Changes

==Introduction==

 

==Description==

Submandibular abscessations (with involvement of the teeth) and mandibular osteomyelitis are frequently encountered in pet rabbits.  This condition is an extremely difficult one to treat satisfactorily due to the deep-seated nature of the infection involved. See Harcourt-Brown (2009).  

Submandibular abscessations (with involvement of the teeth) and mandibular osteomyelitis are frequently encountered in pet rabbits.  This condition is an extremely difficult one to treat satisfactorily due to the deep-seated nature of the infection involved. See Harcourt-Brown (2009).  

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment of submandibular abscessation involves curettage and aggressive antibiotics. Rabbit pus is usually inspissated and does not flow easily.  Initial therapy may be followed by the parenteral administration of antibiotics (as indicated by antibiotic sensitivity testing for years), maybe even for the rest of the animal's life if necessary.  This condition illustrates the importance of veterinary nurse attendance or of the training of owners to administer injections to pet rabbits.  

Treatment of submandibular abscessation involves curettage and aggressive antibiotics. Rabbit pus is usually inspissated and does not flow easily.  Initial therapy may be followed by the parenteral administration of antibiotics (as indicated by antibiotic sensitivity testing) for years, maybe even for the rest of the animal's life if necessary.  This condition illustrates the importance of veterinary nurse attendance or of the training of owners to administer injections to pet rabbits.  

There have been reports from practitioners of the empirical use of clindamycin (Antirobe® Capsules 25mg; Upjohn) in the treatment of this condition (Chappell 1994).  The abscess is curetted thoroughly and as much diseased tissue as possible is removed. A 25 mg Antirobe® capsule is pierced several times through with a hypodermic needle and placed in the wound.  The skin is sutured over the capsule.  No other antibiotic treatment is given. Some practitioners of this treatment claim that there is a very successful rate of improvement and can claim to have monitored some animals for up to twelve months after treatment with perfectly satisfactory results and no recurrence (Cartwright 1992 Personal Communication).  

There have been reports from practitioners of the empirical use of clindamycin (Antirobe® Capsules 25mg; Upjohn) in the treatment of this condition (Chappell 1994).  The abscess is curetted thoroughly and as much diseased tissue as possible is removed. A 25 mg Antirobe® capsule is pierced several times through with a hypodermic needle and placed in the wound.  The skin is sutured over the capsule.  No other antibiotic treatment is given. Some practitioners of this treatment claim that there is a very successful rate of improvement and can claim to have monitored some animals for up to twelve months after treatment with perfectly satisfactory results and no recurrence (Cartwright 1992 Personal Communication).  

==References==

==References==

*Chappell, S. (1994) The rabbit abscess and Antirobe. In Antirobe In Focus. Upjohn Ltd. Crawley, West Sussex.  

*Chappell, S. (1994) The rabbit abscess and Antirobe. In Antirobe In Focus. Upjohn Ltd. Crawley, West Sussex.  

*Garibaldi, B. A. et al (1990) Diagnostic exercise: Mandibular swelling in a rabbit: Laboratory Animal Science 40 (1) 77-78

*Garibaldi, B. A. et al (1990) Diagnostic exercise: Mandibular swelling in a rabbit: Laboratory Animal Science 40 (1) 77-78

*Harcourt Brown, F (2009) Dental Disease in Pet Rabbits 1. Normal dentition, pathogenesis and aetiology In Practice 31 370-379  

*Harcourt Brown, F (2009) Dental Disease in Pet Rabbits 1. Normal dentition, pathogenesis and aetiology In Practice 31 370-379  

*Harcourt Brown, F. (2009) Dental Disease in Pet Rabbits 2. Diagnosis and treatment In Practice 31 432-445  

*Harcourt Brown, F. (2009) Dental Disease in Pet Rabbits 2. Diagnosis and treatment In Practice 31 432-445  

*Harcourt Brown, F. (2009) Dental Disease in Pet Rabbits 3. Jaw abscesses In Practice 31 496-505  

*Harcourt Brown, F. (2009) Dental Disease in Pet Rabbits 3. Jaw abscesses In Practice 31 496-505  

[[Category:Dental_Disorders_-_Rabbit]]

[[Category:Rabbit Dentition]]