Preventing and Treating Rabbit Mammary Mastitis: Effect

I. Symptoms of Rabbit Mammary Mastitis

When a mother rabbit contracts mammary gland mastitis, she exhibits several telltale signs. Her breasts become inflamed and swollen, and she may refuse to nurse her kits. Her body temperature can escalate dramatically, sometimes reaching as high as 42 degrees Celsius. The severity of rabbit mammary gland mastitis can vary, with symptoms differing among cases. Generally, the condition can be categorized into three types: common mastitis, mastitis, and septicemic mastitis.

1. Common Mastitis is characterized by red and swollen breasts, darkened and dry teats, and a warm sensation when the affected area is touched. The mother rabbit can still nurse her kits, albeit for a shorter duration.

2. Mastitis is caused by the invasion of pusforming bacteria into the breast. Soon after the onset of the disease, lumps can be felt under the skin of the affected breast. Initially, the skin may appear normal, but as the condition worsens, the skin darkens and forms abscesses. Eventually, these abscesses rupture, releasing pus, and the affected area usually heals on its own.

3. Septicemic Mastitis begins with red and swollen breasts that quickly turn purpleblack and spread throughout the abdomen. The affected rabbit becomes listless, runs a fever, loses energy, and refuses to eat. This type is the most severe and has the highest mortality rate, with rabbits often succumbing to the disease within 4 to 6 days.

II. Prevention and Treatment Measures for Rabbit Mammary Mastitis

Preventative Measures:

1. Enhanced Care for Pregnant Does: Three to five days before the expected delivery, reduce the intake of highprotein feed for the mother rabbit. Postpartum, increase the consumption of highquality green feed and decrease the amount of concentrated feed. Adjust the ratio of concentrated to green feed during the delivery period to prevent overabundance, excess concentration, or deficiency of milk. Regularly monitor the mother rabbit's breasts postpartum to detect any abnormalities early and respond promptly.

2. Regular Cleaning and Disinfection: Keep the rabbit shed clean and sanitized. Remove sharp objects from the enclosure to prevent injury to the mother rabbit's breasts and potential infections.

3. Preventative Medication: For does that frequently suffer from mastitis, administer appropriate preventive medications around the time of delivery to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Treatment Measures:

1. Early Treatment: When the rabbit's breasts show signs of redness and swelling, express the milk from the breasts. Then, apply a damp, cold towel to the affected area for about 15 minutes. Afterward, apply 10% ichthammol ointment to the breasts.

2. Intermediate Treatment: For advanced cases, use a warm towel to apply heat to the breasts. Administer intramuscular injections of 80,000 units of penicillin, 10ml of furazolidone injection, and 1ml of dexamethasone, divided into two doses given in the morning and evening, for three consecutive days. The rabbit should recover.

3. Severe Treatment: In cases of severe mastitis with abscesses, surgery may be necessary. This involves incising the abscess to remove the pus, disinfecting the incision, and applying antiseptic powder. Additionally, provide systemic treatment with antibiotics or oral sulfonamide drugs.

These are the preventive and treatment methods for rabbit mammary gland mastitis introduced by Oxygen Pet Doctor. We hope that owners will do their best to help prevent this disease in mother rabbits.