Mother with MIxi A question of ethics

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This topic has 4sd replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 11 years ago by LBJ10.

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- 04/10/2015 at 2:02 AM
  John23
  Participant
  1 posts
  Hi
  
  First time poster under unfortunate terms.
  
  I am the owner of Flemish Giants and recently we had a litter of 9 kits.
  
  On the day of their birth our buck who was separated ill with pussy eyes and lack of energy.
  A visit to the vet said he had a 95% chance of contracting mixi and he was given a antibiotic shot.
  
  6 hours later my wife called and told me that his condition had become bad and I was returning home to put him down.
  
  10 mins later another call to say he had passed away. From time of looking a little funny to death was just over 24 hours.
  
  This had a large impact on myself and my 4 year old son.
  
  A visit to the hardware and the Dose and kits cage was fully protected with fly screen and we made sure she was never out of the cage after dusk.
  Being in care of her young the doe has only been released for a hour or so exercise per day. Although not impossible I think it was unlikely that she would have got many mosquito bites during her short times out of cage during the day,
  
  Unfortunately even with the extra care she has developed the same symptoms and although she is being strong and continuing to eat well and care for the young her eyes have become red, pussy and saggy , her ears have dropped and I fear that she is going to loose her battle with the mixi sooner rather than later.
  
  This is what brings me to the question of ethics.
  
  My priority now lies with the 9 kits which are 10 days old. All look healthy and seem to be doing very well.
  
  I fear that the doe may have fleas although I can not see them on her and I have seen none on the kits.
  
  If this is the case the kits will be a major risk of getting the mixi and 2 deaths will soon turn to 11 over a very short period of time which will end rabbits in my house hold as I dont the family wants to under go such pain.
  
  The way I see it there is limited options.
  
  1 being that I leave the kits with the doe and let her spend her remanding time caring for the young and risk the spead of the mixi.
  
  2 I remove the kits and hand raise them in the house and put the doe down.
  
  Number 2 is the logical choice for me although it is the most heart breaking for many reasons.
  
  The kits are too young to treat for fleas and all I can do is perhaps give them a wash? and a new clean set up in doors?
  
  I hope that I can get some logical answers from you members on what you think the best course of action will be.
  
  I honestly dont think its a time for compassion and need to make a smart choice which is best for the kits.
  
  I guess I post here hoping to get confirmation that my number 2 plan is best or even better a number 3 option that I have not thought about
  
  Thanks in advance
  
  Regards
  
  John
- 04/10/2015 at 7:43 AM
  Sarita
  Participant
  18851 posts
  Welcome John,
  
  Two Questions:
  1. Have you consulted with a vet on this issue? If not, you should.
  2. Can you bring all your rabbits inside where this would not be an issue?
- 04/10/2015 at 8:14 AM
  Roberta
  Participant
  4355 posts
  Oh God John, My heart is breaking for you. Myxo is the most appalling disease. I agree with Sarita. I think you need to ask your vet to guide you. It is not just spread through insect bites but also contact. Handling an infected rabbit then touching another can pass the disease on. The thing is bunnies can also develop a resistance to certain strains. I have no idea how to counsel you on this other than to second Sarita in regards to having your vet give you the best course of action.
- 04/10/2015 at 8:19 AM
  Roberta
  Participant
  4355 posts
  Though not available in Australia there is a myxo and calici vaccine. The threat from mites and fleas can be reduced with the use of Revolution (selamectin) topical flea treatment. Advantage cat is also effective and safe. NEVER use Frontline. Your vet can treat with ivermectin injections to prevent fleas and mites. Revolution also helps defend against flystrike.
- 04/10/2015 at 8:51 PM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17240 posts
  I’m not sure where you are. Myxomatosis isn’t really a problem in the US (it’s just in a few very isolated areas). There is a vaccine for it, but as Roberta pointed out, it isn’t available in Australia. We have talked about it here on BB in the past. I have no personal experience with it, but I have looked up information about it (the subject is interesting from a biological point of view). It’s a pox virus and, like Roberta said, it is spread through direct contact AND insect bites. Now there is some research out there about maternal antibodies providing some protection to the babies, if the mother had been previously infected and recovered (this should include vaccines). At this point, the babies have already been exposed, so I don’t think separating them would really do much at this point. It would, however, be a good idea to bring everyone inside so the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is minimal. You could treat the mother for the fleas, as Roberta suggested.
  
  I will agree with the others though. I would think your vet would have a recommendation for you. I don’t know what your relationship is like with them, but my vet allows me to call her and express a concern over the phone. She will give advice if it is related to what she is currently treating one of my rabbits for. It’s worth a try since your vet saw your other rabbit that passed away.
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