Abstract
Pet rabbits have increased their popularity in a lot of countries. However, most of the laboratory profiles in rabbit medicine come from the observations made in rabbit as biomodels or meat production. So that further researches are necessary to obtain reference values for hematology and biochemical profiles in pet rabbits and the different breeds, especially, in relation to acid-base balance. The aim of this report was to offer the mean values of the main parameters connected with acid-base profile in Netherland Dwarf breed. Thirty-five healthy rabbits (15 males and 20 females) were studied. Venous blood sample from lateral saphenous vein was analyzed to measure: haematocrit, haemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, blood pH, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), total CO2, ions bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium, base excess and anion Gap. Results showed a shorter range that those reported by different researchers. Moreover, differences between genders were showed in pCO2, its values were higher in males. It may be associated with a greater cellular metabolism. Values obtained in this research should be taken into account by veterinary clinicians for this breed in their clinical assessments. Besides, these values provide new results in parameters with few reference values.
Highlights
Rabbit ownership has increased significantly over the past decade
The current pet rabbits that arrive to veterinary clinics show differences from those, especially in their environment, nutritional conditions or breeds
blood urea nitrogen (BUN) showed a similar range between male (6.39-7.32 mmol/L) and female (6.53-7.54 mmol/L) and a width range was obtained in the glucose values in both sexes
Summary
Rabbit ownership has increased significantly over the past decade This pet has been bred in captivity for years and is ideal for a variety of pet owners because of their small space requirements, quiet nature, ease of handling and relatively simple husbandry requirements. For this reason, it has been observed an increase in visits to veterinary clinics. The current pet rabbits that arrive to veterinary clinics show differences from those, especially in their environment, nutritional conditions or breeds For this reason, is necessary to establish proper metabolic profiles, depending on the breed of rabbit
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