Prevent Pet Rabbit Foot Dermatitis: Essential Tips

Causes of Foot Dermatitis in Pet Rabbits

1. Foot dermatitis in rabbits can be caused by mite infections, which lead to hair loss on the rabbit's feet. With sparse hair, rabbits find it more difficult to bear the weight of their bodies on the cage floor, eventually resulting in poor blood circulation and tissue damage on the bottom of their feet. Additionally, injuries on the rabbit's feet can easily become infected with Staphylococcus aureus, leading many pet owners to mistakenly believe that their rabbits are suffering from a Staphylococcus infection.

2. The rabbit's foot dermatitis can also be triggered by excessively thin wire mesh on the cage floor. This issue is similar to that caused by mite infections. The thin wire mesh can also lead to poor blood circulation in the rabbit's feet, resulting in tissue damage and subsequent infection with Staphylococcus aureus. This problem is most evident in heavier rabbits, as their increased weight puts greater pressure on their feet, making them more susceptible to injury.

Therefore, pet owners should focus on preventing mite infections and properly setting up the cage floor to effectively prevent foot dermatitis in rabbits. Here are some specific preventive measures:

1. First and foremost, treat rabbits already infected with mites. This can be done by cleaning the wounds with alcohol, applying iodine, and administering intramuscular injections of 200,000 units of penicillin and 80,000 units of gentamicin. Subsequently, give the rabbit subcutaneous injections of ivermectin for treatment. Regularly use ivermectin to disinfect the rabbit's living quarters and kill mites for effective prevention. It is best to disinfect the living quarters with ivermectin every three months. Additionally, it is recommended to use ivermectin for mite control 20 days after the rabbit is weaned.

2. Use bamboo flooring for the cage bottom and ensure that any sharp edges are removed to maintain a smooth surface.

3. Enhance the rabbit's nutrition to boost their immune system.

4. Keep the rabbit's living quarters wellventilated and dry.

Conclusion by Oxygen Pet Doctor: Foot dermatitis is a common disease in pet rabbits. We hope that pet owners take the necessary precautions to keep their rabbits healthy.