Rabbits Flashcards
What is an important GIT syndrome in rabbits
Gut stasis
What is the pathogenesis of gut stasis in rabbits
Related to other diseases - a symptom not a Dx
What are some Sx of gut stasis in rabbits
Anorexia, pain, slow gut motility, reduced faecal production, depression, lethargic, lack of gut sounds or excessively loud borborygmi, impactions felt on palpation
What are the two most important initial Tx for gut stasis in rabbits
Analgesia
Fluid support - interstitial fluid flows into the gut causing dehydration
Why are rabbits with gut stasis not suitable candidates for a GA
Electrolytes are not secreted / reabsorbed predictably = electrolyte derangement
How can gut stasis be Dx on rads?
Dilated loops of guts with fluid and gas
Which blood test is linked to GI obstruction in rabbits?
Blood glucose
What blood glucose level is linked to GI obstruction and gut stasis in rabbits?
Levels > 18mmol/l
What are the DDX for gut stasis in rabbits (9)
GI obstruction Dysbiosis Failure to ear caecotrophs D+ Mucoid enteropathy Bloat Caecal impaction Parasites Dysautonomia
How do the Sx of GI obstruction differ with location in rabbits
Higher the obstruction the more acute and severe the Sx
Which class of drugs is contra-indicated in rabbit GI obstruction
Pro kinetics
Define dysbiosis
A challenge to or alteration of the gut bacteria
What 4 things is dysbiosis related to in rabbits
AntiB use
Body temp
Changes in gut motility
Drastic alterations in diet
What are the Sx of dysbiosis in rabbits
Change in faecal consistency
Altered appetite
Which 5 AntiB should not be used in rabbits
PLACE AntiB
Penicillins Lincomycin Aminoglycosides Clindomycin Erythromycin
What is failure to eat caecotrophs often misdiagnosed as in rabbits
Diarrhoea
How can Diarrhoea and failure to eat caecotrophs be differentiated in rabbits
Rabbits not eating caecotrophs will still produce hard faecal pellets
What are the three main causes of a rabbit failing to eat caecotrophs
A change in taste of caecotrophs - diet change, meds, infection
A change in consistency of caecotrophs - more runny than usual due to infection or inflam
An inability to eat them - pain e.g. dental disease, OA, vestibular disease causing poor balance
What results from D+ in rabbits
Gut motility disordered - atonic guts
Rapid fluid loss
Electrolyte imbalance
What are the main causes of D+ in rabbits
Coccidiosis
Tyzzers disease - clostridium pilliformis
Salmonella
Campylobacter
What is mucoid enteropathy in rabbits
D+ complex seen in juvenile rabbits related to low fibre diets
What are the main Sx of mucoid enteropathy in rabbits
Mucoid bloody D+
How does bloat appear in rabbits
Gut loops filled with gas
What is the pathogenesis of bloat in rabbits
Bacteria produce gas in response to a change in microbiome or diet
Gastric dilation = functional obstruction of pyloric outflow
What is caecal impaction in rabbits linked to
Abnormal function of fusus coli
What are the Sx of caecal impaction in rabbits
No caecotrophs produced = loss of BCS
Painful large doughy caecum on palpation
Why is coccidiosis mostly seen in rabbits prior to weaning?
Adults immune post weaning
What is coccidiosis associated with in rabbits
Stress
Overstocking
Poor hygiene