Pasteurellosis is a bacterial respiratory disease that is very common in rabbits. Often the responsible agent is "Pasteurella multocida", but it can also be caused by other types of bacteria (such as "Bordetella" and "Staphylococcus"). Treatment includes taking antibiotics and possibly other therapeutic methods that can eradicate the bacteria. If your vet has diagnosed this problem in your rabbit, start treatment promptly so that it can heal and get better.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating Pasteurellosis with Antibiotics
Step 1. Take him to the vet
Symptoms of pasteurellosis include shiny eyes and a runny nose. The hair on the forelegs is usually dull and bristly because your furry friend probably uses his forelimbs to wipe away secretions located in his eyes and nose. Sneezing is also a symptom of this condition. If your bunny has these symptoms, take him to the vet to be sure of the diagnosis and treatment.
Step 2. Ask the vet what is the right antibiotic to give to the rabbit
There are many antibiotics that can treat diseases of bacterial origin. To determine which is most suitable, the vet will take a sample of the secretions, then submit it for culture and sensitivity testing. In this way, he will know which bacteria are at the origin of pasteurellosis and which active ingredient can fight them more effectively.
- Some antibiotics can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in rabbits. The vet will be able to choose not only the most effective one, but also the one that causes less stomach and intestinal upset.
- Keep in mind that no antibiotic is a definitive cure for pasteurellosis.
- Culture and susceptibility testing may take several days.
Step 3. Administer the antibiotic to the rabbit
To treat this condition, your vet will prescribe oral antibiotics in liquid form that you can administer with a syringe. To make things easier, ask the vet to prepare the correct doses by filling the syringes. When feeding, hold the rabbit comfortably in your arms. Insert the syringe into the corner of your lips and gently empty the contents into your mouth.
- Your vet may also prescribe antibiotic eye drops if the rabbit is suffering from conjunctivitis (inflammation of the layer that lines the sclera). To apply it, hold the rabbit in your arms and slowly drop the prescribed amount of drops into the eye to be treated.
- Antibiotic treatment for pasteurellosis varies from a few weeks to a few months, especially if it is chronic.
- Continue giving the rabbit all the antibiotic therapy, even when it begins to get better. If you stop treatment early, bacteria left in your body can develop resistance to antibiotics.
- If you are unable to administer the prescribed medications, ask your vet to show you the procedure.
Step 4. Check for gastrointestinal problems
The intestinal flora of the rabbit contains "good" bacteria that promote digestion. Antibiotics can kill them and allow the "bad" ones to multiply. There is a risk that the latter release toxins that are harmful to the health of your furry friend. Signs of gastrointestinal problems include decreased production of fecal matter and excessive softness in the abdomen (due to the accumulation of gas).
- If your rabbit experiences gastrointestinal problems in conjunction with antibiotic therapy, contact your veterinarian immediately. He will prescribe another antibiotic.
- Probiotics contain healthy bacteria that regulate digestion. Ask your vet if you can give them to your rabbit to restore the intestinal flora.
Step 5. Look for signs of improvement
Your furry friend will begin to feel better thanks to antibiotic therapy. Nose and eye discharge should stop, as well as sneezing. However, be aware that the improvement in physical condition may only be temporary, as there is a risk that you will fall ill again once you stop taking these medications. If symptoms reappear, he may have a chronic form of pasteurellosis.
Take the rabbit to the vet if symptoms recur
Part 2 of 3: Using Other Treatment Options
Step 1. Ask your vet to unblock the tear ducts
In the rabbit, the tear ducts allow tears to drain from the eyes through the nasal cavity. In the case of pasteurellosis, they become clogged due to the production of pus and bacteria, consequently the vet will clean them with a saline solution. He will probably have to sedate the rabbit in order to wash the tear ducts.
During this maneuver, the vet will be careful not to damage the nasolacrimal canals
Step 2. Make a chamomile tea
In addition to having a calming effect, it will help him breathe better. Make a stronger dose than you normally drink and add a teaspoon of honey.
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Consider purchasing Echinacea in drops (if you find a natural product, it may also contain hydraste, a plant safe for these animals) to add to chamomile. Pour two drops into half the cup. Echinacea promotes the clearing of the nasal passages. While in many cases rabbits respond better to veterinarian-prescribed antibiotics, echinacea drops are also effective in others.
Echinacea
Step 3. Allow the vet to perform surgery
When a rabbit has pasteurellosis, the body can try to eradicate the infection by forming abscesses (accumulations of pus) in different parts of the body. To remove them, it is necessary to have the person undergo surgery, because the production of purulent exudate is too large to be drained. Below, you will find some pointers to keep in mind regarding surgical abscess removal:
- Those associated with the chronic forms of pasteurellosis are difficult to eliminate, because they have had time to spread within the body.
- Surrounding tissue may be dead or decaying. Therefore, it is likely that the vet will be forced to remove more than the area affected by the abscess.
- Surgery is only appropriate when abscesses form in the peripheral areas of the body. If lung abscesses develop, there is a likelihood that surgery won't be of much help.
- It will likely take several surgeries to rid the rabbit of all abscesses.
- After the operation, you will need to give your furry friend the care he needs. In other words, you will need to clean the wound and check the incision site to avoid infections (causing swelling, green or yellow discharge).
Step 4. Treat neurological symptoms
Sometimes, pasteurellosis can affect the central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord) and, as a result, cause neurological problems, such as stiff neck and nystagmus (involuntary and rapid movement of the eyes). If your furry friend has neurological problems, the vet will prescribe medications to treat these ailments.
Part 3 of 3: Making the Rabbit Comfortable During Treatment
Step 1. Get another cage
Pasteurellosis is a very contagious disease among rabbits. If your little friend is affected, keep him in a separate cage until he is finished with treatment. Being alone, he may feel a little more comfortable.
Step 2. Place the cage in a quiet area
Pasteurellosis can aggravate the rabbit's physical condition, which will surely want some peace and quiet as it recovers. Therefore, place the cage away from noisy environments (television, radio) or the frequent passage of people. However, avoid isolating it entirely. It should be in a place where you can easily keep an eye on it.
Step 3. Move the cage away from drafts
A continuous current of air nearby could further worsen your health condition. Once you have located a quiet area, make sure there is no draft from any air intakes at floor level or from the ceiling.
Step 4. Clean the cage
If you keep it in perfect hygienic conditions, you will help the rabbit feel better as it heals. By cleaning it regularly, you will ensure that it is kept in excellent condition. Daily cleaning includes the elimination of uneaten food, washing the bowls for water and baby food with hot water and detergent and the removal of liquid and solid manure.
- Every two weeks or so, do a deeper clean. In other words, you should disinfect the cage and litter box, wash the material he sleeps on, and disinfect the toys.
- Remove the rabbit from its cage before you start cleaning it. You can put it in another container.
Advice
- Fortunately, many cases of pasteurellosis are not serious. If detected in time, it can be managed or even cured.
- How a rabbit with pasteurellosis responds to treatment depends on a few factors, including his immunocompetence and how long he has contracted this disease.
- In most cases, rabbits treated for pasteurellosis become carriers. This means that the bacteria are still present in their bodies, without causing symptoms. However, they can pass the infection to others.
Warnings
- In some cases, pasteurellosis is difficult to treat and control.
- If left untreated, it can become serious and even fatal.
- Stress can aggravate the physical condition of a rabbit with pasteurellosis.
