Since rabbits are caged, they are often injured.
A wound or even a small scratch on the skin can cause an abscess, which will be discussed in the article.
We learn what kind of disease it is, why it appears, what types it happens and how to treat it.
What is abscess
This is the scientific name of the purulent abscess. An abscess is an inflammation of the tissues with the formation of a cavity in which pus accumulates. It can form under the skin, in muscle tissue, as well as in organs or in connective tissue between organs.
Suppuration occurs as a result of penetration of pyogenic microorganisms under the skin or into the tissues, but an abscess is a protective reaction of the body that blocks the spread of infection. The most common cause is penetration of staphylococci or streptococci. 
The causes are as follows:
- violation of the integrity of the skin (scratch, cut);
- dental problems;
- insect bites;
- damage to the mucous in the process of eating hard grass or branches;
- unsanitary conditions;
- scars after surgery;
- pasteurellosis (infectious disease).
Important! An abscess does not pose a serious threat as long as the capsule holds the infection. However, in the event of a rupture, microbes begin to spread rapidly, which can result in infection of the blood.Symptoms of the disease look like this:
- temperature rise;
- loss of appetite;
- lethargy, drowsiness;
- weight loss;
- the formation of a capsule that resembles an inflamed lymph node;
- severe itching at the location of the abscess.
Places of origin
To identify an abscess, you need to know on which parts of the body it can form. It also helps to find out the root cause of occurrence. Consider what threatens suppuration of internal and external organs.
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External abscess
It is easiest to diagnose an external abscess, since during palpation it is not difficult to find a swollen place, and also to visually establish the dimensions of an abscess.
Swelling on the skin surface
Inflammations can be found on the cheeks, neck, back, limbs, in the scrotum or in the area of the mammary glands. Small abscesses resemble a sore subcutaneous pimple. It may form several swellings.
This happens as a result of external tissue damage or the spread of infection through the blood and lymph, with the exception of an abscess of the extremities, which most often appears due to obesity or poor sanitation. 
With timely treatment to a specialist, treatment is successful, the prognosis is favorable. However, with an abscess of the limbs, everything is a little more complicated, so the disease can turn into a chronic form.
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Tissue swelling
It differs in that an abscess is not localized under the skin, because of which adjacent tissues suffer. Inflammation covers a large area, which is reflected in well-being.
Abscesses are formed in the back, neck, mammary glands, scrotum and lower extremities. We should also highlight the suppuration of the cheeks, which occurs due to regular damage by the sharp ends of the teeth.
The treatment does not cause any difficulties, the prognosis is favorable. However, in case of suppuration of the inner part of the cheek due to chewing movements, it is necessary to regularly undermine teeth. 
Swelling in the subcutaneous tissues or muscles
In this case, an abscess appears after the introduction of oily preparations, vitamins or vaccines. A capsule with pus appears exactly in the place where the injection was made, which indicates the root cause. There should be no swelling in other parts of the body. Such an abscess does not require treatment, since the reason is the body's response to the injected substance, and not to the infection.
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Large ulcers that cause the death of neighboring tissues
Abscesses appear on the cheeks and jaws, rapidly increasing in size. This form of the disease develops due to injuries or abnormally growing teeth. The problem is that dying off and further tissue rotting, respectively, any delay in treatment can lead to the death of the rabbit.
It is necessary to promptly remove the abscess, as well as dead tissue. After a successful operation, there remains a chance of a relapse.
Hard swelling without clear boundaries
Suppuration of the mandible with the appearance of multiple abscesses. Complicated form occurs due to the rupture of the capsule and the spread of infection to the roots of the teeth, resulting in the destruction of bone tissue. The teeth become loose and fall out, and the gums swell and bleed.
The prognosis is unfavorable, since the abscess has passed into the second phase, when the body cannot stop the development of the disease. An operation is required, as well as a long course of antibiotic drugs. Relapse is possible.
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Swollen paws and lameness
The pelvic part swells, and multiple ulcers appear on the surface of the skin. Such an abscess is formed due to penetration of pathogenic organisms into tissues through blood or lymph. The site of infection is on the surface of the skin of the extremities.
Extremely unfavorable prognosis. Long-term, expensive treatment is needed, which does not guarantee that the disease will not become chronic. Limping may persist after the end of therapy. 
Internal abscess
Internal abscesses are distinguished not only by the fact that it is more difficult to locate the site, but also by the complexity of the therapy, and the prognosis in most cases is unfavorable, since the tissues of important organs are affected.
Eyelashes and inflammation of the skin around the eyes
An abscess forms in the region of the eye (more often than one) or nose. The disease appears due to the growth of the roots of the teeth in the upper jaw, which traumatize the tissue adjacent to the inner side of the eyeball. An alternative cause is bone inflammation.
Important! It is forbidden to contact with purulent masses without gloves, and even less to allow them to hit the mucous membranes.
The prognosis is unfavorable, since the abscess is located close to the brain, so a minimal error will lead to death. Teeth removal is carried out. Also, a veterinarian can remove the eyeball, if in another way you can not remove the abscess. After the operation should be a long course of antibiotics. 
Rupture of the abscess capsule in the abdominal cavity
An abscess can form directly in the tissues of the uterus, ovaries, liver, or kidneys. Detect the disease at the initial stage is problematic. Occurs after surgery due to negligence of the veterinarian. Pathogenic microorganisms that cause suppuration get into the open wound.
The prognosis is unfavorable, since in some cases it is simply impossible to perform surgery. The operation will either kill the animal or have no effect on the course of the disease. If the operation is successful, then it is followed by a long course of antibiotics.
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Impaired coordination of movements
This behavior suggests that an abscess has formed in close proximity to the vestibular apparatus, which causes partial dysfunction of the organ. Occurs due to the penetration of bacteria through the nasal cavity into the Eustachian tube, and then into the inner (middle) ear.
It is difficult to remove the abscess, since it was formed near the brain, and taking into account the size of the rabbit's head and the importance of nearby organs, precise microsurgery is necessary. Even a minor mistake will lead to hearing loss or complete dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus, due to which the animal cannot move at all. 
Such an operation can be carried out successfully only by an experienced specialist. After surgery, a course of antibiotics follows.
Did you know? The rapid increase in the population of rabbits in Australia is also due to the fact that for some reason on this continent they manage to get pregnant again before they give birth. Pregnancy lasts 50 days, but re-conception occurs exactly one month after the first.
Multiple formations in the chest cavity without a clear boundary
An abscess appears in the tissues of the lungs or pleura. In this case, we are talking about the second phase, when the capsule has already burst. Appears as a complication after diseases such as pasteurellosis and staphylococcus. In rare cases, the cause is a penetrating wound of the chest in violation of the integrity of internal tissues.
Extremely adverse outcome, since in most cases it is impossible to perform the operation due to the localization of the abscess. 
Treatment
Consider in more detail the operation, as well as drug treatment. We will tell about what drugs can be used for non-complicated external abscesses.
Important! Do not give the rabbit the opportunity to comb the opened abscess, otherwise the healing process will be delayed, and a relapse may occur.
Surgery
There are several types of abscess surgery, depending on the location of the capsule.
- Removal of the abscess. This option is used if the capsule is located under the skin or in the upper part of the tissues / muscles (external abscess). Anesthetics or a strong anesthetic are injected into the animal. Next, make a small incision to gain access to the abscess. After that, the capsule is carefully cut out so as not to break the integrity. After removal, the incision is sutured and treated with an antiseptic.
- Cleavage of the abscess. When it is necessary to remove the internal abscess that has formed in the tissues of the abdominal cavity or in close proximity to the brain, a splitting method is used. Anesthetic preparations are injected into the rabbit, after which an incision is made into the tissues and the abscess itself. Next, pus is removed and the cavity is rinsed with disinfectant drugs. In fact, the capsule remains, but inside it no longer contains dangerous microbes for the body. Also during surgery, a veterinarian can remove teeth and surrounding tissue if an abscess appears on the jaw or under the skin near the eyes.
- Teeth removal. Under anesthesia, a specialist removes the teeth that caused the problem. Then the germinal tissue is removed so that the teeth do not grow back. Next, the wounds are washed with an antiseptic solution. If necessary, sew incisions.
Drug treatment
Medicines are used both for the destruction of pathogenic flora after surgery, and for the treatment of primary or mild forms without surgery.
- Washing. You can open a small external abscess on your own or ask a veterinarian. After opening it is necessary to rinse the cavity with drugs every day. It is also important that the boil is dried up, so it is not covered with gauze or plaster. To perform the procedure, you need to buy a syringe and cannula (a special nozzle like a needle, but without a sharp end). You also need to buy a disinfectant (peroxide 3%, "Rivanol", "Fibrolan"). Peroxide is used in its pure form, it is not necessary to be diluted in water. Preparations "Rivanol" and "Fibrolan" must be dissolved. The first drug is diluted in water, the second - in a solution of sodium chloride (0.9%).
- The course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used both after surgery and in the case of deterioration, when antiseptics do not give the desired result. Drugs are prescribed only by a doctor. This is due to the fact that antibiotics have many side effects, and their dosage is directly dependent on body weight. Often choose between the following drugs: "Veratsin", "Retacillin", "Baytril". The course is 5-7 days. Also used anesthetic "Carprofen", which is injected subcutaneously.
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Preventive measures
As a precautionary measure, you must:
- Regularly check the condition of the teeth and mouth.
- Diversify your diet and include vitamins and minerals.
- Regularly clean the cage.
- Timely treat colds and infectious diseases.
- Promptly disinfect cuts and wounds.
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An abscess becomes a serious problem if you hesitate with treatment, so it is important not only to regularly examine the animals, but also to consult a veterinarian in time. Treat at home only if the condition of the animal is stable and there are no dangerous symptoms.
Video: rabbit abscess
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