Tetanus—the mere mention of this disease elicits fear. Also known as lockjaw, it brings to mind muscle spasms, stiffness, and the signature distorted grin. Though we often associate tetanus with rusty nails and dirt, did you know rabbits are also at risk? These prey animals are vulnerable when exposed to the bacteria that produces this potent neurotoxin. Left untreated, tetanus can be fatal for rabbits. Yet many owners are unaware of the disease threats, clinical signs, and preventive care that could save their rabbits. Through this riveting article, you’ll gain invaluable insight on tetanus in rabbits—a must-read for all rabbit owners concerned about their pets’ health and wellbeing.
Can Rabbits Get Tetanus?
Do Rabbits Carry Tetanus?
Rabbits can potentially carry the bacteria that causes tetanus, Clostridium tetani. This bacteria is found in soil, dust, and manure and can infect rabbits through wounds. Rabbits kept in outdoor hutches or allowed to roam may have a higher risk of exposure to C. tetani spores. The spores can enter the body through puncture wounds, open sores, or scratches. Once inside the body, the spores germinate into active bacteria that produce a potent neurotoxin. This neurotoxin causes the clinical signs of tetanus.
While rare, there are documented cases of rabbits contracting tetanus. Wild rabbits and rabbits with outdoor access are at greatest risk. The bacteria can also be introduced into a rabbitry through contaminated soil or equipment. Proper sanitation and wound care reduce the risk of C. tetani infection in rabbits. Isolating new rabbits and monitoring them for signs of illness can help prevent the spread of tetanus.
Tetanus is considered a preventable disease in rabbits through proper vaccination protocols. Young rabbits should receive an initial tetanus vaccination followed by annual boosters. Pregnant does can pass limited immunity to their offspring through the placenta and colostrum. However, maternal antibodies decline over time and kits should be vaccinated starting around 8-12 weeks of age. Following vaccination guidelines helps protect rabbits against tetanus infection throughout their lives.
In summary, while uncommon, rabbits can become infected with C. tetani and develop tetanus. Wild rabbits and those with outdoor access have increased exposure to the bacteria. Preventive measures like vaccination, sanitation, and prompt wound care greatly reduce the risk of tetanus in pet and farmed rabbits. Being aware of the disease and its clinical signs allows rabbit owners to seek timely veterinary care.
Tetanus Symptoms in Rabbits
Tetanus causes characteristic clinical signs in rabbits due to the effects of the powerful neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani bacteria. Rabbits with tetanus may display the following symptoms:
Blinking Failure
One of the early signs of tetanus in rabbits is an inability to blink. Rabbits normally blink frequently to moisten their eyes. However, the neurotoxin affects the facial and eyelid muscles controlling blinking. Affected rabbits are unable to fully close their eyes. This leaves the eyes exposed to drying and injury. Excessive tear production and discharge are also visible due to decreased blinking.
Risus Sardonicus
The facial muscles and features are significantly impacted in tetanus. Rabbits may develop a characteristic grin known as risus sardonicus due to muscle spasms and contractions. The facial muscles pull back, exposing the teeth and retracting the lips. This gives the appearance of an unnatural “grin.” Risus sardonicus progresses over 2-3 days and results from the toxin’s effect on facial nerves.
Muscle Stiffness
Generalized rigidity and stiffness of the skeletal muscles occurs with tetanus. Rabbits become hesitant to move due to muscle tightness and pain. Eventually they have difficulty standing or holding up their heads. Muscle spasms may cause a “sawhorse” stance, with all legs rigidly extended. The spasms worsen with sudden noises or handling. As paralysis sets in, rabbits may topple over or be unable to right themselves if laid on their sides.
Other symptoms of tetanus may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Labored breathing patterns
- Seizures
- Excitability and hyperreactivity
- Constant erect ears due to stiffness
The incubation period ranges from 3-21 days before symptoms begin. Most cases become evident within 5-10 days after exposure. Rabbits showing characteristic signs of tetanus should receive prompt veterinary care for the best chance of recovery. Supportive nursing care and medication are important for managing the disease.
How To Treat Tetanus in Rabbits?
Tetanus poses a serious health threat to rabbits but can be treated with appropriate veterinary care. Treatment focuses on neutralizing the tetanus toxin, managing symptoms, and preventing secondary problems. Here is an overview of the treatment methods vets may use to care for a rabbit with tetanus:
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Antitoxin – An injection of tetanus antitoxin (TAT) helps neutralize unbound tetanus toxin in the body. TAT does not reverse existing symptoms but stops additional toxin from damaging the nervous system.
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Antibiotics – Intravenous, broad-spectrum antibiotics like penicillin target the Clostridium tetani bacteria. However, antibiotics cannot undo nerve damage from toxin already produced.
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Wound Care – Any wounds or dirty lesions should be thoroughly cleaned and debrided. This removes bacteria and foreign matter that may be harboring spores.
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Medications – Sedatives or muscle relaxants can be used to control muscle spasms and rigidity. Pain medication provides relief from muscle stiffness. Eye lubricants prevent corneal drying since the rabbits cannot blink.
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Supportive Nursing Care – Round-the-clock nursing care maintains hydration, nutrition, and comfort. Hand-feeding, fluid therapy, and assisted urination/defecation may be required. Monitoring helps prevent aspiration, choking, pressure sores, and other complications.
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Ventilation – Severely affected rabbits may need mechanical ventilation until muscle strength improves. Intubation provides an open airway to support breathing.
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Physical Therapy – Gentle range-of-motion exercises can help prevent contractures and maintain joint mobility. However, this may not be tolerated until spasms subside.
With intensive therapy, the prognosis for survival is fair to good. However, complete recovery takes 4-6 weeks as damaged nerves regenerate. Supportive home care is needed after hospital discharge. Rabbits may suffer long-term effects like muscle wasting. But most can regain normal nerve function over time. Vaccination helps prevent any future tetanus infections.
Can Rabbits Die from Tetanus?
Unfortunately, yes—rabbits can die from tetanus if left untreated. The mortality rate is quite high, estimated between 50-90%. Death results from severe muscle spasms, respiratory paralysis, uncontrolled toxin activity, or secondary issues like pneumonia. The potent neurotoxin essentially overwhelms the body.
With proper medical care, the prognosis improves significantly. However, intensive around-the-clock treatment is necessary to neutralize the toxin and manage symptoms. Even then, some rabbits succumb to complications like aspiration pneumonia, gastrointestinal stasis, or sepsis. The toxin can cause long-lasting nerve damage that leaves rabbits with chronic disabilities.
Early intervention provides the best chance of recovery. But due to incubation time, treatment often begins after substantial toxin has already affected the body. Supportive care aims to minimize further damage while the infection runs its course. The toxin persists for weeks before nerves start to regenerate. Complete recovery is gradual over the span of a month or more.
So in summary—yes, tetanus can be fatal for rabbits. But the prognosis is not hopeless, especially with prompt veterinary treatment. Careful nursing and medication give rabbits a fighting chance. Prevention through vaccination and proper wound care are key to avoiding this devastating disease.
How to Prevent Tetanus
Tetanus is easier to prevent than treat. Here are some key tips to reduce the risk of tetanus infection in rabbits:
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Vaccination – An initial tetanus vaccine followed by annual boosters helps protect rabbits. Kits should be vaccinated starting around 2 months of age.
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Sanitation – Keep the rabbitry clean and disinfect equipment, cages, feeders, etc. Avoid introducing soil, dust, or feces on shoes or tools.
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Wound Care – Promptly clean and disinfect any wounds, scratches, or soiled lesions. Isolate injured rabbits until healed.
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Quarantine – Quarantine new rabbits 4-6 weeks to monitor for illness. Request proof of vaccination from the source.
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Access – Limit outdoor time for pets. Use wire-bottom cages to prevent contact with feces. Keep outdoor hutches clean.
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Nutrition – Feed a balanced diet to support immune function. Avoid sharp pellet edges that can scratch the mouth.
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Stress – Minimize stress through proper handling, housing, sanitation and care. Avoid overcrowding.
By taking preventive measures, rabbit owners can greatly reduce the threat of tetanus. Be aware of the disease, its signs, and vaccination recommendations. Though rare, tetanus poses a real risk for outdoor and injured rabbits. But proper care and management can successfully protect rabbit health.