Pneumonia

Cause:
Drafts, unsanitary hutches are predisposing factors, damp environment. Bacterial infection of the lungs.

Symptoms:
Animal holds head high and gasps for breath, white rabbits eyes and ears become bluish in color from lack of oxygen.

Treatment:
Broad spectrum antibiotic, intramuscular injections work faster and bring best results.


Pneumonia can occur in rabbits of all ages. The same bacteria casing snuffles is frequently the same that causes pneumonia. It has just moved down the respiratory track to the lungs.

Animals holding their head high and tilted backward gasping for breath, showing labored breathing. Treatment must be quick and effective or the animal will die in 24 hours. Intramuscular injection of a broad spectrum antibiotic works quickest and best.

At an early age, transmission of bacteria is usually from doe to young. Feeding a medicated pellet or using an antibiotic in the water periodically will help in controlling the spread of the bacteria. Early treatment and prevention of snuffles is a key factor in preventing pneumonia.

Proper ventilation is most important in controlling and preventing respiratory diseases. Damp environment, drafts, unsanitary hutches, long periods of stress, extreme weather conditions all have tendencies to bring out respiratory problems. Proper housing along with good management will do the most to prevent these afflictions to your herd.
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