RINGWORM IN RABBITS: SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Rabbits can be affected by diseases characteristic of both animals and humans. At the same time determine the source of infection is problematic. We are talking about ringworm, which can appear even in a well-groomed decorative rabbit. Next, consider what constitutes a disease, what symptoms are characteristic of it, as well as treatment and preventive measures.

What is this disease

Ringworm is a contagious fungal disease that can be caused by microsporia or trichophytia (the names of fungi). The pathogen affects the skin, causing their partial dysfunction.

Pets are subject to attacks of various small parasites. Read about how to remove fleas, ticks, and in particular the ear mites in rabbits.

Since the fungus is parasitic on the skin, which is constantly updated, all dead particles are a source of infection. For this reason, the disease can be transmitted through animal care items, as well as other things with which the rabbit comes in contact. In this case, the immune system is not able to stop the fungus, because of which the disease is subject to healthy individuals, which are contained in acceptable conditions. Ringworm got its name due to the fact that the hairs start to break off at the place of formation of the spot, and at a certain height, usually 5-8 mm. As a result, one gets the impression that the wool was carefully cut off.

Important! The fungus can cause versicolor in humans. The only exceptions are some zoonotic species that parasitize only on animals.

Incubation period and symptoms

Most diseases have an incubation period during which they are almost impossible to detect due to the absence of symptoms. After infection with a fungus, a period of acclimatization and introduction begins, which takes from 1 to 2 weeks. At this time, the symptoms are absent, and the pet behaves as usual: it normally eats, sleeps, actively moves and communicates with the owners. This is followed by a period of active growth of the fungus population. It is at this time that the destructive activity begins, which allows you to identify the disease.

Common diseases of the rabbit include encephalosis, conjunctivitis, eye diseases, pasteurellosis, and scabies.

Symptoms:

the formation of bare rounded spots on the skin in the area of the head, back, paws;
severe itching causing anxiety in a rabbit;
skin begins to peel off strongly, like after sunburn;
if left untreated, bags of pus are formed around the spot, which eventually erupt;
"bald" spot increases in diameter, connecting with adjacent foci;
fever;
weakness;
partial or complete refusal of food.

Refusal of food, as one of rabbit ringworm symptoms

Diagnostics

In order not to confuse versicolor with trauma, as a result of which the rabbit lost a small shred of hair, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary examination at home. To do this, be sure to take medical gloves to avoid contact with possible infection. Then carefully examine the paws, back and head.

We recommend to consider the types of skin diseases in rabbits and methods of their treatment, and also find out the diseases of rabbits that pose a threat to human health.

Pay attention to the behavior of the animal: if the rabbit does not try to comb the area on which there is no wool, it is quite possible that it is not deprived, but a normal injury. If on the site there is a crust or the skin color is very different, then it is better to contact the veterinarian.

An experienced specialist can make a diagnosis only on the basis of an examination, when there is a clear rounded area with a rim of redness on the body. In other cases, do scraping or take a small piece of cloth. The material is treated with a special substance that "highlights" the fungus, allowing you to examine it under a microscope. Ringworm under the microscope An alternative option is fluorescent backlighting. This type of fungus begins to glow under UV rays, so it can be detected by directing the lamp light to the affected area. The rabbit will not suffer from such manipulations, and the doctor will be able to quickly establish the diagnosis.

How to treat rabbits

There are several ways to cure ringworm. Some medicines are used for ornamental animals, which must be eliminated from the fungus as soon as possible so as not to endanger family members. Other, sparing medicines, are used to treat large numbers of rabbit meat breeds.

It will probably be useful for you to learn how to use Chiktonik, Yod, Gamavit, Baytril, Dithrim and Amprolium for rabbits.

Antibiotics - note that although they are "useful mushrooms", in some cases they are also used to treat fungal diseases, so do not be afraid of deterioration, as well as the appearance of superinfection (when a fungal disease joins a bacterial or vice versa).
The drug "Griseofulvin" is used - it is a strong antibiotic that allows you to achieve a speedy recovery. Per 1 kg of weight gives 20 mg of the drug, which is combined with food. The course of treatment is 30 days, but it must be divided into two stages of 2 weeks, between which a 7-day break should be taken. After the first 15 days of treatment, the cage, as well as everything with which the animal came into contact, must be disinfected.
Vaccine - in this case, it is used not for the prevention of the disease, but for treatment. Choose between preparations "Microderm" and "Vakderm". A veterinarian should prescribe and prick the vaccine so that an overdose does not occur, and the course of treatment has been correctly adjusted.
Keratolytic shampoos - are also a drug. They contain a substance that destroys the fungus, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. At the time of purchase, it is necessary to study the composition, since in such shampoos the active substance is benzoyl peroxide. The shampoo is applied to wet skin, and then incubated for up to 15 minutes and washed off with warm water. Can be used daily, as well as in complex therapy.
Antifungal ointment - an external agent that can be used in the treatment of depriving. The following drugs are used: "Amikazole", "Iodine-vazogen", "Unisan", "Salicylic alcohol", as well as analogues with identical active substance. If your lichen is running, then powerful ointments can be used, such as Clotrimazole and Miconazole. The frequency of use is indicated in the instructions for drugs.

Is it possible to eat meat of infected animals

Since the fungus is parasitic in the layers of the skin, the meat of the slaughtered rabbits is completely safe for humans and can be used in any form. At the same time, the skins after slaughter must be thoroughly disinfected, and then additionally checked for the presence of a pathogen.

Important! You can not prick the vaccine during antibiotic treatment: it is used only 1.5 weeks after the end of the course.

It should be understood that even if the fungus gets on the meat, where he simply has nothing to parasitize, then in any case he will die - either in the process of freezing or during heat treatment.

Prevention

Compliance with veterinary and sanitary rules.
Proper diet.
Regular inspection of rabbits.
Vaccination and immunization of livestock.
Compliance with the temperature, as well as proper ventilation.
Purchased young animals must be removed to quarantine, which lasts about 2 weeks (depriving the incubation period and many other diseases).

We recommend to learn how to deal with obese rabbit, how to give an enema to a rabbit, as well as the causes of death of rabbits.

Ringworm is a common problem in many domestic and wild animals, but this disease is quickly treated with relatively cheap drugs. Even in a state of neglect, you can rid the rabbit of depriving yourself by contacting a specialist.