Rabbit Medicine 3

Question 1

Is alopecia normal in rabbits?

Answer 1

– can be normal. Pregnant does making a warm nest will pluck hair out. 2) Hierarchy
interaction – lower ranking will have bald patches. *this needs to be managed due to unnecessary
stress.

Question 2

Flystrike describe

Answer 2

• Still common esp during warmer months
• Causes: wound, dirty rear, non consuming caecotrophs, poor husbandry

Question 3

Management of flystrike?

Answer 3

• Must remove maggots, reduce inflammation, infection, fluid loss, septicaemia
• Can go into shock much quicker than dog/cat
• Euthanasia must be considered in severe cases.
• Prevention is key.

Question 4

Describe eye problems in rabbits?

Answer 4

• ALways check TEETH if problems with eye
• Ophtalmic exam + IOP test
  CLS: blepharospasms, thick white eye discharge, nasal discharge, dermatitis of periorbital area

Question 5

Common eye problems?

Answer 5

• Dacryocystitis - nasolacrimal duct can be obstructed. Jones Test can be done.
• Retrobulbar abscess – hard to manage.
• Ulcers/ Conjunctivitis – hay poke, handling (eye trauma), KCS. Treatment dependent on problem
• Infectious blepharitis caused by rabbit syphilis (Treponema cuniculi)
• Exophthalmos – can be abscess or space occupying lesion in mediastinum area eg thymoma.
• Uveitis secondary to E.cuniculi.

Question 6

Respiratory problems in rabbits?

Answer 6

• Commensal bacteria (Pasteurella multocida/ Bordetella bronchoseptica)common cause. Transmitted via
  aerosol, fomites. Can be primary cause or secondary.
• *Zoonotic potential – skin infections, arthritis. Care must be taken on immunosuppressed individuals.
• Viral infection (Myxo/RHD)

Question 7

How to manage respiratory problems?

Answer 7

• Take nasal swabs and perform C&S.
• Patent breathing track is important. Clean nostrils + nebulization therapy (F10, Genta, Acetylcysteine, Enro)
• NSAIDs & support very important.
• Allergic rhinitis – dust, poor ventilation, humidity, smoke
• Antihistamines can be used. Nebulisation, NSAIDS.

Question 8

How do skin problems present?

Answer 8

Scales, crusting, alopecia, itchiness

Question 9

What common aetiologies of skin dx?

Answer 9

• Fut mites – Cheyletiella parasitovorax aka ‘walking dandruff’.
• Fleas - Spilopsyllus cuniculi, Ctenocephalides felis/canis.
• Ear mites - Psoroptes cuniculi.
• Dermatophytosis - M.canis (Woods +ve), Trichophyton entagrophytes.
• Abscess common (dental, trauma)

Question 10

How to treat these skin conditions?

Answer 10

• Fur mites -> treat topically with selamectin or ivermectin
• Fleas tx: imidacloprid, selamectin
• Ear mites: Treat topically with selamectin or ivermectin. If heavy crust present and inflammation +++, give analgesia.
• Abscess: C & S -> penicillin G, Metronidazole, Enroflox

Question 11

T/F Ear mites are usually limited to the ears/ face.

Answer 11

FALSE can affect other parts of body -> perineal, legs, abdomen

Question 12

What causes Rabbit Syphilis?

Answer 12

Treponema cuniculi

Question 13

Transmission of syphilis?

Answer 13

direct transmission through mating, indirect through mother and infant

Question 14

When does syphilis happen?

Answer 14

• Stays dormant for long periods of time. Flares up when immunosuppressed.

Question 15

What is affected by rabbit syphilis & what tx ?

Answer 15

• Skin, nose, eye, genitals
• Treatment: Penicillin SQ, Analgesia – Meloxicam etc.
• Support needed to avoid gut stasis.