Rabbit GI Case Challenge Discussion

Gastric dilatation or “bloat” and gastrointestinal obstruction is an acute and life-threatening condition of pet rabbits commonly caused by an obstruction with pellets of compressed hair. The discussion portion of this Case Challenge reviews onset, clinical signs, and diagnostic test results of obstructive and non-obstructive gastrointestinal disease. This condition is considered a surgical emergency and key points of urgent care strive to stabilize the patient through analgesia, decompression when indicated, and supportive care. Surgery is discussed as well as recommendations for patients that cannot go to surgery due to clinical or financial constraints. Follow-up care as well . . .


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References

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Harcourt-Brown FM. Gastric dilation and intestinal obstruction in 76 rabbits. Vet Rec 161(12):409-414, 2007.

Harcourt-Brown FM, Harcourt-Brown SF. Clinical value of blood glucose measurement in pet rabbits. Vet Rec 170(26):674, 2012.

Harcourt-Brown TR. Management of acute gastric dilation in rabbits. J Exotic Pet Med 16(3):168-174, 2007.

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Hondeghem LM. Domperidone: limited benefits with significant risk for sudden cardiac death. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 61(3):281-225, 2013.

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Mondal D, Risam KS, Sharma SR, et al. Prevalence of trichobezoars in Angora rabbits in sub-temperate Himalayan conditions. World Rabbit Sci 14(1):33-38, 200.

Oglesbee BL, Jenkins JR. Gastrointestinal diseases. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW (eds). Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders; 2012: 193-197.

Ritzman TK. Diagnosis and clinical management of gastrointestinal conditions in exotic companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas).Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 17(2):179-194, 2014.

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Weisbroth SH, Scher S. Fatal intussusception associated with intestinal coccidiosis (Eimeria perforans) in a rabbit. Lab Anim Sci 25(1):79-81, 1975.

 

 

Further Reading

Harcourt-Brown F. Textbook of Rabbit Medicine. Butterworth-Heinemann. 2002.

McCulloch CR, Prosl H, Schmidt P. A spontaneous and fatal jejunal intussusception in a European brown hare associated with Eimeria leporis. J Vet Med B Infect Dis Vet Public Health 51(10):470-472, 2004.

Odberg E. Review of gastrotomy for foreign body removal in a rabbit. Exotic DVM 5(1):19-22, 2003.