Causes and Prevention of Rabbit Jaundice: A Comprehensi

Section 1: Pathogenic Factors of Neonatal Rabbit Jaundice

1. Seasonal Influences

It has been proven that the high temperature and humidity of summer are significant factors contributing to neonatal rabbit jaundice. Under such conditions, some rabbit farms may experience outbreaks of the disease, affecting not just a few rabbits but the entire litter. Studies have shown that when the temperature falls below 25°C, neonatal rabbits rarely contract the disease. However, as the temperature rises above 27°C, jaundice becomes more common, highlighting the crucial role of high summer temperatures in the onset of neonatal rabbit jaundice.

2. Milk from the Mother Rabbit

Neonatal rabbit jaundice is often caused by the ingestion of milk from a mother rabbit suffering from mastitis. Yet, not all neonates from lactating rabbits with mastitis will develop the disease, and some can also contract it from mothers without mastitis. The underlying reasons for this remain a subject for further research. In summary, neonates from lactating rabbits with mastitis are more susceptible to jaundice, but this is not the sole cause of the disease.

Section 2: Prevention and Treatment Measures for Neonatal Rabbit Jaundice

1. Vaccination of Does with Staphylococcus Vaccine

Before breeding, the owner should vaccinate the does with a Staphylococcus vaccine to ensure that the neonates are born with a high level of maternal antibodies, thereby reducing the likelihood of the disease.

2. Prevention of Mastitis in Does

After giving birth, the does should be administered sulfonamide drugs (0.5g/day) for three consecutive days to prevent mastitis. For does showing symptoms of mastitis, the owner should immediately stop them from nursing and apply local anesthetic therapy, such as injecting procaine penicillin into the infected area and applying heat to the affected region for enhanced effectiveness.

3. Adjusting the Diet of Lactating Does

It is essential to adjust the feed ratio for lactating does promptly. Firstlactation does should be fed more fresh, green, and juicy foods and less concentrated feed to avoid overly thick milk that could lead to mastitis. This also helps prevent digestive issues in neonates caused by milk consumption, which can trigger enteritis.

4. Administering Chloramphenicol Eye Drops to Neonates

Before nursing, neonates should be given chloramphenicol eye drops orally, with each neonate receiving 2 to 3 drops. This preventive measure helps guard against jaundice. For neonates already affected by jaundice, emergency treatment with gentamicin or chloramphenicol injections can be administered, with two feedings of 2 to 3 drops each day for three days, which is typically sufficient to cure the disease.

That concludes Dr. Oxygen Pet's overview of the causes and prevention methods for neonatal rabbit jaundice. This condition can be highly detrimental to neonatal rabbits, but with timely detection and treatment, it can be effectively cured. Therefore, it is advisable for owners to not only take preventive measures against the disease but also to closely monitor the drinking and general condition of their neonatal rabbits on a daily basis.