acute and severe form of Pasteurellosis that can lead to rapid death of the rabbit with little to no prior symptoms. It occurs when the bacterium enters the body for the first time.
Prevention includes maintaining a clean and well-ventilated living environment for rabbits, ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet, minimizing stress, avoiding overcrowding, and quarantining new rabbits before introducing them to existing ones. Regular sanitation and avoiding drafts are also crucial.
If you observe symptoms of Pasteurellosis, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early intervention is key to effective treatment and improving the chances of recovery.
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