No adverse reaction has been noted with *Never* give orally; this has fatal consequences. What antibiotic is best against that pathogen? The highly pathogenic Eimeria stieda infects the liver. It is always preferred to use an antibiotic that has the least likelihood of inciting gastrointestinal disease. Results are sometimes falsely negative. Rabbits with parasitic migration may remain unchanged or improve gradually. 0000018008 00000 n
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External coaptation can also be effective for closed, simple, long-bone fractures. An enlarged stomach may be visible on plain radiographs. Rabbits with severe disease may be anorexic and lethargic. Small breeds, which average less than 3.5 kg in body weight, include the Netherland Dwarf, the Jersey Wooly, and the Polish rabbits. An official website of the United States government. H. Schall, Alopecic areas may be circular with slightly raised edges. High-fiber, timothy-based pellets (Oxbow Pet Products, Murdock, NE; The high level of calcium in alfalfa diets may result in hypercalciuria or urinary calculi. Chloramphenicol (30-50 mg/kg PO q12h) can be used to treat proliferative enteritis caused by L. intracellularis. Hold the rabbit at the edge of a table with the neck held in extension. 0000044964 00000 n
To prevent hematoma formation, apply direct pressure to the venipuncture site for several minutes. Lesions may progress to raw, ulcerative sores with scabs. Neonatal rabbits are totally dependent on milk up to day 10. The underlying epithelial surface is raw, inflamed, and hemorrhagic. Fluoroquinilone antibiotics can moreover lead to cartilage damage For prevention, decrease dietary calcium levels, especially in mature or aged rabbits. Give barium at a standard small-animal dose of 10 to 14 ml/kg orally into the cheek pouch. Fur-barbering is common in rabbits on diets deficient in roughage. Ulcerative granulomatous lesions involve the plantar surface of the hocks and may be unilateral or bilateral. Cephalic veins can be used to collect small volumes of blood. Amputating the affected limb may be the most effective therapy for abscesses involving the joint and surrounding bone. Make sure no sharp surfaces or wire edges are present that can traumatize the teats. Check other animals in the household for evidence of dermatophytosis. A soft mass palpable in the stomach area of an anorectic rabbit is evidence of a hairball. The incidence of abortions, metritis, and infertility may increase in breeding females. Deep skin scrapings are necessary to find mange mites. Bacteria can also spread hematogenously from the initial infection. Bacterial infection of the inner ear, middle ear, or meninges is the most common cause of torticollis in pet rabbits. Intravenous fluid therapy is indicated for rabbits with moderate-to-severe diarrhea. Severely affected glands may require surgical excision. Screen young rabbits for coccidiosis or give prophylactic therapy. Rex breeds have short guard hairs that do not project above the undercoat, thus producing a velvety fur coat. This provides a completely circular field of vision with the exception of the small area below the mouth. Clean the surgical site daily and allow the wound to heal by second intention. Rabbits fed a large amount of leafy greens will have lower water intake.
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. Rabbits are not systemically ill. Keep lactating does in a clean environment. Jugular veins lie superficially in the jugular furrow. Give antibiotics parenterally in rabbits with severe clinical signs. Instruct owners to feed their rabbits proper diets with an adequate content of indigestible fiber, such as timothy hay. Respiratory signs associated with pasteurellosis include rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia. Raven 1998. New rabbits should be quarantined from other rabbits in the household until their disease status is known. Premedicate with a combination of ketamine with medetomidine, diazepam, or midazolam as needed, especially if using isoflurane.
Excessive salivation is common in rabbits with malocclusion. Some rabbits also calm down if their eyes are covered with a hand or towel. The abnormal flora changes the pH which increases volatile fatty acid production, thereby further suppressing the growth of normal bacteria. Corticosteroids may or may not be helpful in decreasing inflammation of the larynx and tracheal mucosa. If urine discoloration is intermittent, dispense dipsticks for owners to check the urine at home. Anti-inflammatory and pain medication such as Carprofen (Rimadyl, Pfizer Animal Health, Exton, PA) or Meloxican (Metacam, Boehringer, Ingelheim Vetmedica, St. Joseph, MO) are often effective in making the patient more comfortable. If rabbits are restrained poorly with inadequate control of the rear legs, animals may kick suddenly, resulting in fracture of their spinal vertebrae. Place the tip of the short, flat-blade laryngoscope blade (i.e., Miller blade), at the base of the tongue. A new concept in drug administration is called pulse therapy. The mouth can be held open by looping strips of gauze around both upper and lower incisors. Hematogenous spread of the bacterial infection to other joints may occur at any time during the clinical course. Treponema paraluiscuniculi is the causative agent of rabbit syphilis. Depending on their size, most rabbits require a 2.5- to 5.0-mm endotracheal tube. Metronidazole is used for anaerobic infections. What is the dose and route of administration of that antibiotic? Ulcerative pododermatitis (sore hocks) usually develops as a result of management-related problems. Although, this does not change the fact that antibiotics are important medications for ferrets and rabbits, it is best that owners be informed of this information. Rabbits are unable to vomit, contributing to accumulation of hair in the stomach. Thus, long sensory hairs around the snout and the sensitivity of the lips help rabbits discriminate food. Exudate can block the nasolacrimal duct resulting in conjunctivitis, serous-to-mucopurulent ocular discharge, and periorbital matting or alopecia. Rabbits remain alert, responsive, and active. A positive result is not diagnostic of the specific agent but is helpful in ruling out some possible causes. The additional incisors (peg teeth) are small, rounded teeth located directly behind the upper incisors. Traumatic joint luxations of the elbow or stifle joint occasionally occur. Neurologic signs, including head tilt, torticollis, nystagmus, and facial nerve deficits, can be seen with infections of the middle or inner ear, meninges, or brain. Mange mites produce a crusty dermatitis with alopecia. It may be associated with high estrogen levels, uterine hyperplasia, and uterine adenocarcinoma. 0000006838 00000 n
It is difficult to administer antibiotics in pill form to most small mammals.
Free-choice timothy or coastal hay should be provided to maintain the rabbit's dental and GI health. Wet down or pluck the fur from the mid-thigh region to better visualize the vein. The tip of the tube is located in the distal esophagus. One must consider where are those other sites and therefore, what other organ systems are involved? However, the patient must be sedated for the procedure, which should only be performed by experienced practitioners. Lagomorphs have six incisors, in contrast to the closely related rodents, which have four incisors. Most disinfectants, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, iodophors, phenolic derivatives, alcohols, and hydrogen peroxide, are effective in inactivating spores. Euthanasia often is elected for severely debilitated rabbits with advanced disease. The site is secure. Owners must be able to do extensive nursing care at home. Antibiotics are indicated in all open and contaminated fractures to prevent subsequent osteomyelitis and abscess formation. Joint luxations are palpable as firm swellings. Once a day administration is therefore advantageous. Antibiotics that are highly likely to cause gastrointestinal dysbiosis include amoxicillin, ampicillin, clindamycin, and lincomycin. Lippincott Abdominal ultrasonography also can be used to identify an enlarged uterus or uterine masses and to detect liver or lymph node metastases. Some recommend the use of metronidazole at 20 mg/kg q12 hours to decrease the amount of clostridium. The treatment period should extend through the life cycle of the mite. Administer ketamine (5-10 mg/kg IM) and medetomidine (0.15-0.35 mg/kg IM) in combination. The nose, lips, and periorbital area are less commonly involved. In rabbits, one must determine if the bacterial disease is the result of an acute infection or an acute manifestation of a chronic infection. Is this because the rabbit recently developed upper respiratory bacterial disease or because a chronic pasteurellosis infection is only now becoming apparent? The administration for most antibiotics in rabbits is based on clinical experience. Coccidia are host-specific protozoan parasites. 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. Radiographs are used to confirm a diagnosis. giving the treatment at home. Mange, fur, and ear mites cause localized or diffuse dermatitis, alopecia, or both. problems of the digestive system (. Depending on the site of infection, clinical signs can vary and include: torticollis, ataxia, nystagmus, rolling, seizures, paresis, and death. Apply an antibiotic cream topically if a secondary bacterial infection is present. The area involved depends on the type of mite (see Ear Mites; Fur and Mange Mites). Often rabbits remain alert and active, with no other signs. Normal fur coats have an undercoat with projecting guard hairs. Sudden temperature changes, poor sanitation, or poor ventilation in high-ammonia areas contribute to the development of disease. If bacterial Offer free-choice hay and fresh vegetables at all times. Ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg SC q10-14d for three treatments) is effective against most mites that infest rabbits. 0000026932 00000 n
Butterworth-Heinemann 2001. A topical ophthalmic anesthetic is necessary for this procedure. To accomplish this, choose drugs that are effective against aerobic, anaerobic, gram positive and gram negative organisms. Thoracic radiographs should be taken to screen for pulmonary metastasis. Rabbits have very small thoracic cavities. Hematuria or a serosanguineous vaginal discharge is often the first clinical sign noted. Lack of roughage in the diet, stress, and antibiotic therapy are all factors that contribute to disruptions in cecal microflora and pH, which can result in diarrhea. This treatment involves once a day drug administration rather than multiple daily dosing. Acute pyloric obstruction causes severe depression, lethargy, bloating, dehydration, hypothermia, and shock. Have the handler hold off the saphenous vein by hooking one or more fingers around the back of the back leg proximal to the stifle; encircling and squeezing the proximal thigh too tightly will cause the vein to collapse. Respiratory disease is common in pet rabbits and can result from many interrelated factors. the type of infection, daily or every 2, To avoid Use these drugs at 30 mg/kg q12hrs PO. 0000045001 00000 n
Rabbits are popular pets for both children and adults. Use a tongue depressor or speculum to push the tongue to one side while clipping the medial edges of the lower cheek teeth. 0000018121 00000 n
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. about navigating our updated article layout. treponematosis. Force-feed anorexic patients with products such as Critical Care for Herbivores (Oxbow Pet Products) several times a day. The swellings are large, firm, and warm to the touch. Instruct owners to decrease the dietary calcium levels in rabbits with hypercalciuria. Penicillin G Medications can be administered orally into the lateral cheek pouch. Red, pink, or orange discoloration of the urine occurs periodically in healthy rabbits. Severely comminuted or open fractures may be best managed with limb amputation. donation, no matter what the size, is appreciated and will aid in the Diagnosis is based on history and clinical signs. Bacteria colonize the soft palate and nasal turbinates and may produce a lifelong infection. 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. abscesses, middle ear - formation of
Cheyletiella parasitivorax is the common fur mite of rabbits. Auscultation of the nares and trachea often reveal rattles and rales. A fluorescent antibody test against treponemal antigen also is used, and an ELISA is available to screen for antibodies. The incidence of disease in pet rabbits is low. 0000014043 00000 n
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As a general rule, females (does) sexually mature at approximately 4 to 8 months of age and males (bucks) sexually mature around 6 to 10 months of age. Abcesses of the mammary gland can develop independent of lactation status.
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Oxford, UK: Pergamon Press 1996. The procedure is usually short and can be done with an injectable tranquilizer. administration of antacids. Other pets in the household kept in contact with infested rabbits should be examined. The color may be the result of porphyrin pigments or food-related metabolites excreted in the urine. Observe affected rabbits carefully for several weeks for additional lesions. Other areas, such as the dewlap and feet, sometimes are involved. A mass may be difficult to differentiate from abdominal fat in small does. Antibiotic administration in the drinking water rarely allows the drug to reach effective serum concentrations. Many rabbits remain active and alert with no other clinical signs. Avoid antibiotics that may induce enteritis. Allen, J. K Pringle, Dale A. Smith, Handbook of Veterinary Drugs. British Small Animal Veterinary Association Give antibiotics long-term, usually a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks. Treat rabbits with simple bacterial cystitis with antibiotics. Protect wounds with sterile, soft, padded bandages. Plucking the hair over the vein is easier than shaving fine fur. Results of a complete blood count (CBC) may reveal a relative increase in heterophil numbers or a reversal of the lymphocyte/heterophil ratio, indicating an inflammatory response. Healing is often prolonged. Stress is a major factor in GI stasis. The presence of organisms on histologic examination is required for definitive diagnosis. Satin breeds have a genetic mutation that results in a shiny haircoat. Drugs that are effective in pulse therapy have a "post-antibiotic effect". Small-gauge catheters (i.e., 24-gauge) can be placed in the cephalic or lateral saphenous vein in most rabbits. Severe diarrhea, intussusception, and death may occur with heavy infections. Secure the free end of the tube to the skin above the nose and eye with a butterfly tape and suture. Joint abscesses are most frequent in the distal limb joints. Eventually, enteritis develops and ultimately the production of toxins from Clostridium, specifically Clostridium spiroforme (iota toxins) leads to enterotoxemia. Clinical signs may recur in some rabbits when drugs are stopped. Pelleted diets are balanced and convenient; however most of these are alfalfa based and are low in fiber. Ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg SC q14d for two treatments) can be administered to kill larvae, but the larvae still need to be removed from the sites. Medical management is successful in most rabbits. Ears vary in size and shape between the different breeds, and most rabbits have upright ears. 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. Some owners administer a petrolatum-based cat laxative to their rabbits every 1 to 2 months. Often, the cause cannot be established, and a tentative diagnosis is based on response to therapy. Coccidiosis is primarily a disease of young and weanling rabbits. MediRabbit.com is Vascular lesions, infection with herpesvirus, cerebral nematodiasis, hypovitaminosis A, and toxicoses (e.g., lead poisoning) are less common causes of head tilt and uncoordination. Do not use Resco-type nail clippers to cut incisors because excessive trauma can result in split incisors and loosened tooth roots. Kathy Laber-Laird, Paul Flecknell and Alternatively, the glottis can be visualized with an otoendoscope or endoscopic telescope in a sedated rabbit. once weekly (1x per week), during 3 to 5 weeks, (40,000-60,000 IU/kg, every day Rabbits can range in size weighing from 2.5 lb in the dwarf breeds up to 28 lb in the giant breeds. Cultures and sensitivity testing can be helpful in identifying organisms and in directing antibiotic therapy. Inadequate restraint can result in a spinal fracture in the rabbit if it is allowed to kick with its hind legs. Excessive ptyalism may be an early symptom. When the antibiotic is dissolved in High dosage treatment (20 mg/kg) over a Be sure to provide support to the hind limbs. Endometrial changes that may precede neoplastic changes include endometriosis, endometritis, and papillary, cystic, or adenomatous hyperplasia. Surgical resection of early focal abdominal metastasis is the treatment of choice but carries a guarded prognosis because of metastasis that may not be visible at the time of surgery. Recumbent rabbits should be turned every 6 to 8 hours or propped up sternally to prevent hypostatic congestion of the lungs. Institute empirical antibiotic treatment if a culture cannot be obtained or before results are known. Clinical signs are usually inapparent during the early hyperplastic stages. In rabbits, consider the stress of administration when determining how the patient is to receive the medication. Spores can be seen in the tissue and lesions in the brain usually consist of multifocal areas of necrosis and granulomas with perivascular lymphoplasmacytic cuffing. Endometrial changes such as atrophy of the glandular epithelial cells and increased collagen content are associated with development of uterine neoplasia. Fecal pellets may appear small, the amount of pellets passed may be less than normal, and hair may be visible in the pellets, causing them to string together. Depending on the breed, litters range from 4 to 10 kits. Intense pruritus results from mites burrowing in the epidermis. 0000016351 00000 n
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Intestinal coccidiosis is often subclinical or causes only intermittent mild-to-moderate diarrhea and associated dehydration. Apply eye lubricants several times daily if the blink reflex is diminished. However, coccidia may predispose the rabbit to bacterial enteritis (see Diarrhea/Enteritis). 0000021876 00000 n
Hook the base of the blade against the top front incisors, and use the blade as a lever to see the glottis. The deciduous teeth are shed right around the time of birth and the permanent teeth complete eruption around 3 to 5 weeks of age. Press a strip of cellophane tape to the skin lesions to obtain a sample. Thoracic radiographs are useful in differentiating between pneumonia, cardiac disease, and neoplasia. probiotics can be given twice a day, Normally no cross reaction with If conjunctivitis is present, cannulate and flush the nasolacrimal duct of the affected eye or eyes with sterile water or saline. Sexual maturity varies in different breeds. If wounds appear infected, submit samples for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. Rabbits are very susceptible to heat stroke in ambient temperatures above 85F. Force-feed anorectic animals. Critical patients require IV catheterization. continuing research of medical care and health of rabbits. Coccidiostats may slow multiplication until host immunity develops. Use liquid or paste preparations when possible because rabbits have a long, narrow oropharynx that makes pill administration difficult. Carefully examine both ear canals for evidence of infection. The dental formula is 2/1 incisors, 0/0 canines, 3/2 premolars, and 2-3/3 molars. To avoid Routinely brush long-haired rabbits or heavy shedders. The cecum is the largest organ in the abdominal cavity and holds approximately 40% of the GI contents. Lesions initially consist of erythematous vesicles that progress to papules, ulcerations, scaliness, and dry crusty lesions.
Before an antibiotic is chosen, identify the organ system involved. IM administration only for professionals The skeletal system is light and delicate compared with most mammals. Lesions begin in the concha and eventually extend to the inner surface of the pinna. In rare cases, penicillin Guidelines for antibiotic use in ferrets are simpler to follow than it is in rabbits. Specific information concerning breeds can be obtained from the American Rabbit Breeders Association by mail (PO Box 426; Bloomington, IL 61702) or on their Website (. These rabbits may require medications indefinitely to control clinical signs. Molar malocclusion requires dentistry with sedation. Because of its large, white, flake-like appearance, it is often called walking dandruff. Infestations with other species of Cheyletiella occasionally occur. This should be done cautiously if the topical antibiotic ingredient could cause dysbiosis if ingested by the patient. However, depending on the extent of involvement, this may not be possible and aggressive surgical debridement is the next best option. Consider surgical drainage or excision of mammary abscesses. There are no drug company brochures guiding veterinarians as to the indications of certain antibiotics in ferrets and rabbits. Topical acaricides, including pyrethrins, carbamates, and lime sulfur solution dips (see. Give antibiotics at the first signs of respiratory disease (see. Screen rabbits for shedding of coccidial oocysts. Sudden temperature changes, changes in food, overcrowding, or poor sanitation contribute to disease. Other areas of the body can be involved in severe infestations. Has recently been successfully used in Multifocal infection of the spinal cord secondary to pasteurellosis, parasite migration, or vascular thrombosis within the cord can cause neurologic deficits. Jugular catheters can be difficult to insert and may require a cutdown procedure. This area is a frequent site of moist dermatitis, especially in obese rabbits kept in humid, warm environments that may have difficulty grooming themselves. Administer an oral Lactobacillus supplement during long-term antibiotic therapy. 0000040696 00000 n
However, repeated attempts to intubate can damage the larynx, causing soft tissue trauma or laryngospasm that can be fatal after the rabbit is extubated. Anesthetic induction and recovery are usually faster with sevoflurane.
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