Internal Bacterial Infections

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Internal bacterial infections from a host of bacterial organisms

are common among rabbits.  Affected rabbits show a wide variety

of signs because multiple organs (liver, kidney, intestinal

tract, brain, etc.) are usually involved.



Laboratory workups (blood, urine, bacterial cultures) are vital

to properly diagnose and monitor the progress of these cases.

Laboratory tests also help predict the outcome.



Rabbits suffering from these serious multiple organ bacterial

infections (septicemias) must be aggressively treated with

appropriate antibiotics and proper supportive care (nutrition,

fluids, etc.).  Recovery usually requires several weeks or more

of treatment.  If infection results in formation of internal

abscesses, a cure may be virtually impossible.



VENEREAL SPIROCHETOSIS (Rabbit Syphilis):  Rabbit syphilis is a

relatively rare sexually transmitted (venereal) disease of pet

rabbits.  This disease is caused by a slender, spiral bacterium

(spirochete) transmitted by direct contact between infected and

uninfected rabbits.  Transmission is more likely to occur in

rabbitries than in a household.  In fact, exchange of bucks

(breeding males) among rabbit breeders helps spread the disease.



Infected rabbits develop multiple raised, crusted and sometimes

bleeding ulcers on the external genitalia, around the anus, and

on the face (particularly the nose).  Affected rabbits remain

alert, and the condition usually disappears after several weeks.

Treatment is recommended and involves antibiotic injections.