Rabbits are popular creatures used for experimentation in laboratories. Various kinds of medicines, chemicals, and even cosmetics are tried on this rodent to know the benefits and problems. But when it comes to their particular ailment like tetanus, we are not very much aware yet.
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Can rabbits get affected by tetanus?
We humans can get affected by tetanus when we get bitten by rabbits. Rabbit bites can make the person sick with tetanus especially if the wound comes into contact with soil, dust, feces, and such things which contain microbes.
When it comes to getting infected by tetanus, then rabbits can have such infections. However, unlike human beings, tetanus is not fatal for rabbits and they can get cured of it. The dangerous part is if your rabbit gets infected by tetanus and there is more than one rabbit at your house then it can spread the disease among other rabbits too.
How can you cure the tetanus of your rabbit?
Rabbits can get infected by tetanus and they can be recovered from this disease. They need a full course of medicine and if the vets recommend then you can give them antibiotics too.
Tetanus should be taken very seriously and it is nothing that can be ignored. If you find that your rabbit has got tetanus then you should get the right treatment at the soonest for the pet. This is a rare disease in rabbits but it is not improbable. So you need to be alert and take the right precautions so that the pet does not get infected by this.
How do rabbits carry tetanus?
When the wound of the rabbit gets exposed to tetanus bacteria then it can be affected by tetanus. The bacteria are usually found in the tainted soil or waste of the rabbit cage. The affected rabbit may bite a human and infect him or her with tetanus. But the chance is rare. Humans getting affected by tetanus from rabbit bites are seen as a quite uncommon incident till now.
Thus this issue of rabbits spreading tetanus or rabbits getting affected by tetanus is not yet studied well. But the chance of the rabbit getting affected by tetanus when it has an open cut on its body is not negligible. This disease attacks when the bacteria called clostridium tetani secrets a toxic element that makes them get infected with tetanus.
Why do rabbits get tetanus?
Rabbits usually hop around dirty and muddy areas where there could be the presence of other animal feces or rabbits’ own feces. The bacteria of tetanus are found in such places and thus, if the rabbit has any open wounds on their body they can easily get infected by this bacteria.
The tetanus bacteria affect the area where there is no chance of getting oxygen. The wound on the body of the rabbit is the entrance point of the rabbit’s body and then it moves inside the body. It blocks the nerve signals and gradually affects the spinal cord which is related to the muscles.
Why do rabbits get less affected by tetanus?
As rabbits are wild in nature and are found mostly in the jungles, they have genetically strong immunity and they do not fall sick easily. There are several diseases including tetanus that do not affect them or attack them though they roam a lot in the dirty fields.
But this is not the same for the domestic rabbits. As they are mostly bred on farms by professional breeders or in the house of any pet owners, they do not have the tenacity to prevent any and every disease that comes through bacteria.
Is tetanus fatal for the rabbits?
Tetanus is not fatal for rabbits. They are naturally resistant to this disease and thus they get recovered with the aid of proper medication. The bacteria after getting into the system of the rabbit usually stays in the intestine part and often creates much disturbance to the physique of the creature.
How can a rabbit spread tetanus?
Tetanus is not one such disease that cannot be passed from animal to animal through direct contact. Unless the open pores of one creature’s body get into contact with the bacteria of tetanus, there is no chance of getting this disease.
The feces of the sick and tetanus-affected rabbit can create the problem. So if you have more than one rabbit and one of them gets affected by tetanus, then along with taking proper care of the sick one, you should also segregate it and keep it secluded. Do not let the sick rabbit use the same litter box and maintain a safety regime regarding the waste of that rabbit.
This way you will be able to help the sick rabbit get well as well as not affect any other rabbit from the group.
What are the symptoms of tetanus among the rabbits?
After the bacteria of tetanus affects a rabbit, it takes at least 3 days to see the reaction of the disease. It can take as long as 21 days to see the symptoms. The symptoms are quite unpleasant and it will be much more painful for the rabbits.
1. Blinking failure
The first symptom that you will find in your rabbit is a blinking failure. The rabbit will not be able to blink properly and that will make irritation in the eyes. They will have watery eyes as their eyelid muscle will be contracted and they will not be able to control their movement.
The third eyelid will be there to clear the dirt from the rabbit’s eye. The rabbit will not be able to take harsh light and loud sounds. Whenever it will hear a loud sound it will have a spasm.
2. Muscle stiffness
Muscle stiffness is another problem with tetanus-affected rabbits. They will not be able to sit, walk or run smoothly and will have difficulties in even small movements. They will not be able to drink or eat as that also needs support from their muscle.
The muscles in the jaw of the rabbit get contracted and stiff and thus, this situation is also called lockjaw. This situation cannot go on for long as this will make the rabbit weak. The eating and drinking will decrease. The hind leg will also be stiff which will prevent it from moving all the time, as is its natural habit.
3. Sardonic smile
In some rare cases, the rabbit also may suffer from Risus Sardonicus which is also known as the sardonic smile. The muscles in the face get pulled back so the face looks as if the rabbit is smiling sardonically.
This is a serious issue and you should take notice of the symptoms as soon as these are seen in the rabbit. The diagnosis of tetanus is difficult among rabbits but you can always ask the vet for the right suggestions. There is no way that you will ignore the fact that the rabbit is getting sick and feeling uncomfortable due to some kind of ailment.
How can you treat tetanus among rabbits?
The bacteria of tetanus can be killed with the help of antibiotics. Penicillin is a widely used medicine that is vital for treating tetanus among any creature. After the treatment starts, the symptoms like the stiffness of muscles and difficulty in movements will be subsided. In the first week, the problems will decrease and within 2-3 months the rabbit will be completely cured.
More:
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