Uterine Infection and Infertility in Breeding Rabbits
Uterine infection is a silent cause of infertility in rabbitries, because a doe may eat and drink normally while failing to conceive or losing her litter. The problem often starts after a difficult kindling, an abortion or bacterial entry during mating, and progresses to inflammation of the uterine lining or a pus-filled uterus. The economic loss is significant because the doe consumes feed without producing.
What is uterine infection?
Endometritis is a superficial inflammation of the uterine lining that interferes with embryo implantation. The severe form is pyometra, where the uterine cavity fills with pus and the uterus enlarges. There is also inflammation of the cervix after mating or kindling.
Common bacteria include Pasteurella, Staphylococcus and E. coli, which may enter from the vagina or through the blood. The uterus after kindling is more vulnerable because the cervix stays open for several days. Infectious abortion is an important cause that must be ruled out.
Causes and risk factors
Difficult kindling, a retained placenta or a dead kit inside the uterus create a breeding ground for bacteria. Mating in a dirty cage or with an unclean buck raises the risk of infection. Excessive mating without a rest period drains the doe and weakens immunity.
Poorly ventilated, damp sheds increase stress and lower resistance, as do poor nutrition and vitamin deficiency. Overweight does are more prone to kindling problems. High-producing lines need closer monitoring because production pressure is greater.
Signs and diagnosis
Signs include white, yellow or bloody vaginal discharge, vulvar swelling, repeated refusal to mate or failure to conceive after several attempts. Abortion or stillborn kits may occur, and the doe may refuse feed and lose weight in advanced cases.
Diagnosis relies on veterinary examination and ultrasound to detect fluid in the uterus, and the vet may take a bacterial culture and sensitivity test. Do not rely on discharge alone because vaginitis causes similar signs. Early diagnosis prevents losing the doe.
- Abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Repeated matings without conception.
- Abortion or stillborn kits.
- Swelling of the vulva and refusal to mate.
- Lethargy and weight loss in advanced cases.
Treatment and prevention
Treatment depends on a suitable antibiotic chosen after sensitivity testing, and the vet may use drugs to stimulate uterine contractions or surgery in pyometra cases. Oxytocin is used only under veterinary supervision and after confirming there is no obstruction. Never inject the doe with drugs on your own.
Isolate the affected doe and provide a clean cage with good nutrition. Cull a doe with repeated infection because she becomes a permanent carrier. Clean kindling cages, disinfect mating equipment, and provide support supplements from vitamins and mineral salts and a clean feeder such as a rabbit feeder, following our rabbits and medical supplies.
- Isolate the affected doe in a clean cage.
- Treat all rabbits sharing the same equipment.
- Disinfect kindling cages and mating tools.
- Allow a rest period between pregnancies.
- Cull repeated cases from the breeding herd.
Conclusion
Uterine infection wastes the breeder time and feed without output, but early diagnosis saves many does. Hygiene at kindling and mating plus a rest period are essential. Consult a vet before using any antibiotic or hormone and avoid random treatment.
This article is general guidance and is not a substitute for examining your animal by a licensed veterinarian. In emergencies, contact your vet immediately.
