RABBITS AND PASTURELLA
My pet bunny, Remington died of Pasturella. He was a Holland Lop and was only 2 years old.Pasturella is a bacterial disease. It is an upper respiratory disease. I have had many pets in my lifetime, including my Easter Box Turtle, David for 35 years. I take great care in my pets but I am baffled about this disease which has taken the life of a total of 3 rabbits that I had in the past.
Below is some information about Pasturella, and I'd like your opinion or comments on it,
Pasturella, commonly known as "snuffles" and scientifically known as Pasturella multocida is a bacterial disease that is a well known infection amongst rabbits. It can manifest as an upper respiratory (nose and lungs) disease, causing coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, and runny nose, or it can manifest as a dermatologic (skin) disease, causing abscesses and sores. It is extremely contagious. Not all rabbits who contract pasturella will become ill. But even those who do not become ill may still become carriers that could pose a risk to other rabbits. If not caught and treated early the disease can kill in a very short time as the infection destroys the infected tissues. Rabbits who survive the initial infection often continue to manifest chronic respiratory or dermatologic symptoms for the rest of their lives. Diseases like pasturella are one reason it is a good idea to quarantine all new rabbits for at least 14 days and wash your hands and clothes and anything else that comes into contact with them with antibacterial soap and hot water before handling any other rabbits.
Pasturella can be treated but it must be caught early. If you notice any rabbit with abscesses, or nasal symptoms, do not delay in getting the rabbit in to see an experienced rabbit veterinarian.
Below is some information about Pasturella, and I'd like your opinion or comments on it,
Pasturella, commonly known as "snuffles" and scientifically known as Pasturella multocida is a bacterial disease that is a well known infection amongst rabbits. It can manifest as an upper respiratory (nose and lungs) disease, causing coughing, sneezing, runny eyes, and runny nose, or it can manifest as a dermatologic (skin) disease, causing abscesses and sores. It is extremely contagious. Not all rabbits who contract pasturella will become ill. But even those who do not become ill may still become carriers that could pose a risk to other rabbits. If not caught and treated early the disease can kill in a very short time as the infection destroys the infected tissues. Rabbits who survive the initial infection often continue to manifest chronic respiratory or dermatologic symptoms for the rest of their lives. Diseases like pasturella are one reason it is a good idea to quarantine all new rabbits for at least 14 days and wash your hands and clothes and anything else that comes into contact with them with antibacterial soap and hot water before handling any other rabbits.
Pasturella can be treated but it must be caught early. If you notice any rabbit with abscesses, or nasal symptoms, do not delay in getting the rabbit in to see an experienced rabbit veterinarian.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by heidi stankavish on -
Sorry to hear about your rabbits.Pasturella is a very difficult bacterial infection to cure not to mention heart breaking to see your pet suffer.
Having worked in the pet trade and as a vet tech I can give you a couple suggestions on purchasing or adding a new rabbit to your home.
1. If you chose to buy for a pet store follow your head not your heart.watch the rabbits closely.Do you notice any labored breathing,crusting around eyes or nose, excessive sneezing or odd swellings or lumps(abcess)? If you see any of the rabbits in together with those symptoms do not purchase any of them.They have all been exposed,even if you do not see symptoms the stress of a new home can lower their imunity leaving them to develope illnesses soon after arriving home.
2. Always quarantine for at least 2 weeks from any other pets you may have (a good check up with a vet if possible is a great idea too).
3.Ask what the pet store what their health guarantee is and will they support you if there is a problem.Keep in mind most pet stores will give you a refund or replacement.They will not normally cover vet fees over the cost of the animal.
4.know your state laws regarding the purchase of an animal in regard to health issues.They may differ significantly from what the store may post as their "guarantee". they are ment to protect the consumer not the retailer.
5.Use commonsense if you get a bad vibe in a place,the animals look ill kept, don't do it.Try to buy from a rabbit fancier or 4H groups that breed and show their pets (they usually love them and care for them well).Hopefully this will help to make for a happy ending.
Rabbits make great pets and choosing a healthy one will help ensure your little friend will be around for 8 to 12 yrs or more.Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by REGINA TACUI JANICKI on -
Thank you so much for your response. I purchased my rabbit from a breeder. The conditions in which he kept the rabbits seemed fine to me. Remington was fine for a year and a half. Remington lived for nearl 2years.
I had a rabbit before him who died from the same disease. After he passed away I sterilized the cage, and purchased a new litter box, water bottle, etc. I did keep him away from my 2 cats that I had at the time for a couple of weeks, then slowly introducing them to each other. All got along great, but it is still a mystery to me.
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