Rabbit Spirochetosis

Rabbit spirochetosis was first diagnosed in American rabbits in 1922 by Hideyo Noguchi. It was studied in an enzootically infected rabbit colony. A spirochetosis infected rabbit shows signs of skin lesions around the perineum and face. During the initial stages, the rabbit's face turns red in color and later huge lesions appear in the area. These infections are then transferred to vesicles. They cause ulcers in rabbits. Scabs and proliferative lesions are the sign of spirochetosis too.

Rabbit spirochetosis is diagnosed by following certain clinical researches. The infected rabbit is kept under observation for a few days. Later, the microscopic visualization of organism from the skin surfaces of rabbit is collected. Certain microscopy or biopsies are carried out during the critical stages. Serological tests are also used to diagnose spirochetosis.

Rabbit Spirochetosis is much more common than it should be. Sometimes the percentage of infected animals in a stud is high. The disease is caused by a spirally twisted microscopic organism Treponema cuniculi. The sexual organs and very often the anus become crusted with sores which vary in size up to about the size of a pea. The sores may run into each other to form one large mass. Although the sexual organs are first affected, the anus in the majority of cases becomes involved, and sores often spread to lips, nose and eyelids. The animal generally remains in good condition although the desire formatting is sometimes lost. Infection occurs when a healthy animal is mated to one with the infection. The time between infection and the appearance of the sores varies, but is probably not less than eight, and usually about twelve, weeks. Control of the disease consists in careful examination of all animals prior to mating and examination of these parts during routine inspections. Methods of treatment consist in the application of a calomel-lanoline ointment (three parts lanoline to one part calomel) or injections of arsenical preparations or penicillin (by a veterinarian.)

Rabbits can be saved from this disease if treated in earlier stages. Rabbits are sensitive animals. Apart from proper care and hygiene, spirochetosis can be treated by giving medication. Penicillin G is the well known medicine for spirochetosis. There are other medicines too that cure the disease like chloramphenicol and tetracycline. This disease is a transmissible one. It gets infected to other rabbits, if they come in contact with the infected one. Hence try to isolate the infected rabbits from the healthier ones.

Rabbit spirochetosis is transmissible as the usual popular lesions can be easily reproduced near the genitoperineal region of rabbits. At initial stages, the incubation period can vary from 30 to 90 days.