Author: PetGd

Pyoderma is a medical term for bacterial skin infections occurring in rabbits. These infections usually occur when the rabbit’s skin tears or breaks, or when the skin is exposed to moist conditions, therefore altering the flora found within. Normally, healthy bacteria exist in the rabbit’s skin and moist mucous membranes. At times, however, this can become compromised, allowing for harmful bacteria to overgrow. Symptoms Most signs for pyoderma depend on the type of bacterial infection the rabbit has, but some of the more common symptoms include: Obesity Diarrhea Muscle pain Nasal (and occasional eye) discharge Urinary tract infection(s) Poor sanitation and personal hygiene Matted fur (especially around the anus, thighs and abdomen) Redness and crusting around the area of infection Dental disease (displayed as swollen/bleeding gums, slobbering, and loose and decaying teeth) Cause Typically a bacterial skin infection occurs when there is a break in the rabbit’s skin, generally occurring when it has been exposed to poor environmental conditions, including moisture. It can also occur in cases of injury or poor blood circulation. Pyoderma is, for the most part, a very common occurrence, much like cuts and scrapes are in human children. The bacteria that cause pyoderma include: Staphylococcus aureus Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pasteurella multocida (one of the more common bacteria) Bacteria can also penetrate oral openings or become trapped in matted fur, especially in unhealthy or obese rabbits. Diagnosis Your veterinarian will want to look at all possible causes before making a diagnosis, as there are other things which may resemble a common skin infection. These may include: Ear mites, which can cause similar-looking crusty regions around the ears, leading to hair loss around the ears and ear canal Fleas, which can cause hair loss and matted hair in many areas around the body Skin reaction to a recent vaccination or injection, which can form crusting or scabbing Rabbit syphilis, a condition that often causes hair loss and crusty regions If these are ruled out, your veterinarian may take skin samples or cultures to identify the underlying cause of the infection. Treatment Treating bacterial infections in rabbits typically occurs on an outpatient basis. Most rabbits will require bathing; the area then needs to be dried well to avoid retaining excess moisture. If the infection is serious, the surrounding area may require shaving. Your veterinarian may prescribe topical antibiotics to apply on the affected area. Prevention It is important to provide a well-balanced diet for your rabbit. Preventing obesity will help prevent the risk of future infections occurring within skin folds. Trimming overgrown areas of hair and brushing matted fur can also help reduce the risk of infection.

Apical Abscesses in Rabbits    Tooth root abscesses in rabbits, formally known as apical abscesses, are defined as pus-filled capsules or pockets within the animal’s tooth or mouth. These abscesses are painful for the animal and tend to grow within inflamed areas of the gums, where infection is more likely to spread. Symptoms and Types Some common signs include: Oral cavity Loose teeth Abnormal teeth or bite alignment (cheek teeth elongation) Overgrowth of the incisor teeth (used to grasp and bit food) Oral tissue swelling, especially along the soft tissues A preference towards eating softer foods Loss of weight, can be extreme Obstruction of the tear or nasal ducts Respiratory irritation (e.g., sinusitis and rhinitis) Signs of pain or discomfort, which may include inability or lack of interest in moving, lethargy, hiding, hunched posture or depression Causes There are many different reasons an abscess forms under a tooth or near a tooth’s root. For example, an infection can occur in cases of tooth or dental decay. However, rabbit abscesses are unlike those that form in other animals, like cats and dogs. They do not rupture on their own and drain infrequently. Rather, they tend to puncture the bone of the rabbit, often requiring surgical treatment. The most common cause of tooth root abscesses in rabbits is tooth elongation. This is a chronic and common condition because rabbit teeth tend to grow constantly — at the rate of nearly one-half an inch every month. The cheek teeth can then become spiked and erode, or gradually wear into the soft tissue near the teeth, allowing abscess-causing bacteria to enter into the gums. Tissue damage can also lead to the formation of an abscess. Other causes and factors contributing to tooth root abscesses include: Infection with pyogenic bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus spp., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella spp. and Peptostreptococcus micros) Trauma to the teeth or roots, including clipping of the teeth or cutting the pulp when trimming teeth, which can expose them to bacteria Acquired teeth elongation, which can occur from an exclusive pellet diet Suppression of the immune system, which can occur from the overuse of topical or oral steroids Diagnosis Diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions contributing to tooth decay. A veterinarian will look for signs of dental disease and swelling in the mouth, and may take a culture to identify a possible infection. Treatment Treatment can be done on an outpatient basis, unless the rabbit has large abscesses or wounds which may get infected. Some animals may require long-term pain therapy and management, consisting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for inflammation control and to help reduce pain. (Needle aspiration can be used to help drain excessive fluids.) In severe cases, the animal will need to undergo surgery to remove affected teeth. Many times, extraction is time consuming because rabbits have curved tooth roots. However, if such a procedure is done, the veterinarian will prescribe medication, including antibiotics to help reduce bacterial infections and pain. Living and Management A well-balanced diet is a vital part of management, as it helps prevent tooth decay. This means feeding the rabbit low-carbohydrate and low-fat foods, and enough water to keep it hydrated. The veterinarian will re-evaluate the rabbit every one to three months to trim its teeth and search for any cavities or oral growths. Be aware, chronic pain is a potential side effect of this condition.