Causes and Prevention of Rabbit Mastitis: A Comprehensi

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Part 1: Causes of Rabbit Mastitis

There are several factors that can lead to mastitis in female rabbits. Common causes include:

1. Poor hygiene in the rabbitry, with a high number of pathogens, leading to infections after the rabbit sustains an injury.

2. Poorquality cages with sharp objects that can cause injury to the rabbit's teats, facilitating pathogen entry.

3. Overfeeding pregnant or lactating rabbits with highprotein diets, resulting in excessive milk production and subsequent milk accumulation in the mammary glands, which can lead to infections like Staphylococcus.

4. Insufficient milk production can cause the kits to bite the teats, leading to infections in the mother's mammary glands.

Part 2: Symptoms of Rabbit Mastitis

The early stages of rabbit mastitis are characterized by varying degrees of breast swelling, enlargement, and hardness. The affected breasts may develop red or purple lumps. Within 12 days, these lumps can grow larger, become red and hot, and cause severe pain. As the condition progresses, the breasts may become softer, with less pain, and pus may form. When the lumps have white depressions, the rabbit may show signs of depression, rapid breathing, decreased appetite, or even stop nursing. Severe cases can lead to the rupture of mammary ducts, systemic infection, and ultimately, septicemia and death.

Part 3: Prevention and Control Measures for Rabbit Mastitis

1. Enhanced Management: Prior to giving birth, reduce highprotein feed and increase the amount of fresh green feed for lactating rabbits. Adjust the ratio of concentrate to forage to prevent overproduction or underproduction of milk. Regularly monitor the mother's breasts postpartum to detect and treat issues early.

2. Regular Cleaning and Disinfection: Keep the rabbitry and cages clean and free of debris like wood shavings or sharp objects to prevent injuries and infections.

3. Preventative Medication: For rabbits prone to mastitis, consider administering appropriate medication around the time of birth to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Part 4: Treatment Methods for Rabbit Mastitis

1. Initial Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the affected breasts to help expel milk and then apply a 10% ichthammol ointment.

2. Later Stage Heat Compress: For advanced cases, switch to a warm compress. Administer injections of penicillin (800,000 units), furazolidone (10ml), and dexamethasone (1ml) twice a day for three days.

3. Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgical drainage of abscesses may be necessary, followed by antibiotic or sulfa drug treatment.

Note: If the mother continues to nurse the kits with mastitis, it can lead to yellow urine disease in the kits. If this occurs, treat both the mother and the kits simultaneously.

We hope this detailed overview of the causes and control measures for rabbit mastitis is helpful to you.

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