I have today discovered that about 5 of my young rabbits have swellings on the upper parts of some of their feet. In a few cases pus is evident, both dried and fresh. I checked the bedding in their nest box and found some fleas. I am guessing that the fleas have bitten the rabbits, and the bites have become infected. (It is a puzzle as to why only their feet, particularly the back ones, have been affected, and not other parts of their bodies.)
I am not quite sure how to treat the swellings on their feet. I have the injectable antibiotics penstrep (penicillin procaine G and dihydrostreptomycin sulphate) and oxytetracyclin. From Medirabbit, I see that these can all be safely injected into rabbits. Does anyone have any suggestions as to treatment:
- Do nothing and hope the swellings go away on their own.
- Presumably, topical application of gentian violet and antibiotic will have no effect, since the problem is under the skin. Does that seem right?
- Inject with penstrep or oxytetracyclin, and leave the swellings themselves alone.
- use a syringe needle to puncture the swellings, and squeeze out the pus, and also give antibiotic injections.
I am trying to avoid puncturing the swellings, because I cannot figure out how I am going to be able to hold the squirming little patients as I do that.
I am writing this from Malawi, and do not have easy access to a vet.
I am not quite sure how to treat the swellings on their feet. I have the injectable antibiotics penstrep (penicillin procaine G and dihydrostreptomycin sulphate) and oxytetracyclin. From Medirabbit, I see that these can all be safely injected into rabbits. Does anyone have any suggestions as to treatment:
- Do nothing and hope the swellings go away on their own.
- Presumably, topical application of gentian violet and antibiotic will have no effect, since the problem is under the skin. Does that seem right?
- Inject with penstrep or oxytetracyclin, and leave the swellings themselves alone.
- use a syringe needle to puncture the swellings, and squeeze out the pus, and also give antibiotic injections.
I am trying to avoid puncturing the swellings, because I cannot figure out how I am going to be able to hold the squirming little patients as I do that.
I am writing this from Malawi, and do not have easy access to a vet.