Pyometra in Rabbits

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Leaf

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Pyometra is a term that defines "pus in the uterus". This problem very rarely happens in spayed females but occures in intact females at an alarming rate. It is common in dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs and rabbits. Pyometra is known as the silent killer in many veteranary circles.

There are two types of Pyometra, open and closed. "Open" allows for drainage of the uterus while "Closed" allows no drainage and promotes swelling, thickening of the uterine walls and extremetoxicity due to a close cervix.


[url]http://www.provet.co.uk/petfacts/healthtips/pyometra.htm[/url]


In rabbits, Pasteurella Multocida is the most common cause to onset Pyometra. This bacteria is a respiratory pathogen and it is important to note that all carriers may not show outward signs or symptoms.


[url]http://www.zoologix.com/dogcat/Datasheets/PasteurellaMultocida.htm[/url]

Once an rabbits immune system is compromised it is very important to practice stringent cleaning regiments, provide proper vet care, housing and nutrition. As noted not all carriers show signs or symptoms of Pasteurella Multocida so from the beginning all good habits are needed when one has a pet rabbit.

Because one cannot easily tell if their rabbit is a carrier the easiest preventative action is to have a doe spayed. This is especially important for a pet owner who values their rabbit as a companion, since it almost completely eliminates the threat of pyometra. In very rare cases pyometra can still occure in a spayed rabbit if infection strikes in the small stump of the uterus that is left after surgery. Treatment for this, however, is much less invasive for the pet and less costly for the owner.
 

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