Respiratory Infections in Rabbits
Pocket Pet · Oryctolagus cuniculus · typical adult weight 1.00–5.00 kg
3 cited drugs treat Respiratory Infections in rabbits: Azithromycin, Ceftiofur, Doxycycline.
Upper- and lower-respiratory bacterial, mycoplasmal, and fungal infection. Includes bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) in cattle, pneumonia in companion species, and air sacculitis in birds. Antimicrobial choice often requires species-specific evidence.
The overview above describes Respiratory Infections across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to rabbits — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Azithromycin(Zithromax)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 15–30 mg/kg | q24h x 15 days | 7-14 days | Respiratory infections (alternative) | Weak | Morissey JM, Carpenter JW. Appendix: Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, Orcuť CJ, Mans C, et al. Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Ceftiofur(Excenel, Excede, Naxcel)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 40 mg/kg | q24-72h (CFA depot only) | 7-14 days | Respiratory infections | Moderate | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.1 (Antimicrobial Agents Used in Rabbits.a). — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.1 (Antimicrobial Agents Used in Rabbits.a).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Doxycycline(Vibramycin)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 2.5 mg/kg | q12h | 14-28 days | Respiratory infections, Pasteurella | Weak | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.842, ref 166 = Morissey JM, Carpenter JW. Appendix: Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, Orcutt CJ, Mans C, et al. Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents, 4th ed. Elsevier; 2021:620-630 (the same row appears there in Table A.1, p.621) — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.1 (Antimicrobial Agents Used in Rabbits.a).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.