Rabbit Spirochmtosis

Rabbit Spirochmtosis 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 microscopicorganism Treponema cnniculi. The sexual organs and very oftenthe anus becomes crusted with sores which vary in size up toabout the size of a pea. The sores may run into each other to ¦form one large mass. Although the sexual organs are firstaffected, the anus in the majority of cases becomes involved,and sores often spread to lips, nose and eyelids. The animalgenerally remains in good condition although the desire formating is sometimes lost. Infection occurs when a healthyanimal is mated to one with the infection. The time betweeninfection and the appearance of the sores varies, but is probablynot less than eight, and usually about twelve, weeks. Controlof the disease consists in careful examination of all animals priorto mating, and examination of these parts during routineinspections. Methods of treatment consist in the applicationof a calomel-lanoline ointment (three parts lanoline to onepart calomel) or injections of arsenical preparations or penicillin(by a veterinarian.)