Rabbits are usually considered farm animals, although more and more people decide to keep them at home as pets. In either case, they require care and attention to keep them he althy and strong.
What is mastitis?
This is an inflammation of the mammary glands of the rabbit, caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus, although the culprit in most cases are Staphylococcus aureus.
As it happens with the rest of the mammals, during the gestation the breasts of the future mother grow in size, because in them the milk necessary to feed the babies that are going to be born is accumulating. However, the conditions in which the rabbit is found can cause it to contract some of the mastitis bacteria.
The contagion of these microorganisms occurs when they penetrate the body of the rabbit through a wound, for example immediately after giving birth, or even after early weaning, when there is still milk for the young and this is not used. It can also appear if the mammary gland has grown misshapen.
In any of these cases, the bacteria infects the mammary ducts, contaminating the milk. This contagion also contributes to the lack of hygiene in the space where the litter lives.
What are the symptoms of mastitis in rabbits?
Detecting the first symptoms of mastitis is essential to stop the infection, so both in the first days after calving and after weaning you should be aware of any unusual signs.
Carefully check the rabbit's teats for swelling, temperature above normal , sweat and reddish color in the area. In addition, the mother's mood may drop and she may not want to eat or drink. In the same way, will refuse to nurse the pups, as sucking the milk will cause a lot of pain.
Mastitis in rabbits is not only dangerous because of the discomfort it causes the mother, but also, since the milk is contaminated with the bacteria, if the rabbits feed on it they will get sick and die. If the pups are separated from the mother after suckling from her, and have contracted the disease, they will transmit it to the nursing mother when they feed.
If the teats and mammary glands of the infected rabbit show a purple or bluish color, it means that the disease has worsened and there is a risk of death. In this way, if you detect any of the symptoms mentioned, don't hesitate and go to the vetimmediately.
Is there any treatment?
The most important thing is to detect mastitis early, both to prevent it from getting worse and to prevent the offspring from becoming infected. Before the first symptoms, it is advisable to go to the vet immediately, who will prescribe some antibiotic for a maximum period of 5 days.
Also, during the treatment you should avoid feeding the rabbit processed food, she prefers fresh vegetables and other homemade options. Clean the cage thoroughly and all the spaces where these mammals spend time, to avoid recurrences or complications.
Under no circumstances, when you have verified that the young have been infected, let them feed on another he althy rabbit. Talk to your vet about what's best in this situation, and don't forget to check out our article on basic care for newborn rabbits.
Can it be prevented?
To prevent the appearance of mastitis in rabbits, it is best to maintain hygiene in perfect conditions both for the animal and the environment. In this way, the bacteria responsible for developing the disease will be prevented from proliferating and, therefore, from penetrating the future mother. Likewise, both after delivery and during the care of the kits by the mother, carefully check the cage, or the place where they are, to continue offering good hygiene.
On the other hand, the correct diet of the mother will always benefit her immune system and help her to fight against possible diseases that she may suffer from
