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syphilis

jackfinn

Warren Scout
Hi there, i was just wondering if anyone could give me some info on syphilis in rabbits. i was unaware that rabbits could even get the disease. I know humans cannot catch it and i dont think it is the same as the human form is it?
 
A rabbit can contract it from sex or it can be passed to the kit at birth if their mother is infected.

It can present on the genitals and/or the face, caused from grooming the infected area.

Treatment is by inectable Penicillin, 3 injections over 3 weeks. Any other rabbits that have been in contact should also be checked over.
 
It is hugely infectious so it can be transferred directly between rabbits as well (for instance, if they can get to each other to sniff noses between bars). It incubates for up to 12 weeks so it can be a real pain if there are lots of bunnies as they will all need treating - otherwise it will just go round in circles reinfecting each other.

If it's treated (as Lily says, by 3 or more weeks of injectable penicillin), it's not really anything to worry about and is certainly not as serious as human syphillis - although if left untreated it can get very sore and painful and obviously risks transferring it to any other buns.
 
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