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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 20:43:10 GMT -5
Hello all.
As stated, not directly related to ferrets but I am concerned for my ferts. Here's why.
We have wild rabbits throughout the neighborhood...see them frequently in our yard. Late Saturday night, we found a rabbit sprawled on the front porch. The poor thing was VERY obviously ill, but it was dark and hard to see. We placed in him an open box with towels so that he was comfortable, but knew he wouldn't make it through the night.
The next morning, I checked on him and he had passed. I was able to get a good look at him....awful! I have no idea what he had but am now concerned about any possible contagiousness as I have let the ferts walk in the front yard.
I took pics that I can post if anyone wants to see. Am hoping to find a resource to possibly identify what this poor thing may have had.
Thoughts? Annette
EDIT: Posted pics below...viewer discretion advised.
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Post by bitbyter on Jul 14, 2014 20:55:09 GMT -5
Find out if there is a tularemia outbreak in your area. It is contagious to humans as well as other animals.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 21:17:20 GMT -5
Hey Bitbyter...thanks for the response . Checked out the link, but don't think that's it. Okay...here are the pics. They are pretty startling (to me anyways):
In the first pic, you can see how the disease has started to affect his front legs as well as the nose and chin. I may also try to contact my vet tomorrow to see if she has any thoughts. A
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Post by bitbyter on Jul 14, 2014 21:28:51 GMT -5
That could either be mange (caused by mites) or the fur was matted with something like oil. The fur becomes a solid mass and the skin beneath cannot breathe.Sores and wounds can develop from excessive scratching. You might want to get a revolution treatment for your pets if it is mange as you might have carried mites into the house.
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Post by bitbyter on Jul 14, 2014 21:33:03 GMT -5
Hmmm, the ears look clear so most likely not mange (the ears are often the worst).
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Post by racheld on Jul 14, 2014 21:49:01 GMT -5
My friend's been in wildlife rehab (in Michigan) for a few years and isn't sure what this could be. Might be a good idea to take it to an expert for a necropsy in case it's something that could effect wildlife in your area on a larger scale. As a side note, can you include a warning that the pictures are quite graphic in the first post? Those are really disturbing. Poor baby.
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Post by Sherry on Jul 15, 2014 8:59:55 GMT -5
This is a forum that also deals with whole prey/live feeding I honestly don't see any reason for a warning.
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Post by Sherry on Jul 15, 2014 9:05:45 GMT -5
On enlarging the pics, the second almost appears to have a wound on the hind quarters. But I second having a wild life person check it out.
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Post by bitbyter on Jul 15, 2014 9:07:13 GMT -5
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Post by Heather on Jul 15, 2014 12:22:35 GMT -5
I would for your own sanity and peace of mind, see if you're vet will perform a necropsy. ciao
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Post by racheld on Jul 15, 2014 14:25:19 GMT -5
If I went to the live feeding or raw feeding boards I would be anticipating graphic pictures. And there is a warning near the top of the live feeding board warning about the graphic nature of the pictures, videos, and discussions.
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Post by RedSky on Jul 15, 2014 15:01:05 GMT -5
Even if the fur is just matted, why would a wild rabbit have matted fur like that. In the case of that dog, you can understand that it's coat isn't 'natural' like a wolf would be and needs grooming. The same with polecats vs angora ferrets. I would contact a local wildlife helpline and see if they have had any other reports and if they can test the animal. Also keep a close eye on your pets, and maybe mention it to neighbours. We don't want to cause a panic but we also want others to be aware to look out for anything strange. Glad the little guy had somewhere safe and comfortable to spend his final night.
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Post by Heather on Jul 15, 2014 15:36:23 GMT -5
The thing is this rabbit isn't and wasn't dinner, so no need to warn anyone about the content. It was about disease and at the beginning in the original post it warns that there are photos provided below and they're graphic. It really isn't that graphic and unfortunately, mother nature can be really cruel when it comes to diseases. I agree with Sherry there was really no need for a warning on this post. There is a warning in the post at the bottom and it is well marked. ciao
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2014 20:12:29 GMT -5
Hello all. Thank you for all the responses...very much appreciated. Unfortunately, we did not save the body so a necropsy isn't possible. Didn't think about that. I have sent the pics to my vet. I told her that I understand it would be very difficult to make a diagnosis, but any insight she could provide would be appreciated. Tomorrow at work I will also try to find a wildlife contact to send the pics to as well. I will let you know when I hear something. In the mean time, I need to find that post about "bringing the outdoors in." Annette
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Post by bitbyter on Jul 15, 2014 20:50:16 GMT -5
It could have contact oil or anything else that could have gotten stuck in the fur.
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