What should you know about mastitis in rabbits?

In rabbits, mastitis is inflammation of one or more mammary glands, often in a nursing doe. The gland may be swollen, firm, hot, red, blue-tinged or painful, and discharge may be abnormal. The doe may hide, stop eating, become quiet or feel unwell. Kits may be cold, unsettled or unable to nurse. This is an animal-health issue, not an explanation for breast symptoms in a person. A veterinarian must distinguish mastitis from trauma, milk accumulation or another source of swelling.

Call a rabbit-experienced veterinarian promptly and describe the doe’s appetite, behaviour, nursing status, affected gland and the kits’ condition. Keep her in a clean, dry, quiet area with easy access to water and food. Do not squeeze the gland, lance it or apply human creams. Do not give human painkillers or leftover antibiotics. Follow the veterinarian’s instructions about pain relief, fluids, prescribed treatment, nursing and whether the kits need temporary support.

Treat this as urgent when the doe refuses food or water, becomes very quiet, has rapidly worsening swelling, dark or damaged skin, abnormal discharge, weakness, collapse or breathing difficulty. Get immediate veterinary advice if kits are cold, weak, repeatedly crying or not nursing. Rabbits can deteriorate when they stop eating, so waiting for the gland to settle on its own is unsafe.

Is the gland infected or abscessed? What treatment is safe for a rabbit that is nursing? How should the doe and kits be monitored? Should the kits remain with her, and when is the recheck?