Pneumonia
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Pneumonia is the fully developed inflammatory response to bacteria, fungal infections (mycoses), or inhaled foreign material in the lungs.
Symptoms
- Anorexia, weight loss, and/or lethargy
- Fever
- Exercise intolerance
- Dehydration
- Labored breathing (dyspnea), usually late in the course of the disease
- Signs of previous upper respiratory disease such as nasal discharge, eye discharge, sneezing, facial abscesses, dental disease, and drooling (ptyalism)
Causes
Bacterial causes of pneumonia in rabbits include the following:[1]
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Mycobacterium spp.
- Pasteurella multocida
Anecdotal fungal causes include the following:[1]
- Aspergillus spp.
- Cryptococcus spp.
The last cause of pneumonia in rabbits is due to aspiration. In general, rabbits do not vomit, so aspiration pneumonia is rare.[1] However, it can be a result of difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) or following administration of oral medications, forced feeding, or tube feeding.[1]
Factors that can increase susceptibility to pneumonia in rabbits include the following:[1]
- Age. Neonatal and young rabbits have an immature immune system.
- Overall health. e.g. injured animals, concurrent disease, stress, corticosteroid use.
- Dental disease. Abscesses, fractured teeth, and malocclusion that causes mouth injury can all provide an entry route for bacteria.
- Reduced level of consciousness. e.g. stupor, coma, anesthesia
- Grooming habits can result in a bacteria-contaminated coat which can further contaminate the environmount.
- Close contact with another infected animal.
- Poor husbandry such as dirty, molding bedding and poor nutrition
- Inhaled irritants such as ammonia building from dirty bedding, dusty hay, bleach or other strong disinfectants, and smoke.
Experiences
- Allison Zwingenberger. (2015). Radiographs of an 8-year-old rabbit diagnosed with severe pneumonia.