Small Mammal GI Disease

Question 1

Why do small mammals have to digest food twice?

Answer 1

They have a very fast gut transit time which enables them to stay light in order to avoid predators.

Question 2

What are the different types of fibre eaten by a rabbit and why are they needed?

Answer 2

Digestible - fermented to produce VFAs in the gut.

Indigestible - Stimulate gut motility and promote dental wear

Question 3

Why are diagnostic imaging techniques often not very useful when visualising the stomach of small mammals?

Answer 3

The stomach is often full so makes it hard.

Question 4

What part of the colon controls LI gut motility and where is it located?

Answer 4

Fusus coli - distal part of proximal colon

Question 5

Where are caecotrophs produced, how often are they released, and what do they provide for the animal?

Answer 5

Caecum. 3-8 hours. Digested in SI to release microbial protein, vitamin B (n.b. rodents still need additional B vits) K vits and fatty acids.

Question 6

Which antibiotics will kill small mammals if given orally?

Answer 6

P - Penicillins
L - Lincocamides
A - Aminoglycocides
C - Cephalosporins
E - Erythromycin

Question 7

What are the common causes of gut stasis?

Answer 7

STRESS
PAIN
Dehydration (can be cause or consequence)
Anorexia (can be cause or consequence)
Primary GI disease
Lack of fibre
Toxins

Question 8

How can partial gut stasis be distinguished from complete gut stasis?

Answer 8

Partial - some pellets still being produced.

Question 9

What is the logical approach to gut stasis?

Answer 9

-Complete vs. partial?
\+/- anorexia
-Primary or secondary GI
-Location
-Is there a lesion?

Question 10

What essential elements of history taking are needed?

Answer 10

Indoor/outdoor. Companions. Changes e.g. to routine?
Access to FBs or toxins
Diet (any treats)
Eating and faeces production?

Question 11

What important notes should one note when performing a clinical exam on a rabbit?

Answer 11

Always look in the mouth

If the rabbit has been stressed then may not have gut sounds straight away - give time to calm down.

Question 12

When should primary GI disease be suspected?

Answer 12

Poor diet/changes
Palpable abnormality e.g. FB
If gut stasis precedes by malaise/anorexia

Question 13

When should secondary GI be suspected?

Answer 13

History of stress
Obvious signs of pain
If depression/anorexia precedes gut stasis

Question 14

What are the 5 points to keep in mind when stabilising a rabbit?

Answer 14

1. Warmth
2. Fluids
3. Nutrition
4. Gut stimulants
5. Analgesia

Question 15

What should one be careful of when warming rabbits?

Answer 15

They are prone to any temp changes as high SA to vol ration so are prone to overheating.

Question 16

What is the maintenance fluid rate for a rabbit?

Answer 16

100ml/kg/d

Question 17

What can be added to aid SC fluid absorption? What else can be done?

Answer 17

Hyaluronidase (1500UI/L)

Warm the fluids

Question 18

What drugs are often given as gut stimulants

Answer 18

Metaclopramide - however this has little/no effect on colonic motility.
Ranitidine
Cisapride

Question 19

What analgesia can be used?

Answer 19

NSAIDS - <0.05mg/kg q6-8 hrs

Question 20

Can concious radiographs be performed in rabbits?

Answer 20

Yes possibly. If highly stressed and kicking out then could break back but normally ok.

Question 21

How can stasis be checked for if uncertain?

Answer 21

Repeat radiographs

Question 22

What is a reason surgery may not be indicated?

Answer 22

Most of the time disease resolves with symptomatic treatment. However can have recurrent episodes.

Question 23

What are common causes of diarrhoea in rabbits?

Answer 23

Coccidiosis
Diet (e.g. fruit)
Antibiotics
Post-weaning
Enteritis (bacterial, viral)

Question 24

How would one adapt the 5 point system for rabbits with diarrhoea?

Answer 24

Probably don’t want to give gut stimulants.

Question 25

What specific treatments are available for:

a) Coccidia
b) Bacterial enteritis

Answer 25

a) Toltrazuril
b) Colestyramine to bind enterotoxin
Metronidazole if certain bacterial