Rabbit Carbuncle Treatment

A carbuncle is an abscess on the skin caused by a bacterial infection made up of several boils, usually with openings that drain pus. In rabbits, carbuncles are often caused by improper handling, a lack of cleanliness, poor diet or injury. Rabbit carbuncles require immediate veterinary treatment with antibiotics and are highly contagious.

  1. History

    • According to veterinarian Margaret A. Wissman, bacterial skin infection in rabbits has evolved with the animals themselves, much like in other mammals. Pyoderma, the medical term for bacterial skin infections in rabbits, occurs in wild and domestic animals.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of carbuncle depend in part on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Most carbuncles are characterized by swelling, redness, pus, bleeding and pain, according to the website "PetMD." Nasal or eye discharge often accompany carbuncles, as these symptoms can be caused by the same bacteria.

    Causes

    • The bacterial organism pasteurella multocida is a common cause of carbuncles in rabbits. The group of diseases this organism causes is called pasteurellosis. Pasteurella is highly contagious and is often transmitted via sneezing. Rabbit carbuncles can also be caused by many other bacteria, according to Dr. Wissman.

    Diagnosis

    • Bacterial cultures of samples from the infected rabbit are used to determine treatment. Carbuncles caused by pasteurella can be difficult to diagnose and treat because they may not survive transfer from a rabbit to the lab and can be difficult to grow. According to veterinarians at the website "Rabbit.org," depression, listlessness and shock can also be signs of bacterial infection in rabbits and can be helpful in making a diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • According to the website "PetMD," rabbits infected with pasteurella or other carbuncle-causing bacteria should be kept clean, on a good diet and stress-free. Treatment with strain-specific antibiotics can help to control the disease but often can not eliminate it completely. Alongside systemic antibiotics, a rabbit's own immune system is the best weapon against skin infection.