Okay... So what now? (Vaginal Infection)

PSFAngoras · Aug 20, 2013

So this is a first for me. I have a Rex doe ~ 11 months old. She kindled 5 weeks ago, and I was checking her to show a friend the whole ready to breed or not thing, and she appears to have a vaginal infection of sorts. She has a yellow/white discharge that it actually more clumpy than liquid, and it certainly doesn't smell pleasant. She also has stains on her genital area and tail, and her vent is not dark red, but it's certainly not happy.

I'm not sure where to go from here. I am not to keen on culling her as she is the best typey rabbit of the trio, but this is getting old between the hock calluses, them being more heat sensitive than my angoras from the same breeder, and now this. Is there anything I should give her? What is the reoccurance rate of this happening again, and could it potentially spread to the buck and then the other doe without her actively showing symptoms (I.e. if I treat and it APPEARS to go away...then try to breed her again). Should I just send her off to freezer camp and enjoy the lovely pelt? I'm lost!

MamaSheepdog · Aug 20, 2013

You've got me. :?

In my ultra-paranoia of the dreaded "P", clumpy purulent discharge spells... well, you know.

Then again, if it smells like sweaty gym socks, it could be a nasty yeast infection. :hmm: If so, you might try using a human vaginal yeast infection treatment.

*Edited to add: the sweaty gym sock reference applies to what yeast infections in dog's ears smell like.

I would suggest taking her temperature to see if there is an active infection. Normal temp is between 101 and 103F.

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sickbun.html

As always, pictures would aid in diagnosis in case someone has seen the condition before.

PSFAngoras · Aug 20, 2013

Just took her temp, it's 102.9, not that unusual. Here's a pic. The white globs on the edge are the discharge.<br /><br />__________ Tue Aug 20, 2013 6:52 pm __________<br /><br />Best pic I could get, sorry. My camera is for distance, not closeups, and it's too dim outside too now

MamaSheepdog · Aug 20, 2013

That doesn't look alarming to me, but I have zero experience with rabbit VD.

Are you sure the odor is from the clumps?

Their anal glands (pockets on either side of the sex organ, not the anus) produce a really musky smell. You might try cleaning out the little pockets- the stuff in there looks almost like very dark earwax. I use a cotton swab dipped in warm water and scoop it out.

PSFAngoras · Aug 20, 2013

I'm pretty sure it's not from the scent glands, it doesn't smell like they usually would. And I keep clearing the clumps out when I see them with wet rag, but more just keep coming. That's why I'm worried. I'd hate for anyone else to catch it if the symptoms go away but it's still contagious. I.E. trying to breed...

ladysown · Aug 20, 2013

wet rabbit, not VD, just keep her nice and clean and she should clear up. YOu might want to carefully pop the pimple, but it should clear up just fine.