Introduction

• A number of factors should be taken into consideration when selecting an appropriate antimicrobial for use in rabbits:
• • If the culture result is significant, the sensitivity will influence which therapeutic options are available; in the absence of this, consider which pathogens are likely to be involved and their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.
  • Consider which antimicrobials are appropriate for use in rabbits, and their relative safety.
  • Consider the ability of the antimicrobial to reach the required target tissue (eg the center of an abscess).
  • Finally, having decided on the antimicrobial agent to use, the methods at which it can be given need to be considered and a practical treatment plan formulated.

Culture and sensitivity

Antibiotic selection in rabbits

Methods of administration of agents

Antimicrobials which inhibit bacterial wall synthesis

Nucleic acid synthesis and repair inhibitors

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Gobel T (1999) Bacterial diseases and antimicrobial therapy in small mammals. Comp Contin Educ Pract Vet (Suppl) 21 (3), 520.
• Rosenthal K L (1998) Bacterial infections and antibiotic therapy in small mammals. Comp Contin Educ Pract Vet (Suppl) 20 (3), 13-22 AGRIS FAO.

Other sources of information

• Temperley J (2004) Personal communication, Health and Hygiene (Pty) Ltd.
• Crossley D A & Meredith A (2002) Rabbits. BSAVA Manual of Exotic pets. 4th edn. Meredith A & Redrobe S (eds). BSAVA, Gloucester. pp 91.
• Harcourt-Brown F (2002) Therapeutics. Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. Butterworth Heinemann, Oxford. pp 94121.
• Mader D R (2002) A practical approach to antibiotic therapy in exotic pets. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference.pp  927931.
• Tennant B (2002) BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. 4th edn. BSAVA, Gloucester.
• Morris T H (2000) Therapeutics. In: BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine and Surgery. Flecknell P A (ed) BSAVA, Gloucester. pp 89 -101.
• Divers S D (1999) Antibiotic-Impregnated Polymethylmethacrylate (AIPMMA) beads as a treatment for osteomyelitis in reptiles. Proceedings BVZS Autumn meeting.pp 14 16.
• Hrapkiewicz  K, Medina L, Holmes D D (1998) Rabbits. Clinical Medicine of Small Mammals and Primates an introduction. 2nd edn. Manson Publishing, London. pp 151.