**Agricultural Website Navigation Provides: Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin A Deficiency and Bronchopneumonia in Foxes**
**Prevention and Treatment of Fox Bronchopneumonia**
**Causes and Clinical Symptoms**
Fox bronchopneumonia is caused by respiratory microorganisms such as pneumococcus, streptococcus, and staphylococcus. Excessive cold weather or poor insulation in the den can first lead to colds in foxes and raccoon dogs, which then develop into this disease. It can also be triggered by hot weather, poor ventilation in the den, damp bedding, and stuffiness. The symptoms include lethargy, dry nose mirrors, flushed or cyanotic visible mucous membranes, elevated body temperature, rapid breathing, occasional coughing, dry feces, increased water intake, loss of appetite, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to death.
**Prevention and Treatment Methods**
Administer intramuscular penicillin injections to the affected animals. Adult foxes should receive 400,000–800,000 international units, while young foxes should receive 100,000–200,000 international units, with two injections per day. Penicillin can also be combined with streptomycin, each at 200,000–400,000 international units per dose, administered twice daily. Before female foxes give birth, thoroughly clean and disinfect the den, then add dry bedding. During sudden weather changes, increase the bedding or seal the gaps in the den with paper strips.
**Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin A Deficiency in Foxes**
When there is a lack or insufficiency of vitamin A in the fox diet, clinical symptoms typically appear within 1–3 months. The main symptoms include convulsions, head tilting backward, uncoordinated movement, hypersensitivity to external stimuli, and even circling in cages due to minor stimuli. Young foxes often suffer from diarrhea and pneumonia, experience delayed tooth replacement, and exhibit slow growth.
If female foxes lack vitamin A during the mating and pregnancy periods, they may experience irregular estrus cycles and delayed heat. In early pregnancy, embryo absorption may occur, and during the birthing period, stillbirths, rotten fetuses, and weak offspring may result. Male foxes may show reduced libido and testicle shrinkage.
Based on different biological stages and feed conditions, fish liver oil or vitamin A must be added to the daily diet. Foxes should receive more than 250 units of vitamin A per kilogram of body weight daily. The treatment dosage for sick foxes should be 5–10 times the preventive dosage. Adding vitamin E to the daily diet can prevent the oxidation of vitamin A in the intestines and promote its more effective absorption.