Causes and Symptoms of Rabbit Mammary Mastitis: A Compr

Section 1: Causes of Rabbit Mammary Mastitis

Rabbit mammary mastitis is often a result of improper husbandry and management by the owner. Key factors contributing to this condition include:

1. Overnutrition During Pregnancy: Pregnant rabbits that consume excessive amounts of concentrated feed before and after giving birth can produce an overflow of milk. This surplus milk can accumulate in the breasts if the kits are unable to consume it all.

2. Insufficient Milk Supply: When a mother rabbit's milk supply is inadequate, kits may excessively suckle or even bite at the nipples, leading to infections.

3. Physical Trauma: Injuries to the breasts, such as cuts from sharp objects in the cage, can also lead to mastitis.

Section 2: Clinical Symptoms of Rabbit Mammary Mastitis

Affected rabbits may exhibit the following symptoms:

Breast Swelling, Heat, and Pain: The breasts may become red and eventually turn bluepurple. In severe cases, abscesses can form.

Increased Body Temperature: The rabbit's body temperature may rise to around 41°C.

Decreased Appetite: The rabbit may lose interest in eating and refuse to nurse its kits.

Risk of Sepsis: Without timely treatment, the rabbit is at a high risk of developing sepsis, which can be fatal.

Section 3: Prevention and Treatment Measures for Rabbit Mammary Mastitis

Preventive Measures:

1. Adjust Feeding: Reduce the amount of concentrated feed for pregnant rabbits two days before delivery to prevent excessive milk production. If milk is in surplus after birth, decrease the amount of fresh, juicy feed and limit water intake, offering more highquality legume hay instead.

2. Supplement Nutrition: For rabbits with insufficient milk supply, supplement their diet with nutrients like soy milk and increase the amount of fresh, juicy feed.

3. Maintain Hygiene: Keep the cage and nesting box clean and disinfected regularly. Remove sharp objects like wood shavings, wires, and thorns to prevent injuries to the breasts. Ensure smooth entry and exit points to the cage to avoid trauma.

Treatment Methods:

(I) Early Stages of the Disease:

1. Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 15 minutes, four to five times a day within the first 24 hours of symptoms.

2. Warm Compress and Cream: After 24 hours, express the milk, apply a warm compress with warm water at 40°C for 15 minutes, then apply 10% ichthammol ointment three times a day. Alternatively, use 40°C Sichuan pepper water to bathe the affected breast for 1520 minutes, three to four times a day.

3. Herbal Remedies: Prepare a decoction of 6g of fresh dandelion, 3g of fresh mint, and 3g of reed root, taking one dose daily for three to four days. Apply mint to the swollen area to aid healing.

(II) When the Breast is Hard and Not yet Abscessed:

Local anesthetic therapy can be employed. Inject 1020ml of 0.251% procaine with 50,000100,000 units of penicillin into the base of the breast. Repeat this every two days for two to three sessions.

(III) When Abscesses Form:

First, disinfect the breast with iodine, then surgically incise the abscess to remove the pus. After thorough cleaning with 3% hydrogen peroxide, inject penicillin into the abscess cavity. Administer penicillin and sulfonamides intramuscularly to prevent sepsis. It is advisable not to use the rabbit as a breeding animal after recovery.

Note: The information provided by Oxygen Pet Doctor is for reference only and should not replace professional veterinary advice.