Post birth discharge? - likely vent disease - lots of ?s

[FourRingCircus]

I have a NZW doe that had 11 kits about 4 weeks ago. Her back end is still really grungy from what I assume is discharge? Her poop doesn't seem as solid as it was so I don't know if that's part of it? If it's something more to be concerned about? We do have horrible flies so my main concern at this point is maggots getting in. I have been battling ear mites since I got her (first rabbits I bought, on a whim, and not in the best of health I have found). I did have a sick rabbit come in from the breeder that I bought a couple others from - I didn't isolate him like I should have, not to mention he rode home with another one I got from him. He had some sneezing and nasal discharge. The guy apologized, said he didn't realize he was sick and never would have sold him to me had he known. He then told me how much he has been battling pneumonia type stuff this winter (snuffles? I am still learning what is what). So now I am wondering if my whole bunch is infected? Her front paws are wet occasionally, but so is her whole rear end so I don't know what the cause of it is for sure.

Needless to say... I am redesigning my set up with new cages in a new area (the old hutches are needing more and more repairs) and will be investing in new breeding stock from a better breeder.

 

[Susie570]

I have to say that doesn't sound good.

A doe should not be having 'discharge' down there for very long after kindling, that I'm aware of, but some mushy poo is normal. I would definitely be a worried about maggots and such. Can you give her a butt bath, get her all cleaned up and see what's going on?

 

[FourRingCircus]

Bummer That's what I was afraid of. I figured a few days after would be normal. I did notice that the poop is building up where she lays - must have had a piece of cardboard get stuck or something? I tried to get it clean but it's of course the hardest corner to get to so I might have to spray it out with the hose... I can put her and the kits in a dog crate while I do. What are the chances it's that easy of a fix?

Also... are the noses supposed to be dry all the time? Is any bit of moisture cause for alarm?

 

[Dood]

A wire BBQ brush is useful in scrubbing out "poop pancakes" which often form in does cages after a litter - labour hormones don't just stretch out abdominal muscles but anal sphincter ones too so their poops tend to be bigger for a while

I second the idea of a butt bath to see what's going on as it could be discharge from a uterine infection or haemorrhaging or diahhrea or vent disease (rabbit syphillis) or fly strike or etc...

 

[Susie570]

Bummer That's what I was afraid of. I figured a few days after would be normal. I did notice that the poop is building up where she lays - must have had a piece of cardboard get stuck or something? I tried to get it clean but it's of course the hardest corner to get to so I might have to spray it out with the hose... I can put her and the kits in a dog crate while I do. What are the chances it's that easy of a fix?

Also... are the noses supposed to be dry all the time? Is any bit of moisture cause for alarm?

Some does deliberately build a 'poop pad' for the kits. They must have access to some of the doe's healthy cecals to help establish their intestinal flora. I would think though, that this could be an issue in the summer
due to flies. :x Hopefully others will chime in.

As for a dry nose, I believe it's ok for the nose to be moist, but one shouldn't see a lot of wet hair around it, particularly discolored or crusty.

 

[FourRingCircus]

Oh wow... so many things to consider! :shock:

Since I plan on getting new breeders - what are the red flags for when it is or is not OK to eat the meat if we get to that point with my current breeders?

Tips for giving a bath to a fairly large and feisty rabbit? The were never really handled before and aren't big fans of it - my arms are proof (DH bought me leather pruning gloves for Mother's Day )

 

[katiebear]

If you have never given a but bath it is fairly simple I do it in the kitchen sink..fill with warm water and a little dish soap,lower the bunny's but into the water..soak for a minute or two swerl the water around her behind. If there is anything stuck,put some soap in your hand and work it out. There shouldn't be to much soap so rinse in the bath water..fluff her with a towel and blow dry on low/warm, keeping the dryer moving.. you need to dry her because a chill can kill.
If she is ornery you may want help..and long sleeves. .

 

[FourRingCircus]

Sooooo yeeeaaahhhh... rabbit syphilis might be the issue. I remember noticing what looked like dried blood on one of the two does when I got them (of course, after I got home), didn't think much of it. Figured maybe she was older? Kind of like how a chicken's vent dries out? I got this one from the same kid so I am guessing the crud in her folds is the same thing? Looks like the doe in the cage next to her has a blister as well - and I just got her a couple weeks ago, different breeder. :angry: The youngest doe, ODS's Creme d'Argent is to the left of the first one so I am guessing she has been exposed as well (assuming that's what it is).

Is the meat still OK, or no? Need to do some research now! And of course my pedigreed Californian has been with them as well... argh!

 

[Susie570]

If it's an STD (like syphilis), any rabbit that has been bred to an infected rabbit has been exposed. The kits may also be exposed, I'm not sure how that works. Good news is, if it's syphilis, you should be able to treat it. Google is your friend, do some research, know your enemy.

 

[FourRingCircus]

It looks like it's treatable with antibiotic injections - fun times :| I have no idea where to even get the supplies, guess I will have to do some searching.

 

[Susie570]

It looks like it's treatable with antibiotic injections - fun times I have no idea where to even get the supplies, guess I will have to do some searching.

If you have a Tractor Supply nearby, they should carry it. Southern States should carry it. Worst case, you can order online.

I would suggest going to a vet for the stuff but I don't know if they would help you without a pricey vet visit. I tried to get a tube of terramycin ointment from a local vet, to treat an eye irritation. They wouldn't sell it to me unless I brought the rabbit in... which would be a $40 vet bill on top of the inflated cost of the ointment :roll: I declined.

 

[Dood]

It isn't only spread by sexual contact or from doe to kits during birth - rabbits can get the growths on their faces as well from eating cecotropes and grooming themselves down there so it can spread by any close contact

 

[Susie570]

It isn't only spread by sexual contact or from doe to kits during birth - rabbits can get the growths on their faces as well from eating cecotropes and grooming themselves down there so it can spread by any close contact

Yikes!

 

[lereg15]

Tips for giving a bath to a fairly large and feisty rabbit? The were never really handled before and aren't big fans of it - my arms are proof (DH bought me leather pruning gloves for Mother's Day )

My 4 does were never handled much either, and have scratched my arms and chest to shreds when I first got them. I try to open their cages and just pet them for a while, even if they run from you, keep trying to pet them for a few minutes a day. They will start getting used to you to where you can pick them up and hold them with little or no fuss. It's been about 2 weeks since I got mine and only one of them are still a little skiddish and doesn't like held.

As for your problem, I'm sorry but I can't help with that.

 

[Susie570]

I don't know about adult rabbits, but I discovered that kits seem to enjoy a warm butt bath. I was careful to only set them in enough water to cover their bum, but they would settle right down and let me wash their bottoms.

 

[FourRingCircus]

Any suggestions/recommendations for where to order the penicilin G? That seems to be the med of choice for it from what I have been reading...

Do I treat just the symptomatic ones, or all of them? Even the 4 week old kits?

 

[Susie570]

Any suggestions/recommendations for where to order the penicilin G? That seems to be the med of choice for it from what I have been reading...

Do I treat just the symptomatic ones, or all of them? Even the 4 week old kits?

This place seems pretty good? :shrug:
https://www.shopmedvet.com/

These folks seem to have slightly better shipping rates
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=16196

 

[FourRingCircus]

Woot! Tractor Supply carries Penicillin G so I can get it and the syringes locally! I really didn't think I was going to be able to. Now to figure out dosages and an idea when and how long to give it... guess I am pulling out the scales sooner rather than later! I have never given anyone or anything a shot before, should be interesting.

Sooo.... will this completely cure them? Once I get the cages and things cleaned up? Or should I consider new breeding stock anyway? I have a feeling one will be supper before long - not sure her age, but she's yet to produce any babies (maybe it's the vent disease?). Will know in about 2 weeks. <br /><br /> -- Wed May 13, 2015 9:18 am -- <br /><br /> Oh, another question (I am full of them! ) - are the bred does OK for the antibiotics? Should I wait? Or is it worth the risk?

So many factors to consider!

 

[Susie570]

Woot! Tractor Supply carries Penicillin G so I can get it and the syringes locally! I really didn't think I was going to be able to. Now to figure out dosages and an idea when and how long to give it... guess I am pulling out the scales sooner rather than later! I have never given anyone or anything a shot before, should be interesting.

Sooo.... will this completely cure them? Once I get the cages and things cleaned up? Or should I consider new breeding stock anyway? I have a feeling one will be supper before long - not sure her age, but she's yet to produce any babies (maybe it's the vent disease?). Will know in about 2 weeks.

-- Wed May 13, 2015 9:18 am --

Oh, another question (I am full of them! ) - are the bred does OK for the antibiotics? Should I wait? Or is it worth the risk?

So many factors to consider!

Someone with more experience will have to chip in, but I'm waiting to see the responses in case it ever comes up in my 'herd'.... (I'm actually getting to the point where I say 'herd'...).

 

[alforddm]

A table with antibiotics that can be used for rabbits and dosages. http://www.medirabbit.com/Safe_medicati ... iotics.htm
SC is Subcutaneously (ie under skin) IM is intermuscular (ie in the muscle).

Penicillin G procaine
*Only* as injection.
SC pathway should be favored for owners giving the treatment at home.
IM administration only for professionals and veterinarians.
20.000 – 60.000 IU/kg
SC, IM
If bacterial infection: daily administration, or every 2nd day.
If treatment against treponematosis (rabbit syphilis): q once per week, during 3 to 5 weeks.