Cage Mammal Diseases

Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre

Holistic Vet - Homeopathic Vet - Acupuncture Vet - Herbal Vet

Diseases of Cage Mammals

Building this page is an ongoing work.

Here we describe various cage mammal diseases (rabbit diseases, guinea pig diseases, gerbil diseases, hamster diseases, chinchilla diseases, rat diseases, mouse diseases), with reference to acupuncture, herbal treatment, homeopathic treatment, chiropractic manipulation etc., where appropriate. We invite and accept referrals for complementary and alternative medicine treatments.

return to cage mammal main page: Cage Mammals, Rabbits

Cage Mammal Disease List

ABSCESSES (RABBITS)

This is a condition peculiar to rabbits, in which a succession of ‘cold’ abscesses can appear over a period. The disease seems to be totally non-responsive to antibiotics. The abscesses proliferate and can invade even the bones of the face and jaw. The ultimate course of the disease leads to death, if not halted.

We have seen cases for homeopathic treatment, which have survived the condition. We use constitutional prescribing and a special pasteurella nosode, which we made here and with which we have been particularly satisfied for rabbits and in other species too.

ACTINOMYCOSIS

Actinomycosis is usually a very stubborn infection with a bacteria-like organism called Actinomyces.

In cattle, the disease 'lumpy jaw' is a result of an abscess produced by this organism.

Actinomycosis in cattle has usually responded to homeopathic treatment, so it should respond similarly in rabbits.

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ALOPECIA

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CAMPYLOBACTER

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CHLAMYDIA

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DERMATITIS

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DIARRHOEA

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ENCEPHALITOZOON / ENCEPHALITOZOONOSIS

This is a small protozoan parasite which can cause progressive paralysis in rabbits. It is becoming more common, have first been a problem on intensive rabbit farms and in laboratories.

We have, very recently, developed specific homeopathic treatment for this. In view of the results of treatment of other protozoan infections with homeopathy, we would expect a reasonable chance of success but we have too few cases so far, to offer valid data to guide prognosis.

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HAEMORRHAGIC DISEASE

This is a potentially fatal virus disease of rabbits, which spreads by contact or by contact with contaminated objects (fomites). We have never had to treat a clinical case at the AVMC but we do advocate prevention methods. A vaccine is available, subject to the usual caveats, and a nosode is also available.

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LISTERIOSIS

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MIDDLE OR INNER EAR DISEASE

Rabbits are particularly susceptible to this problem. They can be presented for ‘fits’, whereas they are simply rolling along the ground in a vain attempt to right themselves, having lost all sense of balance.

We use aromatherapy in the ear canal, constitutional homeopathic prescribing and a pasteurella nosode.

We have witnessed good results from this régime, which can often be very refractory to antibiotic therapy.

MYXOMATOSIS

This is a serious and potentially fatal viral disease of rabbits. It is transmitted by rabbit fleas. Wild rabbits are therefore a danger to domestic rabbits. Infected rabbit fleas may also be carried by dogs, cats and foxes.

If a rabbit should contract this disease, it can be extremely serious. Homeopathic constitutional prescribing and prescriptions based on signs/symptoms may be helpful. Prevention is infinitely the best option, for which we use a nosode. This is an unproven method but many users report very satisfactory results. Vaccination is possible but not without dangers.

PASTEURELLOSIS

This problem is particularly prevalent in rabbits, especially in the overcrowded conditions of commercial rabbit units. The conventional outlook is pessimistic.

Other species can develop diseases due to this infection, but not as commonly as it is seen in rabbits.

Homeopathic constitutional prescribing and prescriptions based on signs/symptoms can be very helpful.

The nosode that we made here, for pasteurellosis in another species, has been especially helpful in the cases we have seen at the Alternative Veterinary Medicine Centre.

Conditions that can arise from pasteurella infection, which is particularly non-responsive even to powerful antibiotics, are pneumonia, middle ear infection and multiple abscesses.

PINING

We treat a great many and varied mental and emotional problems in animals of all types.

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PNEUMONIA

See also Pasteurellosis

In rabbits, most pneumonia cases involve Pasteurella. This is particularly prevalent in commercial units.

In chinchillas, both Pseudomonas and Pasteurella are common. Both are refractory to antibiotics, which makes the prospect of homeopathic help seem much more welcome.

Hamsters also seem to be susceptible to Pasteurella, whereas in rats and mice, common pathogens are Mycoplasma and Bordetella.

The name of the supposed infective agent is less important in homeopathic prescribing, since it is the animal’s immune system that we treat, not the infective organism.

Homeopathic prescribing for pneumonia is based on symptoms shown at the time and may include Aconitum, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Calcarea phosphorica, Cuprum aceticum, Lycopodium, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Sulphur and Tuberculinum bovinum.

PODODERMATITIS

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RINGTAIL

We have only seen two cases of ringtail in rats but results of treatment were good.

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RINGWORM

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SCURVY

Scurvy usually affects guinea pigs and is a result of vitamin C deficiency. It usually responds to treatment with vitamins and recovery appears to be made more rapid by adding homeopathic treatment.

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SHOCK & STRESS

Small rodents and other creatures are extremely sensitive. Handling and disturbance can be very stressful.

It is important to avoid threats from cats or other predators. Although a cage may afford physical protection, the primaeval fear of a threatening predator is a very stressful stimulus.

A visit to the vet can be a frightening experience. These animals, especially the tiny ones, can go into shock, during or after such crises.

Homeopathic remedies such as Gelsemium, Aconitum, Argentum nitricum, Scutellaria and Passiflora are valuable aids in settling stress. Aconitum is very effective in alleviating the extreme effects of shock and reviving the animal.

Bach’s Flower remedies are useful in these creatures. Rescue Remedy is a time-honoured therapy for stress and shock. Vervain is helpful when there is great nervous tension.

STRESS

See Shock

TOOTH PROBLEMS - DENTAL PROBLEMS

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WET TAIL

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This page relates to: veterinary herbal medicine - veterinary natural medicine - holistic veterinary medicine - veterinary complementary medicine - veterinary holistic medicine - veterinary acupuncture - veterinary homeopathy - veterinary herbs - veterinary herbalism - natural veterinary medicine - complementary veterinary medicine - complementary medicine - alternative medicine - alternative veterinary medicine - veterinary alternative medicine - holistic vet - homeopathic vet - acupuncture vet - herbal vet

ABSCESSES (RABBITS)

ACTINOMYCOSIS

ALOPECIA

CAMPYLOBACTER

CHLAMYDIA

DERMATITIS

DIARRHOEA

ENCEPHALITOZOON / ENCEPHALITOZOONOSIS

HAEMORRHAGIC DISEASE

LISTERIOSIS

MIDDLE OR INNER EAR DISEASE

MYXOMATOSIS

PASTEURELLOSIS

PINING

PNEUMONIA See also Pasteurellosis

PODODERMATITIS

RINGTAIL

RINGWORM

SCURVY

SHOCK & STRESS

STRESS

See Shock

TOOTH PROBLEMS - DENTAL PROBLEMS

WET TAIL

PNEUMONIA

See also Pasteurellosis