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vent disease question

22 9:50:23

Question
Hi
If you give them penG will they will still be infected carriers
of this? They would really only be ok for pets right?
Showing, breeding, etc wouldn't be good right?
We were sold a trio, looks like one doe is showing signs of this.
but we had already bred her to buck and the buck to
other doe before our 4h advisor had a chance to see them and spot this.
so would all 3 be infected now? Would it be best to cull all 3?
thank you for any help.
Angela

Answer
Dear Angela,

Penicillin-G Procaine *injections* are generally safe for rabbits, as long as given as directed and for an appropriate duration.  NEVER give intramuscularly.  SubQ only.  In general, this antibiotic will kill the spirochetes that cause rabbit syphilis, and they should no longer be carriers.  

Showing is very stressful for any rabbit, and I would not recommend it.  As far as breeding is concerned, please read this very important article:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/breeding.html

If by "cull" you mean *kill* the rabbits, then I can give you an emphatic NO.  How ridiculous!  Would you kill a person who had a treatable disorder?  I simply do not understand the breeder mentality that would allow anyone to "cull" an animal simply because it is considered imperfect.  In fact, I find it utterly disgusting.

I hope that's not what you meant.

And I hope this helps you do the right thing for your rabbits.  You can find a rabbit-savvy vet to help you here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Dana