Study of risk factors, clinical signs and bacterial infections of respiratory diseases in domestic rabbits in Bangkok
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Abstract
Objective: The respiratory diseases in rabbits were the most common causes of mortality in rabbits of all ages that can be found all year round. However, the predisposing factors of the diseases were rarely published. Thus, the study regarding risk factors was beneficial for further knowledge to understand the risk of respiratory diseases in rabbits which is only available in the aspect of prevention protocol to decrease the risk factors.
Materials and Methods: The study collected the data of domestic rabbits that visited the Kwuncum Veterinary Hospital for assessment of health and treatment. The data from samples was divided into two groups including a group of healthy rabbits or non-respiratory signs and a group of rabbit with respiratory signs. This study collected all the domestic rabbit data in 2014, a total of 2,395 rabbit samples by collecting the records of history taking, physical examination, ages, sex, feeding, pet environment, bacterial culture using the deep nasal swab technique and lungs pattern in radiographic findings. These data collections were recorded corresponding to data of rainfall seasons.
Results: The results found that the male rabbits had a higher risk factor than female rabbits with a statistical significance (OR=1.6; P<0.05) while rabbits older than 6 years had higher risk than rabbits younger or equal to 6 years old with a statistical significance (OR=3.2; P<0.05). In terms of weather the study found that the rainfall was related with respiratory diseases. It was observed by the data collected during rainfall season that the diseases incidence related to rabbit sickness increased to around 5 times during April to May and sickness with respiratory diseases to 3 times. This data indicated the risk during May was higher than April with statistical significance (OR=3.2; P<0.05).
Conclusion: The study found that the risk factors of respiratory diseases were higher in male rabbits, especially rabbit that were older than 6 years and rabbit raise in one place and raised during the rainfall season.
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References
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