Reproductive Physiology, Normal Neonatology, and Neonatal Disorders of Rabbits

Mammary gland inflammation in rabbits does (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A systematic review

“…Furthermore, the general status of the females is also altered, with apathy, reluctance to eat, fever and adopting antalgic body positions being the main general signs of illness reported (Rosell & de la Fuente, 2018). As described in other companion animals (Johnston et al, 2001; Vasiu et al, 2020), rabbit milk may be unaltered or display a yellowish, mucopurulent or sanguinolent appearance (Bishop & Burgess, 2012).…”

“…Noteworthy, rabbit does are induced ovulators (Bishop & Burgess, 2012; Hughes, 2021), and according to breed, between 8 and 12 mammary glands are encountered (Bishop & Burgess, 2012; Enas & Hadaf, 2022). Moreover, does can also nurse the kits during a subsequent gestation period (Hughes, 2021).…”

“…pododermatitis, otitis, purulent dermatitis, respiratory distress, etc.) (Bishop & Burgess, 2012; Corpa et al, 2009; Rosell & de la Fuente, 2016; Viana et al, 2011). Finally, mastitis may affect one mamma , multiple mammae or both mammary chains (Rosell & de la Fuente, 2018; Segura et al, 2007).…”

“…Usually, in rabbit does, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus , Pasteurella , Pseudomonas or Klebsiella sp. are the main responsible infectious agents to cause rabbit mammary infections (Bishop & Burgess, 2012; Chen & Quesenberry, 2006; García‐Alvarez et al, 2015) (Table 2). However, the staphylococcus alpha‐toxin holds a significant role in the pathogenesis of haemorrhagic mastitis (i.e.…”

“…competent cells of the mammae, or contrary, facilitating the multiplication and translocation of the bacterial pathogens throughout the rest of the mammae(Hughes & Watson, 2018a).Moreover, ascending infections of the does mammae are favoured by the poor hygiene of the litter, pseudopregnancy, heavy lactation, the presence of sharp and blunt edges of the environment and the local traumas caused by the kits during nursing(Bingley & Vella, 2018;Bishop & Burgess, 2012;Chen & Quesenberry, 2006). Nevertheless, the haematogenous spread is acknowledged, as mastitis can occur concurrently with metritis.…”