Miscellaneous Dermatological Conditions – Rabbit

Injection of ketamine and xylazine

Injection of ketamine and xylazine into the caudal thigh caused self-mutilation of the digits in two laboratory rabbits (Beyers et al 1991, cited by Harcourt Brown 2002). Clinical signs skin were irritation with posterior extension of the leg during ambulation and shaking of the paw with each step. Sciatic axonal degeneration was seen on necropsy.

For identification purposes the breeders of pedigree rabbits frequently apply closed leg bands to the hind legs proximal to the hocks and these can cause constriction due to dirt becoming packed inside the ring next to the skin or by moulted fur which cannot fall away but which accumulates and impacts in the area. The treatment is to remove the ring and to treat the ulcerated area with Dermisol®; Pfizer or Opsite®; Smith and Nephew, giving the rabbit a course of an appropriate antibiotic, usually, in the absence of sensitivity testing, oxytetracycline (Engemycin® 5%; Intervet)subcutaneously every three days. I prefer not to bandage these lesions, finding that the wounds heal better when exposed to the air. If a Buster® collar (Alfred Cox (Surgical) Limited) is fitted to the rabbit (and it usually is) to prevent self-mutilation you have to help with caecotrophy. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent fly strike until the wound has healed.

Contact dermatitis

• rare but incidence may increase in house rabbits
• best investigated by exposure limitation
  • disinfectants
  • newsprint
  • wood shavings
  • topical creams and ointments

Treat by avoidance.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

Self-mutilation seen in laboratory rabbits is responsive to haloperidol PO q12hrs (Iglauer et al 1995 cited by Harcourt Brown 2002).

Eosinophilic granuloma

Another rare condition (reported by Meredith 2003). Cheyletiella mites were seen on the same animal and complete resolution of the lesion was achieved with a depot injection of methylprednisolone acetate and treatment of the mites with ivermectin.

Sebaceous adenitis

It has been diagnosed in rabbits and discussed by Whitbread (2005). The condition presents as an exfoliative dermatitis. The rabbit follicle is similar to that of cats in that the sebaceous gland is incorporated within the wall of the follicle whereas it extends more further into the subdermis in dogs. In cats with “sebaceous adenitis” the gland is often observed to have atrophied. The same is the case in rabbits. Whitbread suggests that, in cats and rabbits, a more accurate name for the condition would be mural folliculitis, as the loss of the sebaceous glands is secondary in cats and rabbits, whereas they appear to be “targetted” in sebaceous adenitis in dogs.

Epitheliotropic lymphoma (syn mycosis fungoides)

Rabbit (9.5 years) with lymphoma: based on reports of alpha interferon's efficacy in the treatment of T-cell lymphoma in humans and in dogs, the rabbit was treated with recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (intron A; Schering Plough). This was given subcutaneously three times weekly for one month. At the end of the treatment the skin of the lesion was more erythematous and thickened. Interferon was continued and isotretinoin (Accutane; Roche)(which is a synthetic vit A) every 24 hours was added again based on reports of efficacy in the treatment of cutaneous lymphoma in dogs and cats. A syringe was used to withdraw 1/3 of the contents of a 20 mg capsule. This was spread on a cracker, which the rabbit readily ate. Due to the expense, this medication was only administered for 2.5 weeks. After a 2nd month there was no change in the lesions, and all treatment was stopped. The rabbit still lived for another 10 months (White pers comm. 2005).

Pemphigus foliaceus

Another rare condition: In one case a 3 month old female rabbit with crusting on both pinnae was seen to be non-responsive (worse) on Baytril for 3 days. On the third day bullae had developed on the skin of the pinnae and one of the submitted smears showed a central acanthocyte and neutrophils. Subcorneal pustules were seen on histopathological specimens crossing follicular infundibula and containing heterophils and acanthocytes. Negative for mycoses and Demodex. Dexafort; Intervet weekly for 2 weeks lead to an improvement, dose halved for three more injections. No recurrence was observed(van Poucke pers comm. 2005).

Connective tissue defect

Connective tissue defect similar to the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome has been reported in pet rabbits (Harvey et al 1990). Vitamin C might constitute part of the treatment.