What is tularemia?
Tularemia is a bacterial disease caused by Francisella tularensis and is often referred to as rabbit fever. Tularemia is most commonly found in rabbits and rodents, and it survives by creating tumor-like masses and abscesses in the victim animals liver. It is a disease that is not seen at all in the United Kingdom, Africa, South America, or Australia. In North America, tularemia cases are scattered around the continent. It is most commonly seen in the late spring and summer.
Tularemia is an uncommon infection in dogs, but dogs can be exposed if they kill or eat an infected rabbit or rodent or through insect bites.
Infection with Francisella tularensis can occur in several ways:
Once the bacteria are in the lymph system, the organism can be found in the lungs, liver, spleen, and the bone marrow.
Tularemia, also known as Rabbit Fever is a bacterial disease that occurs most often in rabbits, hares and rodents but can affect people as well as wild and domestic animals including dogs. The disease is caused by toxins in the blood which are produced by a bacteria called Francisella tularensis. The bacteria survive in the animals body by creating tumor-like masses in the animals liver.
It is important to keep in mind that this bacteria can be passed to humans! Protect yourself from this disease while you are caring for your pet. Quickly dispose of your dogs feces, and wear gloves during this process if possible. Also, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water whenever you have been handling your pet.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important when it comes to recovery from tularemia. If your pet has any of the symptoms listed above contact your vet as soon as possible to book an examination for your dog. Keep in mind that while these symptoms could indicate tularemia they could also be a sign of another serious illness affecting your dogs health.
To treat dogs with tularemia, vets typically prescribe an antibiotic such as Streptomycin to help combat the bacteria. As with all antibiotic treatments, it is essential to complete the full treatment and not skip any doses. Stopping treatment early because the symptoms appear to clear up, can cause the infection to flare up and make the disease harder to treat.
Should I be worried if my dog ate a rabbit?
If your dog eats a rabbit or rabbit droppings, you may want to contact the vet, especially if they show any unusual symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Although eating a rabbit may not adversely affect your dog, it’s probably not a behavior you want to see continue.
Is it safe for dogs to eat rabbit droppings
If your dog eats a rabbit or rabbit droppings, you may want to contact the vet, especially if they show any unusual symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Although eating a rabbit may not adversely affect your dog, it’s probably not a behavior you want to see continue.