Managing Rabbit Mammary Mastitis: A Comprehensive Guide

Section 1: Causes of Mammary Mastitis in Female Rabbits

The primary reason female rabbits develop mammary mastitis is often due to improper husbandry practices. Pregnant does are commonly overfed with highquality feed before and after giving birth to ensure an abundant milk supply. However, when the milk supply exceeds the demand of the kits, the excess milk can accumulate in the mammary glands, leading to blockages. Alternatively, insufficient milk production can prompt the kits to vigorously suckle or bite at the teats, which can introduce infections. Another cause is trauma, such as the rabbit's teats being scratched by sharp objects in the cage, leading to injury.

Section 2: Symptoms of Mammary Mastitis in Rabbits

Rabbits suffering from mammary mastitis often exhibit symptoms like swollen, hot, and painful breasts, with the skin turning red and eventually blueish. In severe cases, the affected breasts may develop abscesses. The rabbit's body temperature may rise to around 41°C, appetite may decrease, and they may refuse to nurse. If left untreated, these rabbits are at high risk of developing septicemia and death.

Section 3: Preventive Measures

To prevent such occurrences, consider the following steps:

Gradually reduce the amount of highquality feed given to pregnant rabbits before birth to prevent excessive milk production in the early postpartum period. If milk overproduction is a concern, decrease the amount of fresh, green, and juicy feed and limit the rabbit's water intake, while increasing the feeding of highquality legume hay.

For rabbits with insufficient milk, supplement their diet with nutrients like milk or soy milk, and provide plenty of green, juicy feed.

Maintain clean and sanitized rabbit enclosures and shelters, regularly removing sharp objects like glass shards, wood splinters, iron wires, and thorns. Ensure that the entrance and exit of the cages are smooth to prevent injury to the rabbit's teats.

Section 4: Treatment Methods for Mammary Mastitis

The treatment for mammary mastitis varies depending on the stage of the disease (early onset, firm swelling without abscess, or abscess formation). Here are the treatment approaches:

Early Onset:

Within the first 24 hours of onset, apply cold compresses to the affected area for 15 minutes, four to five times a day.

After 24 hours, follow these steps: a) Apply a warm compress of 40°C water for 15 minutes, three times a day, followed by applying 10% fish oil ointment. b) Soak the teats in 40°C pepper water three to four times a day. c) Administer a decoction of 6g of fresh dandelion, 3g of fresh mint, and 3g of reed root, once daily for three to four days. Additionally, apply mint paste to the swollen area to promote healing.

Firm Swelling Without Abscess:

Use local anesthesia therapy by injecting 1020ml of 0.251% procaine hydrochloride and 510,000 units of penicillin into the base of the affected mammary glands. Administer this treatment every two days for two to three sessions.

Abscess Formation:

First, disinfect the abscess with iodine. Then, surgically drain the pus, wash the wound with 3% hydrogen peroxide, and inject penicillin into the abscess cavity. Prevent septicemia by administering penicillin and sulfonamide antibiotics intramuscularly. Note: Once cured, the affected rabbit should not be used for breeding purposes.

This concludes Dr. Oxygen's overview of rabbit mammary mastitis. We hope this information deepens your understanding of the condition, enabling you to identify and treat any abnormalities in your rabbit's breasts promptly!