A venereal disease caused by the bacteria Treponema cunucilli that preoduces lesions, sores, scabs, and blisters on the genitals and anus of a rabbit. Often these lesions start out on the genitals and can be spread to the eyelids, nose, and mouth of the infected rabbit. Vent disease is contagious and can be spread from animal to animal through mating, and is passed from an infected doe to her offspring.
Stages:
Vent disease has three stages. In its first stage the lesions appear on the genitals, anus, nose, eyelids, or mouth. Disease can be spread through sexual contact, birth, and by conact with bodily secretions. In its second stage the lesions and sores disappear, and the rabbit appears to be rid of the disease even if it hasn't been treated. However, the disease is still present and is still contagious. In its third stage, the disease will have damaged the brain and nervous tissues, is no longer contagious, is untreatable, and most likely will result in death.
Treatment:
Penicillin G Benzathine injected subcutaneously at 20,000 IU per pound of body weight. Can also be given intramuscularly at the same dosage (Depends on the brand of penicillin being used. Some brands must be given subcutaneously, others must be given intramuscularly. Check the bottle.) Give injections once a week for three to four weeks. Procaine Penicillin can also be used, but requires a greater number of injections which is more stress on the rabbit and you (and requires more syringes). If Procaine Penicillin is used, the dosage is the same, 20,000 IU per pound of body weight, but you must give the injections once a day for three days, repeated weekly for three weeks. Never give Penicillin to a rabbit orally!!! Also, the lesions will begin to disappear a few days after the first injection. Do not discontinue treatment yet as the bacteria will not all be killed. Continue treatment for at least three weeks-I went four with no problems.
Regardless of what anyone may tell you, Penicillin applied topically to the lesions will not cure the rabbit of vent disease. This treatment will only treat the lesions but the bacteria resides in the bloodstream and will not be affected, and the rabbit will still be contagious. In order to cure vent disease, injections must be given.
Warning:
Diarrhea is a possible side effect of Penicillin. It is best to feed a quality grasshay for two days prior to beginning treatment, and continue feding the grasshay throughout the treatment. Probiotics such as Bene-Bac should also be given to replace and gut bacteria that may be harmed by the Penicillin. Also, some rabbits have an adverse reaction to penicillin and may die from treatment. This is rare, however, and I've never had any problems with the use of Penicillin.
Note:
Keep in mind that as with many diseases there are reports of resistant strains of vent disease, and thus, this treatment may not work. In order to ensure a complete cure, it is wise to have blood titers taken by a veterinarian both before and after treatment.
~Robbie Phillip Odum
Special thanks to Rick Stahl of Lazy Acre Rabbitry and Dennis Day of Crescent Valley Rabbitry for sharing information used in this article.