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Rabbit syphilis diagnosed clinically in household rabbits
Kumiko Saito1, Masayo Tagawa, Atsuhiko Hasegawa
1Saito Animal Hospital, Saitama, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|June 17, 2003
Summary
This study investigated rabbit syphilis in 16 cases, finding maternal transmission likely due to lack of mating history. Most rabbits responded well to antibiotic treatment for syphilis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Rabbit syphilis is a significant concern in rabbit populations.
- Clinical diagnosis relies on characteristic lesions and serological tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical presentations and treatment outcomes of rabbit syphilis.
- To investigate the likely transmission route of the disease in young rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case series of 16 rabbits diagnosed with syphilis from April to December 2001.
- Diagnosis confirmed by clinical signs (lesions), response to chemotherapy, and positive Rapid Plasma Reagin test.
- Treatment administered orally (chloramphenicol) or intramuscularly (penicillin).
Main Results:
- 16 cases presented with lesions around the nose/mouth (all cases) and/or genitalia/anus (8 cases).
- Sneezing was observed in 6 cases.
- 15 cases successfully treated with chloramphenicol; 1 with penicillin.
- Mean age of onset was 8.8 months.
Conclusions:
- Rabbit syphilis can manifest with diverse clinical signs, including respiratory and ano-genital lesions.
- Antibiotic therapy, particularly chloramphenicol, is effective in treating rabbit syphilis.
- Absence of mating history suggests maternal transmission as the probable route of infection in young rabbits.