Fast Facts on Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a highly infectious fatal viral hepatitis affecting lagomorphs, including the European rabbit. There are three major pathogenic RHDV genotypes: classical RHDV (RHDV1), RHDVa, which is closely related to RHDV1, and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2). RHDV2 has now become the dominant subtype in endemic countries, and sporadic cases have been confirmed in North America. Use “Fast Facts” to review the basics of this condition, from etiologic agent, pathogenesis, and clinical signs to diagnosis, prevention, and control.

Client Education Handout 

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus

The objective of this resource is to educate pet rabbit owners about rabbit hemorrhagic disease. The reader will review the distinction between rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 1 and type 2, as well as the basics of disease transmission, signs of disease, diagnosis, prevention and control. Download the PDF version of this client education handout, or modify the DOCX version  for your veterinary hospital.

Article  Video  Webinar 

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease and Vaccination

This RACE-approved webinar recording by Dr. Amanda Jones reviews the history, pathobiology, and transmission of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. Dr. Jones also reviews vaccines available in Europe and North America. The target audience for this presentation was primarily North American veterinary health professionals, but useful information is provided for anyone interested in this disease.

Client Education Handout 

Miniature Pig Care

This client education handout reviews basic care of the miniature pig. Topics covered include diet, housing, training and proper handling, as well as common health problems and preventive care measures, like vaccination and surgical sterilization.

Article  Video  Webinar 

Routine Veterinary Care of the Miniature Pig

Mini pigs remain a surprisingly common pet, with a resurgence in popularity every few years. Owners typically have a “small animal mindset”, and as such, seek like-minded veterinarians, but lack of training and paucity of resources leads many veterinarians to shy away from these unique pets. This recording of the live, interactive webinar reviews handling and restraint as well as routine veterinary procedures, from physical examination, vaccination, and nutrition to therapeutics such as hoof trim, tusk trim, and deworming protocols.

Article 

The Exotic Animal History

Although patient history is important in all species, improper diet and substandard housing are often major contributors to illness in non-traditional pets. This means that a detailed and accurate history is often one of the most critical diagnostic tools for the exotic animal patient. This review focuses on birds, reptiles, and small exotic companion mammals, beginning with the signalment and presenting complaint, before moving onto the environmental history, dietary history, and of course the medical history.

Article  Presenting Problem 

Presenting problem: Vaccine Reaction in Ferrets

Pet ferrets are routinely vaccinated against canine distemper virus and rabies virus. Anecdotally, hypersensitivity reactions to vaccines are common in the ferret, and can potentially be fatal.

Article 

Avian Polyomavirus Primer

Signs of avian polyomavirus type 1 in the budgerigar parakeet can be quite variable. Feather dystrophy or abnormal feather growth can lead to deformed flight feathers. Affected birds are unable to fly and are called “runners” or “creepers”. “French molt” is a term sometimes used for this slow, debilitating disease in parakeets characterized by progressive development of abnormal feathers. Bleeding is another hallmark of clinical avian polyomavirus infection…

Client Education Handout 

Avian Polyomavirus

Avian polyomavirus is one of the most important viral diseases seen in the companion parrot. Avian polyomavirus or APV can cause serious financial losses for aviaries and pet stores as well as considerable heartache for owners. Use this client handout to review susceptible species, clinical disease, and of course prevention.

Article 

World Lion Day Facts

World Lion Day is August 10 and LafeberVet celebrated on Twitter in 2014. Explore our collection of “Felidae-friendly” facts expanded for this post.