Results of Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity Testing From Nasolacrimal Duct Flushes in One Hundred and Three Both Healthy and Clinically Ill Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)

International audience

English. This study attempts to describe the bacterial nature and sensitivities of aerobic cultures from nasolacrimal duct (NLD) flushes in both healthy and clinically ill rabbits presenting nasal and ocular discharge to help effective treatment. The records of 83 pet rabbits presenting clinical signs (Clinical Signs Group: CSG) and of 20 control pet rabbits with no clinical signs (NCSG : Non Clinical Signs Group) were evaluated. The percentage of culture yielding no bacteria in control healthy rabbits group (25.9% of records) and in the group of rabbits with clinical signs (30% of records) is higher than expected in that the NLD environment is not sterile. Numerous bacterial organisms were isolated (26). The CSG didn’t show any different bacteria than those found in the NCSG. Organisms were categorized as to potential pathogenicity, and typical site of isolation in four categories: Pasteurella species, common bacteria of the GI tract, bacteria usually present on skin and mucosa and ubiquitous bacterias from the environment. The commensal GI tract bacteria could have colonized the NLD or may have been collected, while the fluid was passing from the nares over the upper lips, since rabbits ingest their cecotrophs. Ubiquitous bacteria could have been present in the NLD, but could also probably be present on the skin or come from an external contamination during sampling. Among the CSG, Pasteurella multocida was the most commonly isolated microorganism (34.8% of the total number of bacterial isolates), with a significant difference in juvenile rabbits. There was no significant difference between the percentage of Pasteurella multocida cultured in the NCSG and in the CSG. Enterobacter cloacae (10.1%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.7%) were consistent findings that can behave as opportunistic pathogens of clinical relevance. There was no significant difference in percentage of the four different bacterial categories among the groups showing various clinical signs. The sensitivity tests were consistent with the typical sensitivities of the bacteria that were isolated. Based on the majority of organisms cultured in the present study and their sensitivity panels, empiric choices of antibiotics include sulfonamides or quinolones.