📚 What Is Treponematosis?

Treponematosis—also called rabbit syphilis or venereal spirochetosis—is caused by the bacterial spirochete Treponema paraluisleporidarum. It produces crusty, ulcerative lesions typically on genitals, the anus, nose, eyelids, and lips. It's not transmissible to humans or other species :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🦠 How Rabbits Get It

• By sexual contact between rabbits.
• Through direct contact with lesions (grooming or nuzzling).
• Via vertical transmission from mother to kits at birth or during nursing :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Rabbits may carry the infection without signs, and stress can trigger active lesions :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

⚠️ Common Signs

• Raised, crusty bumps or ulcers on genital areas, eyelids, nose, lips :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Swelling or redness near vulva, prepuce, or anal region.
• Ocular discharge or crusting around eyes from facial grooming.
• Occasional reproductive issues—abortions, stillbirths, or poor fertility.

🔍 Diagnosis

• Physical exam and lesion history—typical crusting and location.
• Darkfield microscopy or silver stain biopsy—reveals corkscrew spirochetes :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Serology (VDRL/RPR) or PCR can confirm diagnosis :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Response to treatment (penicillin) often helps confirm diagnosis.

💉 Treatment Protocol

Penicillin Injections

• Benzathine penicillin G at 42–60 000 IU/kg subcutaneously or intramuscularly, once weekly for 3 weeks (herd) or every 7 days for 3 doses (individual) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Never give penicillin orally—can cause fatal enterotoxemia :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Alternative Antibiotics

• Chloramphenicol or fluoroquinolones such as enrofloxacin may help but are less reliable :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• In rare cases, longer or repeated courses may be needed; retreatment may follow incomplete first round :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

✅ Follow‑Up & Monitoring

• Lesions often heal within 10–14 days after starting penicillin; full recovery usually by 3 weeks :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Treat all exposed rabbits—even without symptoms—to prevent reinfection :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Re-examine and possibly re-treat if lesions persist or return.
• Use serology or microscopy to confirm elimination in breeding colonies.

🏡 Home & Herd Management

• Isolate infected rabbits until full recovery.
• Clean and disinfect enclosures, bedding, feeding bowls daily.
• Avoid breeding infected does or bucks until fully treated.
• Use stress-reduction strategies—quarantine, quiet environment—to prevent outbreaks :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

🚥 Prevention Strategies

• Test new rabbits via physical exam and, when possible, serology/PCR.
• Spay/neuter to prevent sexual transmission.
• Maintain separate enclosures for new or untested animals.
• Practice good hygiene—wash hands, use clean tools between rabbits.

📋 Quick Reference Table

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Recommend breeding only from tested, healthy rabbits.
• Explain that latent treponematosis may reactivate under stress :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Be cautious with retreatment: lesions in claws or toes may harbor infection :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Plan herd treatments in multi-rabbit settings to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure owners never give penicillin orally to avoid GI complications.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Rabbit treponematosis is a treatable bacterial disease with an excellent prognosis when caught early and treated properly. Injections of penicillin G remain the gold standard in 2025, paired with careful husbandry, herd treatment, and routine testing. With good veterinary support, your rabbit can recover fully and thrive. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 live access to expert rabbit vets for diagnosing lesions, interpreting tests, and designing treatment protocols.
• Woopf: Lesion-cleaning kits, protective bedding, and hygiene products to support recovery.
• Purrz: Veterinary-grade topical wound sprays and recovery care packages tailored for syphilitic lesions.