Reproductive disease in rabbits includes infection and metabolic problems. Two of the reproductive conditions most commonly found in rabbits are caused by bacteria:
Pasteurella and other bacteria can infect the reproductive system, especially in adult female rabbits. Signs include secretions from the vagina or pus from the penis. Infected rabbits should not mate with other rabbits. In pet rabbits, treatment usually involves antibiotics plus surgery to remove the infected reproductive organs.
Treponematosis (vent disease, rabbit syphilis) is a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection with Treponema bacteria. It can also spread from mother to kits. Although related to the bacteria that cause syphilis in people, this disease does not spread to people or other domestic animals.
After an incubation period of 3–6 weeks, infected rabbits develop small blisters or slow-healing sores with thick scabs, usually around the genitals but sometimes on the lips or eyelids. Diagnosis requires veterinary testing. This disease is often confused with inflammation of the skin from repeated exposure to urine (urine scald). Treatment is with penicillin given by injection, never by mouth. All rabbits in a group should be treated, even if only some show signs.
