Pasteurella is a disease caused by Pasteurella multocida. It was named in honor of Dr. Louis Pasteur, the founder of the germ theory. He worked on bacteria that caused many infections in France in 1870.
Cause
Pasteurella is one of the most common and most widespread diseases in rabbits and is caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida that occurs in the respiratory tract of, often poorly housed, rabbits. They always carry these bacteria in their bodies. They belong to the so-called own flora of the rabbit. The organisms behave quietly, but flare up at the slightest sign of weakness in the immune system of the rabbit. The immune system can weaken due to poor nutrition, poor living conditions, stress, other diseases or prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold. The bacterium can affect part or all of the body system, which can be recognized by various symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary greatly. It is important to visit your veterinarian in time for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment can prevent chronic problems. The most common, recognizable symptom is a condition called “snot”, with sneezing, a wet nose, and dirty front paws from constantly cleaning the debris that accumulates on/around the nose. The bacteria can easily penetrate the lungs from the nasal mucous membranes. In susceptible rabbits, the bacteria can then cause acute pneumonia that must be treated quickly and aggressively with antibiotics. Untreated rabbits can die from the infection within 24 hours. A more subtle form of Pasteurella occurs in the form that causes, among other things, wet eyes with a white mucus streak in them. The tear duct is often also inflamed. If you press on the inner corner of the eye where the tear ducts begin, you can often push large amounts of whitish “cheese” out into the eye. It will be clear that an eye ointment alone will not be sufficient to expel the bacteria from the tear ducts and the tear sac. From the nose and oral cavity, the bacteria can easily reach the middle ear via the Eustachian tube. There it can cause a middle ear infection, which is often serious and difficult to combat. Because the bacteria is enveloped by a thick layer of pus by the rabbit’s immune system, an abscess quickly develops. This abscess can break outwards but also into the inner ear. There, the organ of balance is then affected. The rabbit holds its head to one side and can start spinning because it is no longer able to maintain its balance and panics while spinning. Quite typical in the early stages is the “tic” that can be seen in the eyes. With this nystagmus, the eye continuously turns slowly to the side and then returns to its normal position with a quick stroke. The bacteria can crawl up towards the brain via the auditory and equilibrium nerves and result in fatal meningitis. Due to the pus formation, this form is very difficult to combat. Only when treatment is started immediately at the first symptoms of a crooked head does the rabbit have a reasonable chance of recovery. Serious blood poisoning (a disease that spreads through the blood), pneumonia, pus accumulation, mammary gland inflammation and uterine inflammation can also lead to irreversible death. On the outside, all you see is a slow and usually very sick rabbit without any other noticeable symptoms. Abscesses under the jaw from inflamed molar roots and dental abnormalities such as crooked teeth. In this specific case, the rabbit seems to have a problem with its teeth. In reality, the teeth are not the cause here, but only a symptom. Wet and contaminated areas that become infected, broken hock joints (sorehocks), are also Pasteurella symptoms. Even bite and surgical wounds can quickly become infected with this bacterium if they are not treated carefully and immediately.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is often made on the basis of the symptoms. In severe cases, where the animals breathe with their mouths open, further investigation will be necessary to rule out lung problems caused by a heart problem, among other things. An X-ray of the chest is often made and possibly an ECG.
Treatment
Different symptoms each require a different approach. Treatment may consist of flushing the tear duct, cleaning the skin around the eyes, eye ointment, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Any dental problems should also be addressed.
Prevention
Pasteurella can be controlled by using a suitable antibiotic for a longer period. To get the infection under control, the antibiotic must be administered for four to six weeks (or sometimes even longer). Sick animals must be separated from the others, because Pasteurella is very contagious. Because rabbits have a great sensitivity to the intestines, only a limited number of antibiotics can be used in rabbits.
Insuring a rabbit
You undoubtedly take good care of your pet. Healthy food, sufficient exercise, all vaccinations are given on time and your animal is of course registered.
However, you cannot avoid having to go to the vet every now and then. As a result, you can be unexpectedly confronted with high bills. To prevent this, there is now the rabbit insurance from Figo Pet. But why should I actually insure my pet? A logical question, but… an accident can happen in a small corner and an illness always comes unexpectedly!
Your vet can often completely cure the dog or cat, but bills of € 800, – are really no longer an exception. You have to have that money.
If you take out insurance for your pet, you no longer have to worry about unexpected medical costs resulting from an accident and/or illness. A pleasant certainty, for you and for your pet! What are the advantages of Figo Pet ? The advantages are legion and that is why it is certainly worth taking out insurance. It is the most comprehensive basic insurance in the Netherlands, including Castration / Sterilization. The basic coverage can be expanded with four additional coverages. The insurance provides the highest maximum reimbursement of all insurers in the Netherlands. The hips and elbows are included in the basic coverage. From € 500, – you no longer have to pay in advance yourself. There are no waiting periods for puppies and kittens. You have a fourteen-day reflection period. The basic coverage includes reimbursement of preventive matters such as vaccination up to € 65 per year
