Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Exotics & Lab Animal Medicine > Rabbit Medicine, Pt. 2 > Flashcards

Rabbit Medicine, Pt. 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is normal to seen in the GIT of rabbits on radiographs?

A
  • food within stomach and lower GI
  • gas dispersed throughout
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Normal abdominal radiograph, rabbit:

A
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the normal anatomy of the rabbit liver? What makes up a majority of its mass?

A

2 major lobes –> left and right both subdivided into lateral and medial lobes with quadrate and caudate lobes on the right (caudate prone to torsion

gut-associated lymphoid tissue (spleen is small)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is always an abnormal finding when auscultating rabbit hearts? What can mimick a murmur?

A

arrhythmias

respirations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are some causes of increased and decreased lung sounds in rabbits?

A

INCREASED - edema, pneumonia

DECREASED - pulmonary consolidation, intrathoracic fluid or mass

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How do rabbits breath? What is a normal finding on bronchial endoscopy? What is normal finding on BAL cytology/microbiology?

A

obligate nasal breathers –> mouth breathing is a poor prognostic sign

severe hyperemia

higher amounts of macrophages

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are 3 normal parts of the normal anatomy of rabbit lungs?

A
  1. 3 left lung lobes - cranial, middle, caudal
  2. 4 right lung lobes - cranial, middle, caudal, accessory
  3. no connective tissue septa - pneumonia is ALWAYS lobar
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the soft palate of rabbits like? What is their normal respiratory rate?

A

long, overlies epiglotting –> flips up when neck is hyperextended

30-60 bpm –> >200 with stress or hyperthemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is indicative of severe respiratory compromise in rabbits? What is a less significant finding?

A

open-mouthed breathing + nostril flaring

diaphragmatic breathing - thoracic wall excursions normal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are common abnormalities seen in the upper respiratory system of rabbits?

A

nasal d/c or swelling - infection, neoplasia, FB (hay)

dermatitis - treponemiasis (rabbit syphilis, check perineum)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How is the CVS of rabbits evaluated? What are some normal findings?

A

doppler-echo

  • relatively small heart
  • left cranial vena cava and coronary veins terminate in coronary sinus
  • limited collateral coronary circulation
  • right AV valve has 2 cusps
  • arthersclerosis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are 4 normal findings on abdominal examination of rabbits?

A
  1. unable to vomit
  2. stomach and cecum contain soft, compressible ingesta and minimal gas
  3. borborygmus auscultable
  4. fecal pellets palpable in colon
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are some abnormal findings on abdominal examination of rabbits?

A
  • difficult to palpate organs (obesity)
  • dry, doughy ingesta (ileus, cecal impaction)
  • tympany (obstruction)
  • hypermobility, diarrhea (enteritis)
  • painful cranial palpation (liver lobe torsion)
  • uterine pathology
  • thick compressible bladder (calcium sludge)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are some abdnormal soft tissue/integumentary findings in rabbits?

A
  • focal alopecia and superficial crusting - mites, sebaceous adenitis
  • swellings/masses - abscesses, neoplasia, Cuterebra larvae
  • wounds
  • maggot infestation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is commonly secondary to uterine disease in rabbits?

A

mammary gland hyperplasia and milk production

(primary neoplasia, like adenocarcinoma, not as common as in uterus)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is found adjacent to genitalia in rabbits? What are some rectal/perineal abnormalities?

A

paired scent glands

  • urine scald
  • papillomatous rectal polyps
  • fecal or cecotroph matting
  • maggots
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is normal kidney structure in rabbits? What are 2 unique aspects to their urine?

A

unipapillate - 1 papilla, 1 calyx enter ureter

  1. fractional excretion of calcium is 45-60% - prolonged high Ca intake can result in aortic and renal mineralization
  2. biological or plant pigments excreted normally in urine - give a yellow to red color
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the normal color or rabbit urine? What are 2 abnormal findings?

A

cloudy orange or reddish due to porphyrin (heme breakdown), will be homogenous

  1. blood - heterogenous clots or streaking
  2. calciuria - sludge
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the normal anatomy of the rabbit uterus? What kind of ovulators are they? What is fetal resorption related to?

A

lacks a uterine body, has 2 uterine horns and 2 services

induced ovulators

dominance - common in subordinate does

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is normal gestation and litter size in rabbits? What is weaning like?

A

30-33 days - does pull fur to make nest a few days before parturition

4-24 altricial kits

does nurse kits once or twice daily and they begin to wean at 4-6 weeks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What should be done prior to OVH surgery in rabbits? What are 2 options for performing this surgery?

A

empty bladder to avoid contamination of peritoneal cavity

  1. ligate each uterine horn separately if removing cranial to cervix
  2. ligate at dorsal vagina if removing caudal to services
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are 2 normal findings when performing an OVH in rabbits?

A
  1. small ovaries
  2. mesometrium is highly vascular and primary site of fat storage
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

When do male rabbits go through puberty? When do their testicles descend?

A

6-10 months

3 months –> inguinal rings remain open, which allows testicles to retract into abdomen with fear, stress, or cold temperatures

(testicular lesions not common, usually neuter for behavioral reasons, like urine marking)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What kind of castration is required for male rabbits? How is the surgery site closed?

A

closed castration –> open inguinal rings

bury sutures in SQ and used tissue glue on skin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is a common neurological finding in rabbits? What are some signs?

A

vestibulitis

  • nystagmus
  • head tilt
  • rolling (evaluate cornea)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the preferred site of blood collection in rabbits? What are 4 other options? How should systems be set up?

A

lateral saphenous - sternal or lateral recumbency, more proximal

  1. marginal ear veins - hold off a long time, hematoma common
  2. ventral ear artery (suboptimal)
  3. jugular vein
  4. cephalic vein

blood clots readily - flush with heparin and use a butterfly catheter

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What are 2 options for urine collection in rabbits?

A
  1. manual expression
  2. cystocentesis - avoids iatrogenic rupture
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Where are IM injections given in rabbits?

A

lumbar musculature (epaxials) and quadriceps

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is a normal finding in blood smears of rabbits? What is the normal lifespan of RBCs?

A

marked anisocytosis, higher reticulocyte numbers in younger rabbits

60-70 days

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What are the 3 most common leukocytes seen in rabbit samples?

A
  1. heterophils (no neutrophils!)
  2. lymphocytes in younger rabbits
  3. pseudoeosinophils - small granules

(heterophils and lymphocytes equal >13 months)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is the primary infection-fighting WBC in rabbits? What is most commonly seen with infections?

A

heterophils - does not contain lysozymes to liquefy purulent material

leukocytosis rare - heterophils > lymphocytes (also seen with stress due to cortisol release)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What are platelet counts in rabbits like?

A

higher compared to dogs and cats

  • > 800000 can indicate reactive thrombocytosis in response to inflammation or hemorrhage
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Why is total protein counts for rabbits not commonly accurate in rabbits? ALT? What kidney values are evaluated?

A

analyzers use dye-binding assays with bromocresol green (BCG), which has poor affinity for rabbit serum proteins –> should use serum electrophoresis or assays validated for rabbit blood

not liver-specific –> associated

BUN, creatinine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What is best to submit for abscess cultures in rabbits?

A

wall > contents

submit for both aerobic and anaerobic cultures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What vein is avoided for injections?

A

ear veins –> thrombosis common

(use cephalic or saphenous)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What are some options for placing IV catheters in rabbits?

A

cephalic, saphenous, or mammary veins with 22-24 g catheter

  • weigh benefits with cost of stress
37
Q

What bone is used for IO catheters in rabbits? What equipment is used?

A

proximal femur greater trochanter

  • 20-22 g spinal needle (1-1.5 in)
  • anesthetize unless patient is critical
38
Q

What kind of medications must be used for oral administration?

A
  • commercially available or compounded liquids via dosing syringe through diastema
  • crush tablets in veggie baby food, mashed banana, or flavored enteral drink

CANNOT PILL

39
Q

What is the daily fluid requirements for rabbits? How is it given IV/IO? SQ?

A

100-120 mL/kg

fluid pump or small-volume infusion set

in 8 hour intervals

40
Q

How should rabbits be housed in hospitals?

A
  • same cages as for cats and dogs, but housed away from predator species*
  • quiet wards
  • litter box without kitty litter
  • allow a hide area
  • water bottle or bowl
41
Q

Why is it not recommened to place E-collars on rabbits?

A

will likely not eat well and will be unable to eat cecotrophs

(maximize fiber with feedings)

42
Q

What are some indications for parenteral feeding in rabbits? What is important to note about this method of feeding?

A
  • oral or GI lesions preclude enteral feeding
  • anorexic rabbit resisting syringe feeding

does not feed enterocytes or stimulate motility –> dextrose, lipids, amino acids

43
Q

What is a good option for sedation in rabbits?

A

quiet, calm environment + Midazolam +/- opioid

44
Q

How should rabbits be fasted before surgery? What induction is used?

A

fast for several hours - cannot vomit, but ensures the stomach is not entirely full

IM butorphanol + Midazolam

45
Q

What anticholinergic is used in rabbits?

A

glycopyrrolate –> rabbits produce atropinase

46
Q

What IV fluid rate is used in rabbits during surgery? How are they monitored?

A

10 mL/kg/hr

  • pulse ox
  • doppler
  • water-circulating heating pad, convective heater
47
Q

Why should rabbits be carefully shaved? What scrub is preferred?

A

thin skin

chlorhexidine scrub - less irritating than povidone-iodine

48
Q

What are some post-op needs for rabbits?

A
  • quiet, calm environment
  • analgesia - Buprenorphine, Butorphanol, Oxymorphone, Meloxicam
  • thermoregulation - incubator
  • nutritional support
49
Q

Are there vaccines approved for use in rabbits in the US? When are females recommended to be spayed?

A

no –> Europe and Australia have annual vaccines for Myxomatosis and Calicivirus (rabbit hemorrhagic disease)

before 2 y/o to prevent uterine neoplasia

50
Q

What are 3 common GI diseases seen in rabbits? What are signs of each? What causes each?

A
  1. enteritis complex - soft stool, diarrhea, enterotoxemia, death - stress, diet, antibiotics
  2. enterotoxemia - commonly seen in 3-6 weeks old - Clostridium spiroforme
  3. mucoid enteritis - commonly seen in 7-14 weeks old, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, diarrhea, impaction - unknown, bacterial dysbiosis, hyperacidity of cecum
51
Q

What are 7 antibiotics that can lead to dysbiosis in rabbits? What drugs are preferred?

A
  1. Clindamycin
  2. Lincomycin
  3. Ampicillin
  4. Amoxicillin (+/- clavulanic acid)
  5. Cephalosporins
  6. oral penicillins
  7. Erythromycin

Fluoroquinolones, Sulfas, Chloramphenicol, Azithromycin, Metronidazole, injectable Penicillin

52
Q

What 3 treatments are recommended for enteritis in rabbits?

A
  1. aggressive supportive care
  2. Chloestyramine - binds bacterial toins associated with Clindamycin-induced
  3. Metronidazole
53
Q

What are 4 options for preventing enteritis in rabbits?

A
  1. high fiber diet
  2. avoid sudden diet changes
  3. make hay available to weanling rabbits (3 weeks)
  4. avoid early/forced weaning
54
Q

What are the 3 main causes bacterial enteritis in rabbits? Some additional?

A
  1. enteropathologenic E. coli - treated with TMS or Enrofloxacin until C/S results are obtained
  2. Lawsonia intracellularis - proliferative enteritis, acute diarrhea for 2-4 months
  3. Clostridium piliforme - Tyzzer’s disease, watery diarrhea in weanlings

Salmonella, Pseudomonas

55
Q

What are the 3 most common causes of viral GI disease in rabbits?

A
  1. Papillomatosis - oral growths in lab rabbits
  2. Coronavirus - diarrhea in lab rabbits, common in 3-10 weeks
  3. Rotavirus - high morbidity/variable mortality, villous atrophy at ileum
56
Q

How does rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus cause death? Where has this disease been seen?

A

causes hepatic necrosis and death from DIC in >2 months old rabbits

  • domestic rabbits, wild cottontails, jackrabbits, hares (US RHDV2)
  • endemic in Europe, Cuba, Australia, NZ
  • outbreaks in Middle East, South America, US
57
Q

How can the RHDV vaccine be obtained?

A

coordinate through state vet and USDA, only allowed in states where cases have been reported

  • commonly delayed and cost prohibited for shelters
  • Eravac, Filavac, US development through Medgene Labs
  • onset of immunity 1 week post vax with annual booster
58
Q

What is the most common parasite seen in rabbits? What are 2 types?

A

coccidia

  1. HEPATIC - E. stiedae, decreased hepatic function, bile duct obstruction
  2. INTESTINAL - E. perforans, subclinical common, signs associated with poor husbandry and overcrowding
59
Q

What are 3 other common parasites seen in rabbits? What are some non-pathogenic ones found?

A
  1. Cryptosporidia - C. parvum, diarrhea in young rabbits, peaking at 30-40 days
  2. nematodes - Passalurus ambiguus (pinworm)
  3. cestodes - Cittotaenia variabilis
  • Giardia duodenalis
  • Entamoeba cuniculi
  • Monoceroceomas cuniculi
  • Retortamonas cunicili
60
Q

What are the 4 most common cause of respiratory disease in rabbits?

A
  1. Pasteurella multocida - rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, nasolacrimal infection, otitis, tracheaitis, pneumonia, abscesses
  2. Bordetella bronchiseptica - common inhabitant, prevalence increases with age
  3. Psuedomonas spp
  4. Staphylococcus spp
61
Q

What has been isolated in rabbits with respiratory signs housed close to rats?

A

Mycoplasma pulmonis

62
Q

What is a common cause of viral respiratory disease in rabbits? What is the most common etiology of fungal granulomas?

A

Myxoma virus –> nasal and ocular disease

injury

63
Q

What is the most common cause of neoplasia in female rabbits? What is the first sign? When is treatment recommended?

A

uterine adenocarcinoma - hematogenous metastasis within 1-2 years

hematuria or serosanguinous d/c

OVH if there are no signs of metastasis

64
Q

What can mimic uterine adenocarcinoma in rabbits?

A

endometrial hyperplasia or uterine polyps

65
Q

What are the 2 most common isolates from pyometra and endometritis in rabbits?

A
  1. P. multocida
  2. S. aureus
66
Q

In what 3 situations is pregnancy toxemia seen in rabbits? What are some signs?

A
  1. last week of gestation (nest building)
  2. obese rabbits
  3. inadequate caloric intake
  • weakness, depression
  • incoordination
  • coma
  • abortion
67
Q

What treatment is recommended for pregnancy toxemia? How can it be avoided?

A
  • supportive care
  • fluids + calcium
  • analgesia

avoid underfeeding and obesity during pregnancy and provide alfalfa

68
Q

What is indicative of pseudopregnancy in rabbits? What causes it?

A

hair pulling

corpus luteum secretes progesterone –> commonly resolved spontaneously, may involve hydrometra or pyometra

69
Q

What is a common cause of subclinical interstitial nephritis? What are common isolates of pyelonephritis?

A

Encephalitozoon cuniculi

P. multocida, Staphylococcus spp

70
Q

What are some noninfectious causes of renal disease in rabbits?

A
  • hypercalcemia
  • renal calcinosis
  • hypervitaminosis D
  • fatty degeneration from obesity
  • lymphosarcoma
71
Q

What are some medical causes of nephrotoxicity in rabbits? When does urinary bladder eversion commonly occur?

A
  • Gentamicin
  • Telazol (tiletamine)
  • Diclofenac

after kindling

72
Q

What are common isolated from abscesses in rabbits? How are they treated?

A
  • Staph
  • P. multocida
  • Pseudomonas
  • Proteus
  • Fusobacteria
  • Bacterioides
  • Actinomyces

surgical excision, antibiotics, PMMA beads –> common at tooth roots and retrobulbar

73
Q

What is moist dermatitis commonly secondary to? What are signs?

A

dental disease

  • wet dewlap
  • urine scald
74
Q

What causes ulcerative pododermatitis in rabbits?

A

clipping of hair on feet –> lack paw pads

75
Q

What are 2 causes of dermatophytosis in rabbits?

A
  1. Trichophyton mentagrophytes*
  2. Microsporum spp
76
Q

What are 4 common ectoparasites that affect rabbits? What treatment is avoided?

A
  1. Psoroptes cuniculi - ear mite
  2. Cheyletiella parasitovorax - fur mite (zoonotic)
  3. Leopracarus gibbus - fur mite (not zoonotic)
  4. Ctenocephalides felis/canis - fleas

Fipronil (Frontline) - GI signs, seizures –> can use Selamectin

77
Q

What are the most common causes of myiasis in rabbits?

A

Cuterebra and Wohlfahrtia vigil - maggots of dipterid flies

78
Q

What is the most common tick found in rabbits?

A

Haemaphysalis leporis-palustris

(continental rabbit tick)

79
Q

What dermatologic virus is commonly seen in rabbits? How is it transmitted? What acts as a reservoir? What signs are associated?

A

Myxomatosis (pox family)

arthropod bites

wild rabbits (Sylvilagus)

  • skin tumors in wild rabbits
  • lethargy, anorexia
  • fever
  • skin hemorrhage
  • high mortality
80
Q

What is the natural host of rabbit (shope) fibroma virus? How is it transmitted? What signs are seen?

A

Easter cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)

biting arthropods

wart-like tumors on face, feet, legs, and perineum

81
Q

What transmits rabbit (shope) papilloma virus? What signs are seen? How does it typically progress?

A

biting arthropods

keratinized lesions on ears, eyelids, neck, and shoulders

SCC (may spontaneously resolve)

82
Q

What causes Encephalitozoonosis? What are some signs? How is it diagnosed?

A

Encephalitozoon cuniculi - fungi

  • behavioral changes
  • head tilt
  • nystagmus
  • ataxia, rolling, seizures
  • renal pathology
  • phacouveitis
  • pneumonitis

indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA

83
Q

What does a positive result for Encephalitozoonosis indicate?

A

exposure, not cause of disease

repeat titers 3-4 weeks later + urine antibody analysis, CSF

84
Q

What treatment is recommended for Encephalitozoonosis? What are some side effects?

A

Benzimidazoles –> Oxibendazole, Fenbendazole, Albendazole

bone marrow suppression, death

85
Q

What are 6 common causes of neurologic disease in rabbits?

A
  1. cerebral larval migrans - Baylisascaris spp causes tremors, ataxia, circling, and vertical nystagmus (Oxibendazole)
  2. aberrant Cuterebra migrans
  3. Toxoplasmosis - uncommon, granulomatous meningoencephalitis
  4. otitis interna
  5. rabies
  6. herpes simplex virus
86
Q

What are signs of arthritis/DJD in rabbits? What is seen in radiographs?

A
  • abnormal gait
  • lameness
  • inability to hop
  • quiet, old, unkempt/messy

spondylosis, narrowed joint spaces, scoliosis

87
Q

What treatment is recommended for arthritis/DJD in rabbits? How should their enclosure be altered?

A

pain management - NSAIDs, Tramadol, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Myristol, acupuncture, omega 3-FA

lower litterbox edge, proper hygiene

88
Q

What are some causes of vision loss in rabbits? What changes should be made when this occurs?

A
  • lenticular sclerosis
  • cataracts
  • glaucoma

keep a consistent schedule with food and water and cage changes, speak when approaching, provide a companion

Exotics & Lab Animal Medicine (20 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions