Rabbits Flashcards
What makes enucleation of rabbit eyes more difficult than other species?
The extensive orbital venous plexus
What two locations in rabbits are prone to obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct (dacryostenosis)?
The proximal maxillary bend and apex of the main upper incisor
During a bulla osteotomy, what landmark needs to be avoided to prevent loss of palpebral reflex, ipsilateral drooling and ipsilateral facial contraction?
The facial nerve
What is the most common vertebral formula in rabbits?
C7/T12/L7/S4
Where does the spinal cord end in most rabbits?
Within S2
What is the classification of rabbit teeth?
Elodont, hypsodont, aradicular
What is the rabbit dental formula
2 x I2/1 PM3/2 M3/3 = 28
What is the gestation length in rabbits?
30-32 days
What is unique about rabbit milk?
It is higher in fat, protein and ash than that of other species except rats
What organism is implicated in ‘wet dewlap’ disease?
Pseudomonas causing a moist dermatitis of the chin/dewlap
What is the best site for spinal fluid collection in rabbits?
The cerebellomedullary cistern
What are the landmarks for needle placement for a CSF tap in a rabbit?
The cranial margins of the wings of the atlas and occipital protuberance
Where can intraosseous catheters be placed in rabbits?
The proximal humerus, greater trochanter of femur or tibial crest
What is the most common inherited disease in rabbits and what does it lead to?
Mandibular prognathism, causing primary incisor malocclusion
What organism causes hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits? Where specifically do they proliferate?
Eimeria stiedae; Bile duct epithelial cells
A rabbit with a diffusely heterogenous liver with multiple poorly defined, hyperechoic regions and dilated hepatic blood vessels and bile ducts on ultrasound is likely suffering from what?
Hepatic coccidiosis
What is cholestyramine used for in rabbits?
To bind bacterial toxins in bacterial enteritis
Intrauterine transmission of what organism into the lens before capsule formation can cause phacoclastic uveitis?
Encephalitozoon cuniculi
Rabbits are prone to this type of respiratory diseases which lead to short, rapid, shallow breaths because of their small thoracic cavity.
Restrictive diseases, which prevent the lungs from expanding
What type of respiratory disease in rabbits leads to slower/deeper breaths?
Obstructive disease, which occurs with narrowing of the airway passages
Upper obstructive respiratory disease causes increased ___ effort, while lower obstructive respiratory disease in rabbits causes increased ___ effort.
Upper - inspiratory; Lower - expiratory +/- inspiratory
Unilateral nasal discharge is usually indicative of what type of disease in rabbits?
Upper respiratory disease
Thoracocentesis in rabbits should be performed with the patient in ___ lateral recumbency at what location?
Lateral; in the 7th-9th intercostal space along the cranial border of the rib along the body wall
What disease should be considered with epistaxis, hyperemic tracheal mucosa, fluid in the trachea and/or congested/hemorrhagic lungs in rabbits?
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease
What 3 ways is myxomatosis transmitted?
Direct contact w/oculonasal secretions or eroded skin lesions, via biting insects/arthropods or via contaminated environment
What serogroup of Pasteurella multocida most commonly causes disease in rabbits?
Serogroup A, lesser extent D & F
Pasteurella multocida strains in rabbits are generally sensitive to which antibiotics?
Chloramphenicol, novobiocin, oxytetracycline, penicillin G, fluoroquinolones, azithromycin, TMS
Reinfection of what area is common in rabbits with pasteurellosis due to poor antibiotic penetration?
The nasal cavity (+ eustachian tubes, middle ear cavities)
What two bacteria are commonly implicated in opportunistic infections with pasteurellosis?
Bordetella bronchiseptica and Staphyloccocus aureus
What are the most common types of lung tumors in rabbits?
Metastatic lesions from uterine carcinoma, mammary gland adenocarcinoma and lymphoma
List 4 possible causes of mediastinal masses in rabbits:
- Thymoma (most common)
- Thymic lymphoma
- Thymic carcinoma
- Mediastinal abscess
List 4 possible paraneoplastic syndromes that can occur in conjunction with thymoma:
- Anemia
- Hypercalcemia
- Systemic immune disorders
- Dermatoses (sebaceous adenitis)
What is recommended when a rabbit is in dorsal recumbency to avoid compromising spontaneous respiration or assisted ventilation during surgery?
Slight thoracic elevation
How is a chylous effusion diagnosed?
Fluid with an elevated triglyceride concentration when compared with plasma and a decreased or WNL cholesterol concentration; Chol:trig concentrations are generally less than 1
What does a fluid to plasma triglyceride ratio greater than 2-3:1 indicate?
A chylous effusion
How is RHDV2 transmitted?
Direct contact w/infected animals, carcasses, bodily fluids and hair; Fomites and insect/animal vectors
RHDV2 not only infects the European rabbit as RHDVa does, but can also affect what?
Various Lepus species including hares (and cottontails now)
RHD from classic RHDVa causes ___ morbidity and ___ mortality in adult rabbits
High (up to 100%); high (70-90%); But does not affect kits <30 days and young less likely to be infected
RHDV2 causes disease and death in animals as young as ___ and has ___ mortality.
15-20 days old; More variable mortality from 5-80%, but seems to be increasing indicating evolution
_____ is now the primary viral RHD strain in Europe and Australia
RHDV2
A rabbit presenting with lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and jaundice is likely suffering from what infectious disease?
RHDV2
What is the primary pathologic lesion associated with RHD?
Extensive hepatic necrosis; could also see evidence of DIC w/petechiation/hemorrhage of all tissues