Causes and Treatment of Rabbit Ulcerative Pododermatiti

Section 1: Causes of Ulcerative Pododermatitis in Rabbits

Ulcerative pododermatitis in rabbits, often referred to as a form of compressive necrosis, occurs due to the significant pressure the rabbit's weight exerts on its feet when resting on the bottom of the cage or on rough, hard surfaces. This pressure can lead to necrosis of the foot skin. Consequently, this condition is more common in adult rabbits, rarely affecting young or smaller rabbits. Additional factors contributing to the development of ulcerative pododermatitis include excessively moist living conditions, urine or污渍 accumulation on the cage floor, rough and uneven surfaces, and excessively fine or wide spacing of the wire mesh on the cage floor. Moreover, rabbits with thin hair on their foot pads are more susceptible to the disease due to inadequate cushioning when their pads come into contact with the wire mesh. Some rabbits that are overly sensitive or excitable may also develop the condition due to frequent pawing.

Section 2: Symptoms of Ulcerative Pododermatitis in Rabbits

In the early stages, rabbits with ulcerative pododermatitis may exhibit symptoms such as hypersensitivity, excitability, and frequent pawing. The soles and sides of the rabbit's paws may develop localized ulcers of varying sizes. The rabbit may also become fearful and less active due to severe pain. If left untreated, these ulcers can break open, bleed, and lead to secondary bacterial infections, causing symptoms like pus under scabs, ulcers, scab formation, and even cellulitis. In severe cases, the rabbit may experience loss of appetite, weight loss, hunched posture, and lifting the feet while walking. The most critical complication is when the wound becomes infected with bacteria, leading to septicemia, which can be fatal. Initially, the condition may affect the hind legs, but as the rabbit shifts weight to the front legs to alleviate the burden, the front legs may also be affected over time.

Section 3: Prevention and Treatment Measures for Ulcerative Pododermatitis in Rabbits

1. Preventive Measures

Design rabbit cages appropriately; ensure they are spacious and comfortable with a flat floor. Line the cage floor with dry, soft bedding or place bamboo boards over wire floors. Regularly clean the excrement to maintain a clean and dry environment.

2. Treatment Measures

(i) Trim the hair around the ulcer on the rabbit's foot pads to prevent bacterial growth and secondary infection.

(ii) Isolate the affected rabbit and check for signs of abscesses. If present, use a sterilized needle or blade to puncture the hard scab to check for pus. If a severe abscess is found, it should be removed. If bleeding persists, apply pressure with a bandage to stop the bleeding. Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide or a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, remove necrotic tissue, and apply erythromycin ointment. Alternatively, you can use a 0.2% aluminum acetate solution or apply 10% iodine tincture or 15% zinc oxide ointment after cleaning the necrotic tissue.

(iii) Once the ulcer begins to heal, use a 5% gentian violet solution for treatment. If a abscess forms, administer systemic antibiotics such as penicillin (200,000 to 400,000 IU) or streptomycin (0.25 to 0.5g) intramuscularly or intravenously twice daily, following standard surgical procedures for abscess treatment.

This concludes the discussion on the causes and treatment of ulcerative pododermatitis in rabbits. It is hoped that this information deepens your understanding of the condition and encourages you to take preventive measures to ensure rabbits do not suffer unnecessarily.