Causes and Symptoms of Rabbit Stomatitis: A Comprehensi

Section 1: Causes of Rabbit Stomatitis

Young rabbits, typically those between 1 to 4 months old, are particularly susceptible to stomatitis. This condition often arises when rabbits inadvertently consume contaminated feed or drinking water with pathogenic microorganisms, leading to viral infections through the oral mucosa. Rabbits with preexisting oral wounds are even more prone to developing stomatitis. Therefore, pet owners must ensure that their rabbits' diet is clean and take precautions to prevent oral injuries from feeders and cages. Since the disease is more common in young rabbits, it's crucial for owners to closely monitor their young pets, checking their mouths and chins daily. If a young rabbit exhibits symptoms like drooling, wet and dirty fur around the lips, and an unpleasant odor, it's likely suffering from stomatitis. Prompt treatment is essential to maximize the chances of recovery. If a young rabbit goes untreated for five days, the likelihood of survival becomes extremely slim.

Section 2: Symptoms of Rabbit Stomatitis

Rabbit stomatitis typically has a latent period of about a week. Affected rabbits often show signs of lethargy and loss of appetite. Initially, the oral mucosa becomes red and swollen, and the lips, tongue, and oral mucosa may develop blisters or pustules of varying sizes. When these blisters and pustules burst, they form ulcers, causing the rabbit to salivate excessively—a condition that's also known as sialorrhea. The rabbit's mouth and saliva emit a foul odor, accompanied by pain, decreased appetite, weight loss, and dehydration. Rabbits that do not receive timely treatment often succumb to the disease within a week.

Section 3: Treating Rabbit Stomatitis

1. Prepare a 2% boric acid solution to rinse the rabbit's mouth. Afterward, sprinkle Huang Xuan powder inside the rabbit's mouth. Repeat this process 12 times daily for 34 days.

2. Administer sulfadimethoxine to the affected rabbit. The recommended dosage is 0.2 grams of medication per kilogram of body weight, given once daily for three consecutive days.

4. Mix finely ground alum with half a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle the mixture into the rabbit's mouth. Repeat this three times daily. For large rabbits, use 56 grams, and for small rabbits, use 23 grams. After administration, the rabbit should be kept away from food and water for half an hour. Generally, this treatment should be continued for 23 days to achieve healing.

Pet Owner's Alert: If rabbit stomatitis is detected early and treated promptly, the disease is relatively easy to manage and can be cured quickly. However, if left untreated, the rabbit may face a critical risk of death. Therefore, if pet owners notice their young rabbits drooling excessively, they should not ignore the signs!