Rabbit Reproductive System Disorders

Question 1

A 3-year-old intact female rabbit is presented with 6 hours of nesting, anorexia, and bloody vaginal discharge. Radiographs show 6 fetal skeletons. One fetus has no heartbeat on ultrasound. Ionized calcium is normal.
What is the most appropriate next step?

A. Calcium gluconate IV and wait 4 hours
B. En bloc ovariohysterectomy with neonatal resuscitation
C. Manual extraction through vaginal palpation

Answer 1

B. En bloc ovariohysterectomy with neonatal resuscitation ✅ 🧠 Rationale: The combination of prolonged labor and fetal distress indicates surgery.

Question 2

An emergency laparotomy reveals an 180° counterclockwise torsion of the uterus in a laboring rabbit. You perform ovariohysterectomy, and 7 kits are delivered. Five respond to warming and drugs. What medication was NOT used in kit resuscitation?

A. Epinephrine
B. Glycopyrrolate
C. Dexamethasone

Answer 2

C. Dexamethasone ✅ 🧠 Rationale: Steroids were not part of the neonatal protocol in this case.

Question 3

“A 5-year-old intact female Holland Lop presents with hematuria and decreased appetite. Ultrasound shows a 4 cm irregular uterine mass. Thoracic radiographs are pending.
What is the most appropriate next step?”

A. Administer estrogen therapy to shrink mass
B. Start antibiotics and recheck in 2 weeks
C . Perform ovariohysterectomy and assess thoracic imaging for metastasis

Answer 3

C . Perform ovariohysterectomy and assess thoracic imaging for metastasis

Question 4

“A 6-month-old Netherland Dwarf rabbit undergoes elective spay. On histology, early adenocarcinoma is identified despite lack of macroscopic lesions.
What does this case highlight?”
A Histopathology can reveal early lesions even in young rabbits
B Only rabbits over 3 years are at risk
C Adenocarcinoma is always macroscopically visible

Answer 4

A Histopathology can reveal early lesions even in young rabbits

Question 5

“During routine OVH, a 10-month-old rabbit is found to lack both uterine horns and cervix, but has normal ovaries. No urinary anomalies are seen.

Which embryological structure likely failed to develop?” A Wolffian duct
B Müllerian duct
C Urogenital sinus

Answer 5

B Müllerian duct

Question 6

“A 3-year-old rabbit presents with a distended abdomen and no feces. Ultrasound reveals an anechoic fluid-filled uterus. Uterocentesis yields clear fluid, low SG.
What is the most likely diagnosis?”
A Hydrometra
B Endometritis
C Pyometra

Answer 6

A Hydrometra

Question 7

“A rabbit presents with pseudopregnancy signs including nesting and mammary development. After 2 weeks, she shows signs of uterine distension and anorexia.
What is a possible complication of pseudopregnancy in this case?”
A Uterine torsion
B Renal failure
C Hydrometra

Answer 7

C Hydrometra

Question 8

“A 4-year-old rabbit with known unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism is presented with acute anorexia and abdominal pain. Ultrasound shows a hypoechoic testicular mass with no blood flow.

What is the most likely diagnosis?”

A Cystic ovary
B Bladder rupture
C Torsed neoplastic testicle

Answer 8

C Torsed neoplastic testicle

Question 9

“A rabbit presents postpartum with a large, congested mass protruding from the vulva. Both cervices are visible. Bladder eversion is ruled out.

What is the correct intervention?”

A Vaginal digital reduction only
B Laparotomy and ovariohysterovaginectomy
C Medical management with oxytocin

Answer 9

B Laparotomy and ovariohysterovaginectomy

Question 10

“A 5-year-old spayed rabbit shows aggression, mounting, and elevated testosterone. Ultrasound reveals a 5.5 mm adrenal nodule.
What is the recommended treatment?”
A Deslorelin implant
B Enrofloxacin
C Orchiectomy

Answer 10

A Deslorelin implant

Question 11

“You are planning to anesthetize a rabbit for OVH. The OR temperature is 22°C. You want to reduce hypothermia risk.
What is the best adjustment to make?”
A Raise ambient temperature to 28°C
B Only use forced-air warming post-op
C Give warmed subcutaneous fluids instead

Answer 11

A Raise ambient temperature to 28°C

Question 12

“During an elective orchiectomy, a right testicle is enlarged and firm. Histology reveals polygonal cells with PAS-positive granules and low mitotic index.
What is the diagnosis?”
A Seminoma
B Sertoli cell tumor
C Granular cell tumor

Answer 12

C Granular cell tumor

Question 13

“A 6-month-old Netherland Dwarf rabbit undergoes elective spay. On histology, early adenocarcinoma is identified despite lack of macroscopic lesions.
What does this case highlight?”
A Adenocarcinoma is always macroscopically visible
B Histopathology can reveal early lesions even in young rabbits
C Only rabbits over 3 years are at risk

Answer 13

B Histopathology can reveal early lesions even in young rabbits

Question 14

“A 3-year-old intact female rabbit is presented for routine check-up. Owner reports occasional bloody urine but no straining. Ultrasound reveals cysts on both ovaries and a thickened endometrium.
What is the most likely diagnosis?”
A Endometrial hyperplasia B Cystic mastitis
C Pyometra

Answer 14

A Endometrial hyperplasia

Question 15

“A rabbit presents with fever, testicular swelling, and anorexia. The testis is painful on palpation. Owner reports recent contact with an unneutered male showing nasal discharge.

What is the most appropriate treatment?”

A Topical antiseptics and monitoring
B Castration and antibiotics C Antifungal therapy

Answer 15

B Castration and antibiotics

Question 16

“A rabbit presents with genital ulcers and crusts around the perineum. PCR confirms Treponema paraluiscuniculi.
What is the correct treatment protocol?”
A Penicillin G benzathine/procaine SC weekly x3
B Topical antifungals
C Oral doxycycline for 2 weeks

Answer 16

A Penicillin G benzathine/procaine SC weekly x3

Question 17

“A rabbit nearing parturition presents in shock, with distended abdomen and blood at the vulva. One fetus is visible on ultrasound, with no heartbeat. Uterus is rotated 180°.
What is the best intervention?”
A Stabilize and perform emergency OVH
B Administer oxytocin and wait 6 hours
C Deliver fetus manually through vagina

Answer 17

A Stabilize and perform emergency OVH

Question 18

“A 4-month-old male rabbit presents with an empty right scrotal sac. The left testicle is palpable and descended.
What is the most likely diagnosis?”
A Delayed sexual maturity B Urethral obstruction C Unilateral cryptorchidism

Answer 18

C Unilateral cryptorchidism

Question 19

“A 2.5-year-old doe develops a swollen, hot mammary gland postpartum. She is lethargic and febrile. The gland has purulent discharge.
What is the best first-line treatment?”
A Broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care
B Mammectomy and oxytocin
C Spay immediately

Answer 19

A Broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care

Question 20

“A pregnant rabbit stops eating and defecating for 24 hours before kindling. She is obese and housed in a noisy area.
What condition should you suspect?”
A Uterine torsion
B Pregnancy toxemia
C Calcium deficiency

Answer 20

B Pregnancy toxemia

Question 21

“An intact female rabbit shows cyclic hematuria and has a firm uterus on palpation. There is no discharge or systemic illness.
Which condition is most likely?”
A Endometrial venous aneurysm
B Uterine polyp or hyperplasia
C Hydrometra

Answer 21

B Uterine polyp or hyperplasia

Question 22

“A rabbit presents with weak hind limbs and severe anemia. On abdominal palpation, a firm uterine mass is detected and X-rays show lung nodules.
What does this clinical picture suggest?”
A Endometrial venous aneurysm
B Metastatic uterine adenocarcinoma
C Abdominal pregnancy

Answer 22

B Metastatic uterine adenocarcinoma

Question 23

“A 3.5-month-old intact male rabbit starts spraying urine and attempting to mount cage mates. Physical exam is unremarkable.
What does this behavior most likely indicate?”
A Pain-related aggression B Normal sexual behavior for a sexually mature male C Urinary tract infection

Answer 23

B Normal sexual behavior for a sexually mature male

Question 24

“A 4.5-year-old Dutch doe presents with hematuria and poor reproductive performance. On ultrasound, a firm 3 cm uterine mass is found.
What is the most likely diagnosis?”
A Uterine adenocarcinoma B Endometrial hyperplasia C. Pyometra

Answer 24

A Uterine adenocarcinoma

Question 25

"A young large-breed doe presents with acute hematuria and weakness. Uterine palpation reveals clots. She collapses during examination. What is the suspected diagnosis?" A Endometrial venous aneurysm rupture B Urolithiasis CHydrometra

Answer 25

A Endometrial venous aneurysm rupture

Question 26

"A 1-year-old intact female rabbit exhibits nesting behavior and mammary enlargement. She is housed alone, but a new rabbit was introduced in a nearby cage recently. What is the most likely diagnosis?" A Pseudopregnancy B Uterine adenocarcinoma C Cystic mastitis

Answer 26

A Pseudopregnancy

Question 28

"A late-gestation obese rabbit develops seizures and has a fruity odor on breath. She is comatose on presentation. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?" A Calcium deficiency B Hepatic encephalopathy C Pregnancy toxemia

Answer 28

C Pregnancy toxemia

Question 29

"A rabbit presents with anorexia, distended abdomen, and a soft tubular structure on palpation. Ultrasound confirms mummified fetuses in the abdomen, outside the uterus. What is the most likely diagnosis?" A Hydrometra B Abdominal pregnancy C Segmental uterine aplasia

Answer 29

B Abdominal pregnancy

Question 30

"A 16-week-old male rabbit has one empty scrotal sac. Ultrasound reveals a testicle located in the inguinal canal. What is the correct next step?" A Prescribe hormonal therapy B Perform abdominal exploratory C Schedule castration via midline approach

Answer 30

C Schedule castration via midline approach

Question 31

"A rabbit breeder reports one of her does had prolonged straining during kindling with only one kit born. The doe is now weak with vaginal discharge. What is the next best step?" A Perform ultrasound-guided abortion B Administer oxytocin and oral calcium, monitor closely C Start antibiotics and delay action

Answer 31

B Administer oxytocin and oral calcium, monitor closely

Question 32

"A 2-year-old rabbit has a firm, non-painful mammary mass with serous discharge. She is intact and had prior episodes of hematuria. What is the likely diagnosis?" A Cystic mastitis with concurrent uterine disease B Septic mastitis C Mammary hyperplasia from pseudopregnancy

Answer 32

A Cystic mastitis with concurrent uterine disease

Question 33

"A doe presents 1 day post-partum with a red, elongated structure protruding from the vulva. Uterine horns are visible externally. What is the correct immediate action?" A Apply cold compress and antibiotics B Perform ovariohysterovaginectomy after reduction C Start prostaglandin therapy

Answer 33

B Perform ovariohysterovaginectomy after reduction

Question 34

"A 6-year-old intact female French Silver rabbit is presented for progressive hematuria and weight loss over the last month. She has had no litters, and her appetite is slightly decreased. On abdominal palpation, a firm, irregular mass is noted cranial to the bladder. Ultrasound confirms a 4.2 cm uterine mass with heterogeneous echotexture and mild peritoneal effusion. Thoracic radiographs reveal three 0.5–1 cm pulmonary nodules. CBC reveals mild non-regenerative anemia and leukocytosis. The owner asks about surgery. What is the most appropriate recommendation?" A Proceed with immediate ovariohysterectomy to cure the disease B Start chemotherapy and schedule re-imaging in 2 weeks C Discuss poor prognosis due to metastasis and offer palliative care options

Answer 34

C Discuss poor prognosis due to metastasis and offer palliative care options

Question 35

"A 10-month-old intact female rabbit is presented for mild lethargy and increased respiratory rate. She has a noticeably distended abdomen but no vaginal discharge. Her history includes a recent false pregnancy episode. Ultrasound shows an enlarged fluid-filled uterus with no apparent fetuses, and uterocentesis yields clear fluid with very low specific gravity and cell count. She is otherwise stable, normothermic, and eating well. What is the most likely diagnosis?" A Endometritis with secondary pyometra B Hydrometra secondary to pseudopregnancy C Uterine rupture and free abdominal fluid

Answer 35

B Hydrometra secondary to pseudopregnancy

Question 36

"A 3-year-old intact female rabbit, used in a breeding program, presents after 8 hours of stage I labor with no kits delivered. She is anorexic, mildly hypothermic (37.6°C), and mildly bradycardic. Abdominal palpation reveals multiple fetuses, but no vaginal obstruction is found. Ultrasound confirms fetal viability with normal heart rates. Serum calcium is 0.92 mmol/L. The owner reports this is her first litter. What is the best next step?" A Perform emergency C-section immediately B Administer calcium PO and oxytocin IM; monitor for progress C Rewarm and hospitalize without treatment for 6 hours

Answer 36

B Administer calcium PO and oxytocin IM; monitor for progress

Question 37

"A 5-year-old male rabbit presents with a firm, painless, unilateral scrotal enlargement noted by the owner two weeks ago. The rabbit is bright, eating, and defecating normally. Ultrasound shows a well-demarcated intratesticular mass. Histology after unilateral castration reveals polygonal cells in nests with eosinophilic cytoplasm, PAS-positive staining, and minimal mitoses (0–1/HPF). There is no evidence of local invasion or metastasis. What is the most likely tumor type?" A Granular cell tumor B Sertoli cell tumor C Seminoma

Answer 37

A Granular cell tumor

Question 38

"A 2-year-old spayed female rabbit presents with sudden onset polyuria, perineal scabbing, excessive mounting behavior, and increased aggression. She was spayed at 6 months with no complications. Physical exam is unremarkable except for vulvar hyperemia. Bloodwork reveals serum testosterone of 62.6 ng/dL (normal <15), and ultrasound shows an enlarged left adrenal gland (5.5 mm). The owner refuses surgical intervention. What is the most appropriate therapeutic option?" A Recommend euthanasia due to untreatable adrenal tumor B Administer a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant and monitor clinical response C Begin long-term meloxicam and monitor testosterone monthly

Answer 38

B Administer a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant and monitor clinical response

Question 39

An adult intact female rabbit was presented to a 24-hour emergency service after showing signs of stage 1 labor for over 5 hours. On physical examination, her abdomen was markedly distended. Digital radiographs revealed seven mineralized fetal skeletons and a prominent cardiac silhouette, along with a diffuse bronchial pulmonary pattern. She had no obvious respiratory signs. Ultrasound confirmed multiple fetuses, some with visible cardiac activity. An exploratory laparotomy was performed. Question: What condition should be most strongly suspected as the underlying cause of this dystocia with partial fetal viability and significant uterine distension? A. Uterine torsion with partial fetal viability B. Bilateral extra-uterine pregnancy with partial uterine rupture C. Streptococcal pyometra with mineralized fetal remains

Answer 39

Correct answer: A Rationale: Uterine torsion should be considered in any case of dystocia with uterine enlargement and viable fetuses. The clinical and imaging findings match the described pathology.

Question 40

Following laparotomy for unresponsive dystocia in a rabbit, an en bloc ovariohysterectomy was performed after discovering a ∼180° counterclockwise uterine torsion. Of the eight fetuses recovered, three were non-viable. The image above shows one of the non-viable, underdeveloped kits with the placenta still attached. Postoperative care was initiated, and five neonates survived to discharge. Question: Which statement best reflects current clinical guidance based on this case? A. Prompt surgical intervention in uterine torsion can result in good outcomes for both doe and kits B. Uterine torsion in rabbits invariably results in maternal and fetal death without exception C. Conservative management with calcium and oxytocin is preferred if fetal heartbeats are present

Answer 40

Correct answer: A Rationale: Uterine torsion is a surgical emergency but can have favorable outcomes with timely intervention. The case demonstrates that early surgery can save both the doe and viable kits.

Question 41

A 10-month-old intact female rabbit was presented for elective ovariohysterectomy. The procedure was initiated routinely via ventral midline approach. Upon entering the abdominal cavity, both ovaries were identified in normal anatomical positions. However, no uterine horns nor cervix could be found. The ovaries appeared to communicate with thin fibrous strands resembling vestigial uterine tubes. The remainder of the procedure was uneventful. Histopathology confirmed agenesis of both uterine horns. The rabbit had previously shown no signs of reproductive behavior or abnormal urination. Question: What additional step is most strongly recommended based on this surgical and histological finding? A. Recommend renal and urinary tract imaging to screen for concurrent anomalies B. Repeat laparotomy in 6 months to reassess for possible uterine remnant development C. Initiate hormonal therapy to prevent mammary cyst formation

Answer 41

Correct answer: A Rationale: Since the urinary and genital systems derive from the same embryological tissue (intermediate mesoderm), malformations often affect both. Renal aplasia or ureteral anomalies are possible and should be ruled out in cases of uterine agenesis.

Question 42

A 1-year-old healthy female spayed rabbit is presented for follow-up 48 hours after undergoing a laparoscopic ovariectomy (LapOVE) at a private clinic. The owner reports mild lethargy and reduced appetite. On physical exam, the rabbit is quiet but responsive, with a normal temperature and heart rate. The abdominal incision sites are mildly bruised with no discharge or swelling. The rabbit shows a hunched posture when handled but no overt signs of pain. Fecal output is decreased compared to baseline. The LapOVE was performed by an experienced surgeon using a 3-port technique; surgery time was 70 minutes. No intraoperative complications were noted. Another rabbit in the household underwent conventional OVE 2 days earlier and has returned to full activity. Question: Based on current clinical knowledge, what is the most appropriate interpretation of this case? A. LapOVE may cause delayed return to normal function and offers no proven advantage over OVE in rabbits B. LapOVE is associated with superior outcomes, and this rabbit’s signs are abnormal and concerning C. LapOVE reduces pain and should have resulted in faster recovery; repeat analgesia should not be necessary

Answer 42

Correct answer: A Rationale: This case reflects current findings from the article: LapOVE may be associated with longer surgical times and a slower return to physiologic normalcy compared to conventional OVE, with no demonstrated reduction in pain. Mild postoperative changes in behavior and appetite are expected.

Question 43

A 4-year-old Holland Lop presents with hematuria. Abdominal palpation reveals an enlarged uterus. What is the most likely uterine diagnosis based on breed and age? A. Endometrial hyperplasia B. Endometrial adenocarcinoma C. Venous aneurysm

Answer 43

B. Endometrial adenocarcinoma ✅ 🧠 Rationale: Age >3 years and breed (Holland Lop) are associated with high EA risk.

Question 44

You are planning an elective spay for a 7-month-old Netherland Dwarf with no clinical signs. The owner asks if it’s too early. Based on the data, what is your best recommendation? A. Wait until the rabbit is at least 2 years old B. Proceed with OVH between 6–9 months C. Delay unless signs of illness appear

Answer 44

B. Proceed with OVH between 6–9 months ✅ 🧠 Rationale: EA has been diagnosed as early as 6 months. Early OVH reduces risk significantly.

Question 45

🩺 Case 1 A 2-year-old castrated male rabbit presents with recurrent dysuria and history of urethrotomy 3 weeks prior. Attempts to pass a catheter fail. What is the most appropriate next step? A. Start NSAIDs and retry catheterization in 24h B. Perform perineal urethrostomy to bypass suspected stricture C. Repeat urethrotomy at previous site

Answer 45

B. Perform perineal urethrostomy to bypass suspected stricture ✅ 🧠 Rationale: Failure to pass a catheter post-urethrotomy is highly suggestive of stricture → PU indicated.

Question 46

During perineal urethrostomy in a rabbit, the surgeon wonders if retractor penis muscles must be transected. Based on this case, what is the correct action? A. Yes, always transect both lateral and ventral penile attachments B. Only transect if penis mobility is inadequate C. Never transect retractor penis in rabbits

Answer 46

B. Only transect if penis mobility is inadequate ✅ C. Never transect retractor penis in rabbits 🧠 Rationale: In rabbits, penile mobility is often sufficient; muscle transection is unnecessary unless motion is restricted.

Question 47

A 6-month-old female rabbit is scheduled for OVH. The OR temperature is currently set to 22 °C. What is the most appropriate change? A. Maintain standard room temperature and use only a heat pad B. Raise OR temperature to 28 °C to minimize intraoperative hypothermia C. Only add a warm-air blanket postoperatively

Answer 47

B. Raise OR temperature to 28 °C to minimize intraoperative hypothermia ✅ 🧠 Rationale: 28 °C significantly preserved body T° in OVH; no benefit shown in castrates.

Question 48

A rabbit underwent a routine castration in a theatre set at 23 °C and recovered uneventfully. What conclusion can you draw? A. The ambient temperature was too low and risked hypothermia B. Theatre temperature had no significant effect on final temperature in castrated rabbits C. This case proves warming isn't necessary in rabbits

Answer 48

B. Theatre temperature had no significant effect on final temperature in castrated rabbits ✅ 🧠 Rationale: Castration is short; no T° benefit observed from warmer theatre.

Question 49

A 7-month-old intact male rabbit undergoes routine orchiectomy at a university veterinary hospital. The procedure is uneventful and he is randomly enrolled in a postoperative study evaluating maropitant’s effect on pain and gastrointestinal recovery. He receives a single subcutaneous injection of maropitant at 10 mg/kg immediately after surgery. Over the next 18 hours, he is monitored by continuous video and staff observation. He displays moderate signs of abdominal hunching, intermittent bruxism, and reduced locomotion. His food intake is minimal, and fecal output is reduced compared to pre-op values. Rectal temperature remains normal, and no site reactions are noted. Question: Based on current evidence, what is the most appropriate interpretation of this rabbit's clinical progress? A. Maropitant at 10 mg/kg SC does not significantly reduce postoperative pain and may be associated with reduced food and fecal output B. This response indicates maropitant overdose and toxicity; the dose should be reversed immediately C. Maropitant reliably reduces visceral pain, and this rabbit’s symptoms suggest a missed intraoperative injury

Answer 49

Correct answer: A Rationale: The study showed no significant reduction in pain scores in rabbits receiving maropitant, even at high doses. A non-significant trend toward reduced intake/output was observed. Thus, the rabbit's symptoms are compatible with expected outcomes and do not indicate toxicity or surgical complication in isolation.

Question 50

A rabbit undergoing OVH is administered maropitant 10 mg/kg SC post-induction. She eats nothing for 12 h and has no fecal output. Which action is best supported by recent evidence? A. Continue maropitant to improve analgesia B. Discontinue maropitant and monitor for GI hypomotility C. Administer a second dose of maropitant to potentiate effect

Answer 50

B. Discontinue maropitant and monitor for GI hypomotility ✅ 🧠 Rationale: 10 mg/kg SC maropitant was associated with poor GI output and no analgesic benefit.

Question 51

You’re designing a rabbit analgesia protocol and consider adding maropitant 2 mg/kg SC for visceral pain. What does current evidence suggest? A. Low-dose maropitant significantly reduces pain and improves GI recovery B. No significant analgesic effect compared to control C. It is superior to meloxicam in facial grimace scores

Answer 51

B. No significant analgesic effect compared to control ✅ 🧠 Rationale: The study showed no statistically significant pain reduction at either dose.

Question 52

A 2-year-old female rabbit presents 12 hours after parturition with a 4 cm congested mass protruding from the vulva. Two cervices are visible. What is the most appropriate next step? A. Digital reduction and Buhner suture B. Laparotomy with repositioning + OVHV C. Medical management with antibiotics only

Answer 52

B. Laparotomy with repositioning + OVHV ✅ 🧠 Rationale: True uterine prolapse with cervices requires surgical intervention.

Question 53

A rabbit presents with a tubular structure protruding from the vulva after kindling. You suspect uterine prolapse, but only soft tissue with two orifices is visible. What condition must also be ruled out? A. Vaginal granuloma B. Bladder eversion C. Pelvic abscess

Answer 53

B. Bladder eversion ✅ 🧠 Rationale: Everted bladder can appear similar; must be differentiated before proceeding.

Question 54

A 2-year-old multiparous pet rabbit is presented within 12 hours of kindling. The owner reports the doe gave birth to 6 live kits at home but has since been lethargic and refusing food. On examination, a red, edematous tubular structure is protruding from the vulva, consistent with uterine prolapse. The tissue is moist, friable, and actively bleeding. A gentle attempt at manual reduction under sedation fails. The doe remains hemodynamically stable but is increasingly painful on abdominal palpation. You decide to proceed with surgical management. Question: According to current surgical recommendations, what is the most effective and appropriate next step? A. Perform a laparotomy to apply internal traction and facilitate uterine repositioning, followed by ovariohysterovaginectomy B. Perform perineal amputation of the prolapsed uterus under local anesthesia to limit further bleeding C. Instill hypertonic glucose on the prolapsed tissue to induce shrinkage and wait 24 hours before surgical removal

Answer 54

Correct answer: A Rationale: Manual reposition may fail in cases of severe uterine edema and friability. The recommended approach in rabbits, as per the article, is laparotomic traction and surgical repositioning, followed by ovariohysterovaginectomy to prevent recurrence and hemorrhage. Conservative management or amputation without vascular control is contraindicated.

Question 55

A 2-year-old unspayed female rabbit undergoes routine OVH. Her uterus appears normal. Should you send it for histopathology? A. No, as it looks macroscopically normal B. Yes, even a normal uterus can have significant microscopic pathology C. Only if she had a history of infertility

Answer 55

B. Yes, even a normal uterus can have significant microscopic pathology ✅ 🧠 Rationale: 14% of macroscopically normal uteri had histological pathology.

Question 56

A 4-year-old intact female rabbit is presented for elective spaying. The doe is bright, alert, with normal urination and no history of reproductive issues. During ovariohysterectomy, both uterine horns appear mildly thickened with subtle surface irregularities, but no gross masses or discharge are noted. The surgeon proceeds with full excision of the uterus and ovaries. Histopathological examination later reveals bilateral cystic endometrial hyperplasia with foci of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in the right horn. Question 1 – Clinical relevance: What conclusion from recent studies best supports this surgical decision? A. Even macroscopically normal uteri in rabbits over 3 years of age may harbor neoplastic or premalignant lesions B. In the absence of visible pathology, routine OVE is sufficient in rabbits under 5 years of age C. Neoplastic changes are almost always grossly visible, so histology is not needed unless masses are found

Answer 56

Correct answer: A Rationale: Studies show a high prevalence of occult pathology in rabbits older than 3 years, including CEH and adenocarcinoma. This supports OVH over OVE in clinically healthy adults.

Question 57

Refer to the image above. What gross uterine pathology is shown in image A? A. Bilateral adenocarcinoma with right-sided cystic endometrial hyperplasia B. Uterine torsion with bilateral necrosis C. Right uterine horn rupture with hemometra and hematoma

Answer 57

Correct answer: A Rationale: The arrows in image A highlight thickened, irregular uterine horns consistent with bilateral adenocarcinoma. The right horn also shows cystic distension, compatible with CEH

Question 58

A 3-year-old intact male rabbit presents with a firm, enlarged right testicle. He was diagnosed with unilateral cryptorchidism at 6 months of age. You suspect testicular neoplasia. Which tumor combination has been reported in cryptorchid rabbits? A. Interstitial cell tumor and Sertoli cell tumor B. Granular cell tumor and seminoma C. Seminoma and lymphoma

Answer 58

B. Granular cell tumor and seminoma ✅

Question 59

A rabbit undergoes unilateral scrotal orchiectomy for a testicular mass. Histopathology reveals polygonal cells with PAS-positive granular cytoplasm and 0–1 mitoses per HPF. What is the most likely diagnosis? A. Seminoma B. Granular cell tumor C. Sertoli cell tumor

Answer 59

B. Granular cell tumor ✅

Question 60

A 4-year-old intact male Holland Lop rabbit is presented for gradual, painless enlargement of the left testicle over the past 3 weeks. The rabbit is bright, alert, and eating normally. No systemic signs are observed. The right testicle is non-palpable and was previously diagnosed as undescended at 6 months of age. Bloodwork is unremarkable. An ultrasound of the scrotum shows a 2.7 cm heterogeneous mass in the left testicle, with mild vascularization and areas of hypoechogenicity. Unilateral orchiectomy and scrotal ablation are performed. The histopathology reveals two distinct tumor types within the same testis: granular cell tumor and seminoma. The undescended testicle remains intra-abdominal and unremarkable on imaging. Question: Which interpretation and clinical action are most appropriate based on this case? A. This is a rare case of multiple testicular tumors in a cryptorchid rabbit, and bilateral castration with histopathology of both testes is recommended B. Granular cell tumors are benign; no further treatment or monitoring is required if seminoma is removed C. This presentation is typical in cryptorchid rabbits over 2 years old, and monitoring is preferred to avoid surgical complications

Answer 60

Correct answer: A Rationale: This is a rare but significant finding. Although granular cell tumors can be benign, the coexistence with seminoma warrants removal of both testes and histopathology, especially in a cryptorchid animal, where retained testicles have a higher neoplastic risk. Monitoring alone is insufficient.

Question 61

A 6-year-old intact male rabbit with known unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism presents with sudden anorexia and abdominal discomfort. On Doppler ultrasound, an abdominal mass shows no central blood flow. What is the most likely diagnosis? A. Abdominal abscess B. Torsed neoplastic testicle C. Urinary bladder rupture

Answer 61

B. Torsed neoplastic testicle ✅

Question 62

A 7-year-old intact male Dutch rabbit is presented to the emergency service for acute anorexia, lethargy, and minimal fecal output for 18 hours. He has a known history of unilateral cryptorchidism diagnosed 5 years earlier, but no surgery was performed. On examination, he is quiet, tachypneic (80 bpm), and mildly hypothermic (38.1°C). Abdominal palpation reveals a firm, painful mass in the caudal abdomen. Transabdominal ultrasound shows a 3.1 cm hypoechoic structure with loss of normal architecture and absent vascular flow on color Doppler. While preparing for surgery, the rabbit experiences a brief cardiac arrest but is successfully resuscitated. Laparotomy reveals a torsed, necrotic intra-abdominal testicle with a congested spermatic cord. The contralateral abdominal testicle is small and pale. Both testes are removed, and histology confirms a Sertoli cell tumor with necrosis and hemorrhage in the torsed testicle. Question: What is the most important clinical takeaway from this case? A. Early elective cryptorchidectomy is recommended to prevent life-threatening complications such as torsion or neoplasia B. Cryptorchid testicles rarely undergo torsion or malignant transformation in rabbits, so monitoring is usually adequate C. Testicular torsion can be reversed if detected early, making orchiectomy unnecessary in mild cases

Answer 62

Rationale: This case illustrates the first documented instance of intra-abdominal testicular torsion in a rabbit. As in other species, cryptorchid testes are at increased risk of both neoplasia and torsion, making elective removal the standard recommendation.

Question 63

A 6-year-old spayed rabbit presents with sexual aggression and inappropriate urination. Serum testosterone is elevated, and ultrasound reveals a left adrenal mass. The owner refuses surgery. What is the best treatment option in this context? A. Oral finasteride B. Leuprolide acetate injections C. Deslorelin 4.7 mg implant

Answer 63

C. Deslorelin 4.7 mg implant ✅

Question 64

A 5-year-old spayed female pet rabbit is brought in for recent onset of urine marking, territorial lunging, and mounting behavior toward other animals in the household. She had been spayed at 6 months of age with no reported complications. On physical exam, she is in good condition with no palpable abdominal mass or vulvar changes. Abdominal ultrasound with an 18-MHz linear probe reveals a 5.5 mm hypoechoic nodular enlargement on the cranial pole of the left adrenal gland (see image). Bloodwork reveals elevated serum testosterone levels. The owner declines adrenalectomy. A 4.7 mg deslorelin implant is placed subcutaneously between the scapulae. Question 1 – Clinical management: What is the most appropriate interpretation and next step for this patient? A. The behavioral and endocrine signs are consistent with adrenal disease; deslorelin may be used as a non-surgical treatment B. The signs are consistent with incomplete spay syndrome, and surgical exploration is urgently needed C. Hyperandrogenism is rare in female rabbits and unlikely to be responsible for behavioral signs

Answer 64

Correct answer: A Rationale: Adrenal hyperplasia or tumor may occur in spayed rabbits. Deslorelin (a GnRH agonist) can suppress hormone production and alleviate signs when surgery is declined or contraindicated.

Question 65

Based on the ultrasonographic image and findings, which structure is enlarged, and what is the significance of its location? A. Left adrenal gland, nodular enlargement likely linked to hyperandrogenism B. Left kidney, cystic dilation secondary to pyelonephritis C. Caudal vena cava, suggesting cardiac-associated hepatopathy

Answer 65

Correct answer: A Rationale: The image clearly identifies the left adrenal gland, measured at 5.5 mm in width. This enlargement and the associated clinical signs (aggression, inappropriate urination) are consistent with adrenal pathology.