Changes

Also know as: '''''Rabbit syphilis — venereal spirochaetosis — Treponematosis — vent disease'''''

Also know as: '''''Rabbit Syphilis — Venereal Spirochaetosis — Treponematosis — Vent Disease'''''

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Trepnoematosis, a rabbit venereal disease, is caused by the '''spirochaete ''T. cuniculi'''''.  

Treponematosis, a rabbit venereal disease, is caused by the '''spirochaete ''T. cuniculi'''''. It occurs in both sexes and is '''spread by coitus and from the doe to offspring'''. The infection is more common in '''breeding colonies''', and is endemic and subclinical in many rabbitries, where it can spread rapidly. It is closely related to the human syphilis organism, but ''T. cuniculi'' is '''not transmissible to other animals or humans'''.

==Clinical Signs==

 

 

 

==Clinical signs==

There may be no clinical signs.

There may be no clinical signs.

Rabbits may present with '''ulcerated and crusty lesions''' around the '''external genitalia, perineal area, nose, eyelids and lips'''.

Rabbits may present with '''ulcerated and crusty lesions''' around the '''external genitalia, perineal area, nose, eyelids and lips'''. Lesions on the face are as a result of autoinfection from the rabbit grooming the infected genital area.

 

Lesions on the face are as a result of autoinfection from the rabbit grooming the infected genital area.

Transient '''infertility''' may occur in both sexes. In the female this is related to metritis or retained placenta, and in the male this is due to preputial inflammation.  

Transient '''infertility''' may occur in both sexes. In the female this is related to metritis or retained placenta, and in the male this is due to preputial inflammation.  

Clinical signs are quite suggestive of the disease, although [[Myxomatosis|myxomatosis]] lesions are quite similar. A rapid response to treatment is also a useful sign.

Clinical signs are quite suggestive of the disease, although [[Myxomatosis|myxomatosis]] lesions are quite similar. A rapid response to treatment is also a useful sign.

The diagnosis can be made by demonstrating treponemes in '''dark field microscopic preparations''' of skin scrapings or of a urine sample.

The diagnosis can be made by demonstrating treponemes in '''dark field microscopic preparations''' of skin scrapings or of a urine sample. The organism is a motile corkscrew-shaped spirochaete.

The organism is a motile corkscrew-shaped spirochaete.

'''Direct [[immunofluorescence]]''' can also be used to demonstrate the organism.

'''Serological tests''', [[haemagglutination]] and the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test can be used to detect subclinical carriers.

 

'''Serological tests''', haemagglutination and the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test can be used to detect subclinical carriers.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Merck and Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''

Merck and Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' ''Merial''

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[[Category:To Do - Exotics]][[Category:To Do - Medium]]

[[Category:Rabbit Urogenital Disorders]]

[[Category:Spirochaetes]]

[[Category:Bacterial Skin Diseases – Rabbit]]

[[Category:Bacterial Skin Diseases – Rabbit]]