Pododermatitis in rabbits and methods of its treatment


A disease called pododermatitis is common in rabbits. In other words, these are calluses that bother adult animals that have increased weight or lack the required amount of fluff on their paws. Mainly localized on the hind legs. It manifests itself as wounds and abscesses in the sole area, over time transforming into ulcers that penetrate right down to the bones.

Reasons for education

Among the many causes of pododermatitis, doctors identify the following:

  • Increased body weight of the rabbit.
  • The floor in the cage is made of mesh.
  • Hereditary predisposition to the disease.
  • Thin, sparse fur on the limbs or its complete absence.
  • Long claws. This leads to incorrect placement of the paw and corns appear in rabbits.
  • Little activity. Animals need movement.
  • Mature age.
  • Insufficient compliance with hygiene rules, poor quality care for rabbits.

Material of manufacture

The degree of effect on the owner depends on what material the talisman is made of:

  • If made of metal, it leads to prosperity and wise actions.
  • If made of wood, it gives a charge of positive energy, improves the psycho-emotional background of people living in the housing;
  • If made from stone, it gives good earth energy and promotes health. It has a particularly positive effect if made from onyx, malachite, or jade.

What to buy a talisman from, the choice is yours. You can even buy a soft toy, the value of the amulet will not decrease.

Signs

Pododermatitis is not classified as an infectious disease; it cannot be transmitted from one individual to another. At the initial stage of the disease, subtle calluses, cracks or bruises appear on the pads of rabbits.

The skin begins to peel off. Over time, bleeding begins and ulcers form. Through open wounds, infection can enter the animal’s bloodstream; staphylococcal infections cannot be ruled out. Rabbits suffer from lack of appetite, are motionless all day, and lose weight. Foot disease in rabbits can be fatal.

Fungi can enter the body as soon as the ulcer opens. The fur on the paws sheds, the skin becomes dry and peels. It is possible that there are parasites on the wounds.

Characteristic symptoms of pododermatitis:

  • Uninterrupted lifting of limbs. This is the main symptom of pododermatitis.
  • Reducing the activity of an individual. The rabbit lies motionless for a long time. The paws are extended forward horizontally.
  • The appearance of anxiety, stress. The animal's behavior indicates increased anxiety.
  • Females have problems releasing milk.
  • Lack of food cravings. Due to poor appetite, the rabbit loses weight.
  • Hair loss on the paws.
  • Calluses, wounds, ulcers.
  • Discharge of pus or ichor from the lesion.

A final diagnosis can only be made after a thorough examination by a veterinarian.

Stages of the disease

Pododermatitis has two types of course:

  • Purulent. Divided into deep and superficial.
  • Aseptic.

The disease develops in stages, namely:

  1. A superficial lesion occurs. The stage is quickly cured if recognized promptly and in a timely manner.
  2. Integument infection. This stage is characterized by the start of the development of processes that secrete pus. The animal can be saved by prescribing immediate treatment methods. The veterinarian should select the medications.
  3. Infection in tissues. Long-term, highly intensive treatment of pododermatitis in rabbits will be required. Surgery may be necessary. The disease may recur after recovery.
  4. Deep hit. Bones and tendons are affected. There are no clear prognoses for therapy for rabbits at this stage.

Stages of the disease

Pododermatitis is scary, first of all, because of its consequences. Although simply pain, stress and bleeding from the paws can lead to exhaustion and cause death.

As a rule, if measures are not taken in time, the disease occurs in four stages:

  • Mild damage to the skin surface. At this moment, the problem is solved quite quickly and through the efforts of the farmer, breeder, owner. It is only important to diagnose the disease correctly and in a timely manner.
  • Tissue infection. Pododermatitis at this stage turns into a purulent form. This means that pathogenic bacteria have already entered the animal’s body. But as long as only the superficial, not very large layer of skin is affected, pathologies can be dealt with fairly quickly under the supervision of a veterinarian, but at home.
  • Significant tissue infection. At this stage, the rabbit's condition is usually so severe that it risks dying. Only intensive therapy, and often a surgical procedure, can save it.
  • Deep defeat. If pododermatitis has progressed to this stage, then the infection has already affected bone tissue, muscles, tendons, and nerve fibers. In this case, it is very difficult to save the pet; the likelihood of recovery is very low.

In addition, it must be remembered that infection of wounds by pathogenic bacteria and parasites can occur at any stage of the disease. Therefore, pododermatitis is not just calluses on the paws, it is a serious and dangerous disease that must be recognized and treated as quickly as possible. And even with healing, relapse can occur again.

In addition, there are also forms of pathology - aseptic and purulent, superficial and deep.

Therapy

The most effective treatment for paw diseases in rabbits is carried out in the first stages, when the lesion is superficial. If the first symptoms of pododermatitis are present, measures should be taken to eliminate it.

Antibacterial agents that have a local effect are used. Sometimes injections are prescribed. After using the drugs, the rabbit's paws are carefully bandaged.

To select a suitable remedy for therapy, it is recommended to contact veterinarians with experience. The doctor will examine the eared patient, assess his state of health and prescribe the necessary medications. The standard treatment for pododermatitis looks like this:

  • If accumulations of pus have formed in the wound, it should be washed with a solution with disinfection properties. Use hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine. The problem cannot be dealt with in one go, so the procedure is carried out until the discharge of pus stops. Local therapy consists of the use of antibiotics. It is important to follow the instructions.
  • Bleeding wounds can be treated with powders and sprays that contain cortisone. This substance relieves inflammatory processes.
  • Use Rescue ointment or Levomekol.
  • To enhance effectiveness, bandage the paws. The bandage is changed daily, if necessary - several times a day. The bandage will protect you from dirt and prevent rabbits from licking your wounds.

How to bandage paws?

Take the required amount of cotton wool to apply it on the paw in a dense layer. The rabbit is placed on your lap, kept in a comfortable position - it should not move. Provide access to the affected limb. Violent individuals can be wrapped in cloth using the swaddling principle.

Before bandaging, the wound is disinfected with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine. When the wound is cleaned, a thick layer of cotton wool is applied to it, followed by a bandage.

It is better to use specialized cotton wool for plaster; it has a dense structure and will not roll, which will have a positive effect on the condition of the paw.

ethnoscience

At the initial stage of the disease, you can turn to traditional methods. But it is worth remembering that they are not as effective and safe as medical prescriptions from an experienced veterinarian.

People use simple calendula. It is necessary to make a solution: pour one teaspoon of dry leaves into a glass of hot water and let it brew. Next, lotions are made using cotton wool. The cotton wool is applied to the affected limb and held for about five minutes.

The technique is safe, does not injure the skin, and can be used several times a day. However, the effectiveness is reduced.

The best place for a rabbit figurine in housing

As mentioned above, the Chinese idolize the rabbit on the days of the moon and expect goodness, remembering the ancient legend about the long-eared animal. But on other days you can place it anywhere, starting with the eastern, family sector for good luck in this field. If placed in the bedroom, it is good to mate a rabbit with a female rabbit. And in the wealth sector, put a hare on coins, planning to increase your wealth many times over. If you want to have a child, place the talisman in the marriage sector along with an egg figurine. For businessmen, it would be correct to place a figurine with a bag of money or a carrot in its paws in the wealth sector on the desktop.

Prevention measures

The main reason for the appearance of pododermatitis is insufficient quality care and poor living conditions for rabbits. The first thing the owner can do is to improve the living conditions of the animals, monitor hygiene more carefully, and conduct daily inspections of the livestock.

The flooring in the cage must be correct. Rabbits injure their paws on mesh floors. Add soft sawdust or straw. The floor should absorb moisture well. Some breeders use wood for the floor. The tree needs care - it is coated with antiseptics and carefully sanded so that there are no splinters.

Hard flooring in the form of stones or rugs has an adverse effect on the health of animals, including the condition of their paws.

DIY rabbit mascot

The hair dryer constantly points out a creative approach to talismans, and the independent production of figurines. So, a hare can be drawn with paints or a pencil, embroidered, made from beads or salt dough. You can also make a toy from leftover natural or artificial fur. It is especially useful to do this for children, from many points of view. In addition, a handmade craft will be doubly effective; it will incorporate the energy of the one who created his creation. In a children's room it will act favorably between two children, pacify, and encourage friendship. And in relation to parents, listen to the advice of loved ones.

Whatever the talisman is made of, it will certainly play a positive role for all residents of the apartment: it will make each other kinder and increase the family’s wealth. The peace-loving bunny will lift your spirits if you just hold it in your hands after a busy day at work.

Indoor rabbits

Dwarf rabbits that live indoors have many paw problems. This is due to the presence of synthetic carpets and paths in apartments. When moving on such products, animals can wear off their heels.

Linoleum and palm fiber are provocateurs of pododermatitis.

To keep your pets safe, it is important to monitor what material they are jumping on. It is best to use natural fibers. Give your pet a short walk, which will be covered with worn-out clothes or bedding. Preventive measures will pay for the costs of possible treatment.

When walking in the fresh air, you should not allow him to jump on stones, asphalt, or coarse sand. It is better to give preference to a lawn with grass or soil.

Types of rabbit according to Feng Shui

Depending on the posture of the animal

According to Feng Shui, a hare that looks up symbolizes patience, inspiration and achieving goals.

The figurine of an eared one holding a carrot and standing on its hind legs brings good luck in business. The amulet helps to conclude profitable deals, achieve mutual understanding in negotiations and establish connections.


Manfred Richter/Pixabay

According to Feng Shui, a figurine of a rabbit sitting on a handful of coins (coin) or holding a bag of money improves well-being.

The moon hare is also depicted with a mortar in which he prepares a magic potion. If a person drinks it, he will become lucky and happy. For women, such a talisman promises the desired conception and safe childbirth, and protects children from negativity and makes them more confident in their abilities.

The Feng Shui meaning of a rabbit depending on the material from which the figurine is made

A metal figurine attracts money, since the element of metal is primarily responsible for prosperity and well-being.

According to Feng Shui, a wooden hare charges with positive energy, improves mood, and brings warmth, comfort and harmony to the family.


Lars_Nissen_Photoart/Pixabay

An animal figurine made of ornamental stone means health, harvest and fertility. Minerals have strong energy. The main thing is to find your stone.

Treatment of dwarf breeds

First, you need to determine what caused the onset of the disease. Trim your pet's long nails. Make him move as much as possible to lose those extra grams.

Let the rabbit take a walk around the apartment or street. Control your diet; it should contain a balanced amount of microelements. Cover the floors in the apartment with cotton materials.

Old bedding or clothing is applied in layers. Experienced breeders advise using several sets of bedding, changing them once every five days.

If the disease makes itself felt, the treatment will be quite long. It will take about three months to completely get rid of pododermatitis. It is worth waiting until the presence of hair on the wounds is restored. Therapy involves the use of ointments and antiseptics.

Check your rabbits' feet regularly, even if you change to cotton flooring. If the first signs of baldness of the limbs appear, contact your veterinarian. After all, this disease is best eliminated at the first stage of its manifestation.

It is easier to prevent trouble than to deal with it. Do not neglect the advice of experienced livestock breeders.

Talismans and amulets of the Hare (Rabbit)

The Chinese consider pearls to be a mineral that, due to the similarity of symbolism, enhances the properties of the Hare sign. The radiance of pearls is associated with the full moon, and its hidden development inside the shell is associated with the miracle of conception and birth. Pearls symbolize the lunar principle, the power of the waters, the essence of the Moon, which controls the ebb and flow of the tides, the fetus, the divine essence that gives life, the feminine principle.

Pearl is a stone of organic nature, formed inside a mollusk shell after a foreign object, for example, a grain of sand, gets inside, around which layers of nacre begin to be deposited. In 12 years, a pearl grows to the size of a pea. Pearls can be silver-white, cream, pink and even black. It is believed that the name “pearl” comes from the Chinese “zhen-gzhu”. In ancient China, pearls were one of the favorite stones. According to Chinese legend, one day flying dragons fought furiously among the clouds. As a result of their collisions, a severe thunderstorm began, thunder roared and lightning flashed. And when the battle was over, the clouds began to rain - not ordinary, but pearly.

A mineral that enhances the properties of the Hare sign

Pearl is one of the Eight Jewels of China and one of the Three Imperial Signs of Japan. In Buddhism, it symbolizes purity of intentions, the third eye of the Buddha. The luminous purity of color has made pearls a symbol of spirituality, secret knowledge and immortality. The Chinese called the pearl “a tear that fell from the sky.” The spiritual symbolism persisted even after the Japanese discovered a “non-divine” method of growing pearls.

In the West and in the East, pearls are a talisman of fidelity, love and beauty, protecting against malice, hatred and betrayal. This is a female talisman - in China it is customary to give a pearl to young unmarried women to help them find a mate and get married. On the other hand, it is often given to teenage girls to preserve their purity.

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The healing effect of pearls is mentioned in the famous “Canon” of Avicenna and in the works of ancient Arab, Tibetan and Chinese physicians. For medicinal purposes, “pearl water” is usually used, in which several pearls have been lying overnight. It is believed to help with bleeding gums and hemorrhoids, and is useful in the treatment of conjunctivitis. Pearl water has anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effects. In the form of ash or powder, it is used to cleanse the stomach and for intestinal inflammation. In China, it is believed that wine with pearls dissolved in it helps against many diseases. There, thousands of years ago, pearl skin cream and pearl powder were created and used.

Hare mascot

The hare figurine is considered a very effective talisman in many cultures. In China, this is, of course, the moon hare pounding rice in a mortar - it preserves family unity and strengthens ties between people of different generations. The Moon Hare helps children receive the protection of the Moon, which means a good family and a happy life in the future. The hare figurine symbolizes fertility and can have a beneficial effect on family relationships. The hare talisman is best suited for people born in the years of the Tiger, Horse and Dog. However, for those born in the year of the Rooster - both women and men - the symbolism of the hare is likely to be harmful.

In many countries, there are widespread beliefs associated with the hare's foot, which from England to Africa is used as a powerful talisman of good luck and protection of children from accidents. As we have already said, in some Asian countries the place of the Hare in the calendar cycle is taken by the Cat, so its talisman can be used by those born in the year of the Hare. In Feng Shui, the Maneki cat talisman, called Maneki-neki in Eastern mythology, is used as a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

Amulet with the sign of the hare

He is usually depicted with his paw raised - it is believed that he invites wealth into the house. They say that very few visitors went to one of the temples, and one day the cat of one of his monks stood in front of the door in such a pose, inviting him to visit the temple. Interested people came to the temple and generous donations went there. The Maneki cat talisman can be placed either near the front door or in the southeastern sector of the house.

Suggested reading: Hare (rabbit) - horoscope of compatibility with the signs of the eastern horoscope Sign of the Hare in the eastern horoscope - history, myths, legends

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