Pet Health Library – Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA

Abscesses in Rabbits

An abscess is a cavity containing pus, surrounded by a capsule of thickened inflamed tissue which is the usually result of a bacterial infection. The pus is an accumulation of dead cells as the result of the battle to fight the infection. In humans, abscesses of the skin are often caused by Staphylococcus infections, but in rabbits, abscesses can be caused by many different aerobic bacteria (those that require oxygen to survive) including Pasteurella multocida, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus and a whole host of anaerobic bacteria (those that do not require oxygen to survive).

Rabbits can form abscesses in nearly any organ of the body as well as in skin, tooth roots and bone. The most common causes of rabbit abscesses are bite wounds that become infected and infections in tooth roots and tear ducts. Most facial abscesses are the result of dental disease. Tear duct abscesses can be the result of an elongated upper incisor tooth root blocking the tear duct. The accumulated fluid is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and an abscess can form easily. Abscesses that form internally can be more difficult to diagnose or manage and include areas such as the uterus, lungs, heart, liver, abdominal fat, intestine and kidneys.