Mastitis in mama rabbit

by Isabella
(CA, USA)

Hi there!


My dwarf doe had 3 kits on Valentine's Day and she seemed to be doing fine with nursing them until earlier today. Unfortunately, we lost one of them; he was smaller than the rest and I don't think he was feeding like he should have been. By the time I started hand feeding him, it was too late.

I check her and the kits every day since she gave birth. When I checked her stomach earlier today, the left side seemed really swollen and I took her to the vet right away. They confirmed it was Mastitis like I thought and gave me antibiotics to hopefully clear the infection. Is there anything else I can do besides give her the antibiotics and Epsom salt compresses to make her heal faster/feel better?

I was wondering if she will go back to nursing normally after she feels a bit better? And how can I be sure that she is nursing them currently? I checked her teats earlier and she is producing milk but not a lot at all. The babies stomachs seem to full out to the side like they should but maybe it is me over stressing about the situation and thinking their actual bellies (when they're on their backs) aren't that full looking.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

***** Karen Sez *****
Sounds like you're on the right track. I hope the antibiotics will be delivered by injection.

Is there a way you could put the kits to the doe twice a day? The idea is to help empty the milk glands to relieve the pressure and help heal the infection.

Hopefully others with successful experience with mastitis can offer more advice here. Good luck.

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Feb 24, 2013
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by: Isabella

When I took her to the vet they gave her two injections and then gave me antibiotics to give to her by mouth for about 2 weeks. She seems to be doing a lot better and her milk production has increased. Great news for the kits. They're healthy and doing well! Thank you.

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