Ammonia
intoxication in rabbits
Esther van Praag, Ph.D.
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Ammonia (NH3) is a heavy gas, whose
presence in greater concentration is toxic. It is formed by bacteria that
degrade litter, urine, excrements, and takes place in warm conditions. It is
thus more likely to observe NH3 intoxication during the summer
months, rather than in the winter. NH3 is rapidly absorbed by the mucosal
cells lining the respiratory tract of the rabbit, where it will be
transformed into an alkaline molecule with aggressive properties. This leads
to the destruction of the mucociliary epithelial cells lining the respiratory
tract, whose role is to protect the respiratory tract against bacterial aggressions.
Although NH3 is a toxic molecule,
intoxication is often ignored in the differential diagnosis of respiratory
diseases. The problem is seen more often in commercial rabbitries, seldom in private
homes where a rabbit is kept in good hygienic conditions. The prevention of NH3 intoxication is
done by regular cleaning of the litter boxes, and a good aeration. Clinical signs
The disease is characterized by
different stages, depending on the length of exposure and the concentration
of ammonia in the air. In the very beginning, typical
problems related to upper respiratory disease are observed: nasal and ocular
discharge, swollen eyelids and irritation of the corneal surface of the eye, sneezing
and snoring, rarely fever. If the problem is not treated,
pharyngeal and tracheal inflammation is observed, followed by lower
respiratory tract disease. At this stage, secondary bacterial infection is
possible, due to the destruction of the mucociliary barrier and depression of
the immune system. At this stage, the disease develops in an acute form, with
difficult respiration and sometimes coughing. The rabbit is often anorexic,
depressed, shows signs of dyspnea (abnormal or difficult breathing) and
cyanosis (blue discoloration of tongue, lips, gums, due to shortage of oxygen
in the blood), fever or hypothermia. The disease is difficult to treat
and often becomes chronic, even when the rabbits are transferred to a clean
well-aerated environment. For information of the treatment of bacteria induced
respiratory diseases, see: Upper respiratory tract disease in
rabbits. Further
Information
1.
Boucher S,
Nouaille L. Maladies des Lapins. Manual pratique.
Editions France Agricole. 2002. pp 182-183 2. Kruckenberg SM,
Cook JE, Feldman BF. Clinical toxicities of pet and caged rodents and
rabbits. Vet Clin North Am.
1975;5(4):675-84. 3. Makarenko ON, Skorik LV, Mel'nichuk
DA. The
characteristics of nitrogen metabolism in the tissues of rabbits with
ammonium toxicosis. Ukr Biokhim Zh.
1992; 64(6):105-9. |
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