Self-mutilation: Difference between revisions
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Some rabbits are prone to '''self-mutilation''', especially on the forefeet.<ref name="trm2">Varga, M. (2013). | Some rabbits are prone to '''self-mutilation''', especially on the forefeet.<ref name="trm2">Varga, M. (2013). {{amazon|id=0702049794|name=''Textbook of rabbit medicine''. (2nd ed.).}}</ref><sup>:292</sup> Self-trauma can be so severe that digits may be lost. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
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[[Category:Behavior]] | |||
[[Category:Health]] | [[Category:Health]] | ||
[[Category:Skin issues]] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:43, 22 March 2023
Some rabbits are prone to self-mutilation, especially on the forefeet.[1]:292 Self-trauma can be so severe that digits may be lost.
Symptoms
- lesions and skin irritation
- reddening of the skin
- excessive licking
- excessive "air boxing"
- removal of digits
Causes
The cause of self-mutilation is not clear, and it is likely a number of conditions can result in this type of behavior.
Some conditions that have been considered as causes:[1]:292-293
- obsessive/compulsive behavior
- hypersensitivity
- mites
- contact dermatitis
- allergies
- psychological disorder
- genetic predisposition
- intramuscular injections of ketamine and xylazine in the thigh near the tail (caudal)
A genetic predisposition for compulsive self-mutilation has been identified in one particular strain of laboratory rabbits.[1]:293 The symptoms begin with a reddening of the skin on the front feet digits, and rabbits would lick their feet and "air box" frequently. There appeared to be a seasonal incidence in the late summer and autumn.[1]:293
Symptoms due to intramuscular injections of ketamine and xylazine appeared 2–3 days post-injection, and while lameness was not observed, skin irrition was obvious, and the rabbits would shake their paw with every step. Post-mortem examination showed axonal degeneration in the sciatic nerve.[1]:293
Many rabbits carry Cheyletiella parasitovorax and/or L. gibbus mites and hypersensitivity is a possibility.[1]:292
Sometimes hay seeds or grass awns can be embedded in the skin and cause intense irritation.[1]:293
Treatment
Treatment should always include a parasiticide such as ivermectin or selamectin in case of mites.
If the self-mutilation appears to be a psychological disorder, some methods of treatment are the following:[1]:293
- environmental enrichment such as exercising opportunities and a bonded companion.
- neutering to prevent frustrations associated with finding a suitable nesting site or receptive companion.
- a high fiber diet because chewing through hay or grazing grass can prevent boredom.
- strategies such as scatter feeding (pellets are scattered through hay or another toy)
- toys such as cardboard boxes or branches
For laboratory rabbits with a genetic predisposition for compulsive self-mutilation, treatment with haloperidal was successful.[1]:293
Further reading
- MediRabbit, Esther van Praag, Ph.D., Self-mutilating behavior in rabbits