Rabbit Strangles

Rabbit Strangles is caused by a streptococcal bacterium that affects the lower jaw of the animal. This disease is easily communicable and spreads rapidly among the stock of rabbits. It is basically a kind of throttle that is also known as equine streptococcus.

In general, other animals like horse and dog are known to get infected with this disease. But strangles in rabbits is rare that is not incurable. As soon as the symptoms appear in rabbits, treatment is available that can be implemented to get the best recovery. As afterward, situation may go out of control and turn the strangles infection in rabbits dreadful.

Symptoms of rabbit strangles:

It is indispensable to consult a veterinarian first as strangles in rabbit is an uncommon syndrome. Not many references are available that gives an idea about the seriousness of the disease. However, prominently visible symptoms help to understand various stages of the illness. These are:

• Illness in rabbits
• Throat, lymph nodes, nasal and pharyngeal mucus membranes face severe inflammation
• Blister like formation around the inflamed areas
• Constant discharge of mucus, pus
• Feverish feeling and restlessness

When the symptoms become prominently visible, fast action and treatment has to be immediately applied. This helps to prevent spread of the disease to other animals in group. Accurate diagnosis and proper cure for at least three months can be given to improve the condition of infected rabbit.

Usually, it is suggested to rapidly vaccinate the infected rabbit since the infection is extremely contagious. The bacteria don’t live for more than a week, but it is always better to decrease the further threat of strangles.

Consequences of rabbit strangles:

So far, there are no sufficient evidences of strangles in rabbit. In some cases, strangles in rabbits has been found to cause fur loss. Besides this, rabbits face infection in its larynx and nasal cavities that leads to a puss discharge from its nostrils. When the swelling under the jaw opens up, it may block the breathing of rabbit causing struggle. Sometimes, innate curing of the condition is possible; but application of strong and powerful dose of antibiotics is needed in severe cases.

Treatment & precautionary measures:

Just like the treatment for horse strangle, penicillin is usually applicable to destroy the contagious bacteria in rabbits. Moreover, useful combinations of other vaccines can be tried to completely recover the infected animal. At times, chances of stress to the immune system are possible that may lead to further health troubles. Thus it is mandatory to wait for a longer period to observe the effect of the antibiotics given to the infected rabbit.

Out of the various incidences that occur in rabbit rearing, rabbit strangles is a new addition to the list of rabbit diseases. Timely and proper disinfection of infected rabbits and cage enclosures is obligatory. Efficient suggestions from veterinarians and protective measures also benefit. As a preventive measure rabbit handlers should wash their hands with antibacterial soap each time they come in contact with rabbits.