Rabbit Strangles – Symptoms, Causes and Basic Treatment
Contents
Rabbit Strangles
Rabbit Strangles is caused by a streptococcal bacterium that affects the lower jaw of the animal. This disease is easily communicable and spreads rapidly among the stock of rabbits. It is a kind of throttle that is also known as equine streptococcus.
In general, other animals like horses and dogs are known to get infected with this disease. But strangles in rabbits is rare that is not incurable. As soon as the symptoms appear in rabbits, treatment is available that can be implemented to get the best recovery. As afterward, the situation may go out of control and turn the strangles infection in rabbits dreadful.
Symptoms of rabbit strangles:
It is indispensable to consult a veterinarian first as strangles in a rabbit is an uncommon syndrome. Not many references are available that give an idea about the seriousness of the disease. However, prominently visible symptoms help to understand various stages of the illness. These are:
- Illness in rabbits
- Throat, lymph nodes, nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes face a severe inflammation
- Blister like formation around the inflamed areas
- Constant discharge of mucus, pus
- Feverish feeling and restlessness
When the symptoms become prominently visible, fast action and treatment have to be immediately applied. This helps to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals in the group. Accurate diagnosis and proper cure for at least three months can be given to improve the condition of the infected rabbit.
Usually, it is suggested to rapidly vaccinate the infected rabbit since the infection is extremely contagious. The bacteria don’t live for more than a week, but it is always better to decrease the further threat of strangles.
Consequences of rabbit strangles:
So far, there is no sufficient evidence of strangles in the rabbit. In some cases, rabbit strangles have been found to cause fur loss. Besides this, rabbits face infection in its larynx and nasal cavities that lead to a puss discharge from its nostrils. When the swelling under the jaw opens up, it may block the breathing of the rabbit causing the struggle.
Sometimes, innate curing of the condition is possible; but the application of a strong and powerful dose of antibiotics is needed in severe cases.
Treatment & precautionary measures:
Just like the treatment for horse strangle, penicillin is usually applicable to destroy the contagious bacteria in rabbits. Moreover, use combinations of other vaccines can be tried to completely recover the infected animal.
At times, the chances of stress to the immune system are possible that may lead to further health troubles. Thus it is mandatory to wait for a longer period to observe the effect of the antibiotics given to the infected rabbit.
Out of the various incidences that occur in rabbit rearing, rabbit strangles is a new addition to the list of rabbit diseases. Timely and proper disinfection of infected rabbits and cage enclosures is obligatory.
Efficient suggestions from veterinarians and protective measures also benefit. As a preventive measure rabbit handlers should wash their hands with antibacterial soap each time they come in contact with rabbits.