Domestic Rabbits Research Articles

High incidence of complications following intraoral extractions and treatment of periapical infections in the management of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) dental disease (51 cases).

To describe the outcome of common medical therapies, intraoral dental procedures, extraoral surgical interventions, and resulting complications of treatment in client-owned rabbits diagnosed with dental disease. The medical records of 51 client-owned domestic rabbits presenting for veterinary care and management of dental disease from 2013 to 2023 at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed. Of the patients managed with coronal reduction and occlusal adjustment, none developed significant complications. Of the patients that required intraoral dental extractions, 41% developed postprocedural complications, including incomplete tooth extraction. Following periapical infection and the formation of an odontogenic abscess for which surgical intervention was implemented, 25% of patients developed complications, including abscess recurrence and sepsis. Meloxicam was the most frequently prescribed analgesic medication for all procedures reviewed. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination oral suspension was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic following coronal reduction, occlusal adjustment, and dental extractions, and parenteral penicillin G procaine was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic following periapical infection-related interventions. Seven patients had documentation of natural death or humane euthanasia secondary to progressive dental disease. The risk of postprocedural complications during the management of dental disease must be considered and discussed given the high rate of potential complications. With the increasing popularity of rabbits as companion animals, dental disease is considered one of the most common reasons for veterinary care in this species. Rabbits undergoing intraoral dental procedures and extraoral surgical interventions for the treatment of acquired and progressive dental disease are at risk of developing adverse postprocedural sequelae that must be considered before attempting intervention. This report adds to the growing body of scientific literature related to the management of this challenging disease process.

An update on novel taxa and revised taxonomic status of bacteria isolated from domestic companion and agricultural animals described in 2023.

With the proliferation of abundant bacterial genomic data comes the recognition of new organisms as well as a better understanding of the relatedness of known bacteria. Recognizing the associated taxonomic changes enhances communication and understanding about the significance of novel organisms and deeper understanding of known pathogens. This review addresses the addition of multiple gastrointestinal bacteria that form the normal microbiota in a variety of animals including honeybees as well as novel bacteria from domestic animals including an alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus species from guinea pigs, two Moraxella spp. from cows and goats, a new Capnocytophaga species from cats, a thermophilic Campylobacter species from pigs, and the new Exercitatus genus in Family Pasteurellaceae. Several revisions to the nomenclature also appeared in 2023 including the change of Clostridium spiroforme, which causes anorexia and diarrhea in domestic rabbits, to Thomasclavelia spiroformis comb. nov. and Mannheimia ovis to Mannheimia pernigra.

Peri-operative analgesia for the pet domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) undergoing elective neutering in the UK – a survey.

Peri-operative analgesia for the pet domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) undergoing elective neutering in the UK – a survey.

Intranasal premedication with medetomidine-methadone-midazolam in 68 pet rabbits: a clinical, retrospective descriptive study

Intranasal premedication with medetomidine-methadone-midazolam in 68 pet rabbits: a clinical, retrospective descriptive study

Cottontail Rabbit Papillomavirus (CRPV) Related Animal Models for Head and Neck Cancer Research: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Having suitable animal models is crucial to mimic human disease states and for the successful transfer of experimental data into clinical practice. In the field of papillomavirus research, the domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has served as an indispensable model organism for almost 100 years. The identification and characterization of the first papillomaviruses in rabbits, their carcinogenic potential and their immunogenicity have contributed significantly to the state of knowledge on the genetics and life cycle of papillomaviruses in general, as well as the development of antiviral strategies such as vaccination procedures. Due to the high species specificity of papillomaviruses, only rabbit papillomaviruses (RPVs) can be used for animal studies on papilloma-based tumor diseases in the rabbit. The major focus of this article is on cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV)-related rabbit squamous cell carcinoma (RSCC). A brief history outlines the discovery and generation of experimentally used RSCC tumors. A comprehensive overview of the current CRPV-associated VX2 carcinoma-based tumor models with a major focus on human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor models is provided, and their strengths in terms of transferability to human HNSCC are discussed.

Clinical Pathology Evaluation in Pet Rabbits Vaccinated Against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2).

A recombinant vaccine for rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2, a highly pathogenic virus, was granted emergency use authorization in the United States after the detection and spread of the virus starting in 2018. The goal of the current study was to assess pet rabbits (n = 29) through physical examination and routine clinical pathology testing using repeated assessments post-vaccination. In addition, seroconversion was also monitored after the initial vaccination and booster vaccination. Neither owners nor clinicians detected any physical abnormalities in relationship to the vaccine protocol. Hematological and clinical biochemistry testing showed some changes although median values were within species specific reference intervals. A significant increase in antibody levels was observed at day 21 (post-initial vaccination) and day 49 (post-booster vaccination) versus that present at baseline (p < 0.0001). However, variability in study rabbits was noted with some individuals showing low antibody levels as well as a lower overall response in older rabbits (r = -0.56, p = 0.006). A second cohort of rabbits was assessed at 11-12 months post-initial vaccination. In this second group, antibody levels were not significantly different from baseline levels (p = 0.21). Additional studies should be conducted to further define the variability in seroconversion and the term of protection in pet rabbits as the industry moves forward in the optimization of RHDV2 vaccines.

Prevalence of Passalurus ambiguus in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Karbala province, Iraq

Commercial rabbit farming is primarily focused on the production of rabbit meat, although the presence of gastrointestinal disorders can impede their productivity. Endoparasites significantly contribute to the development of several diseases in rabbits, leading to higher rates of illness and death. Passalurus ambiguus is a widely distributed nematode that commonly infects the intestines of rabbits and hares. Parasitic disease can have a substantial economic impact on the industry by reducing the commercial value of rabbit meat and skins, impeding growth and development, and leading to mortality. This study aims to examine the frequency of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic rabbits that are bred in Karbala province, Iraq. Throughout the trial, fecal samples were collected from a randomly selected group of 48 live rabbits. The feces are collected directly from the anus of each living animal. The samples were tested and the presence of eggs and nematodes was detected in the infected samples. Analysis of samples was carried out at the Parasitology Laboratory, college of Veterinary Medicine, Kerbala university, using the flotation technique. Feces from 48 rabbits (ages 1-2) years. The feces are taken out of each animal directly from the anus. Upon testing, it was found that 16 out of 48 fecal samples, accounting for a prevalence of 33.33 %, were infected with at least one nematode. Chi-square (χ2) statistics. Age and genders are not statistically significant at P values ≥ 0.05. This study identified the presence of Passalurus ambiguus in rabbits of varying ages residing in Karbala region, Iraq, including both male and female domestic rabbits. Determining the age and gender of rabbits affected by passalurosis would enable the management of the infection level in these animals. Regular use of a consistent and dependable diagnostic method is essential in industrial rabbit farms to detect and monitor gastrointestinal parasite illnesses. Gastrointestinal parasites continue to be significant health issues that lead to the mortality of rabbit litters in production. Stress and a reduction in immune response may be crucial factors driving this phenomenon.

Clinical presentation, management and outcome of maxillofacial fractures in pet rabbits: 27 cases (2008-2022).

To report clinical findings, management strategies and outcomes in pet rabbits with maxillofacial fractures. Medical records of pet rabbits with confirmed maxillofacial fractures from three exotic animal veterinary services between 2008 and 2022 were reviewed. Forty-five fractured maxillofacial bones were reported in 27 rabbits, including mandibular symphyseal separation in 13 rabbits. Median age was 18 months (interquartile range, 7 to 38 months), and median bodyweight was 1.70 kg (interquartile range, 1.36 to 2.33 kg). The most common aetiology was anthropogenic accidents (16/27). Hyporexia/anorexia was the most frequent presenting complaint (17/27). Common clinical findings included dental malocclusion (12/27), craniofacial pain (9/27), crepitus (9/27) and swelling (7/27). Three (3/27) rabbits were euthanised after diagnosis. Mandibular symphyseal separation in 11 of 12 treated rabbits were addressed using circummandibular cerclage wiring. All remaining fractures were conservatively managed. Twenty-three of 27 rabbits survived to hospital discharge. Median time of return to normal or near-normal eating was 1 day (interquartile range, <1 to 3 days). Median survival time was 859 days (interquartile range, 567 to 1092 days). Dental malocclusion was a reported complication in 12 of 16 rabbits with follow-up data. However, only five of 12 rabbits developed associated clinical signs requiring corrective dentistry. Maxillofacial fracture in rabbits may present with similar clinical signs and findings to other conditions such as odontogenic disease. Successful outcomes with infrequent long-term clinical complications are associated with management strategies that emphasise early functional recovery.

Intestinal diverticula in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Intestinal diverticula are a well-documented phenomenon in humans, but their occurrence and characteristics in domestic rabbits remain underexplored. While pseudodiverticula have been reported in rabbit species, true diverticula—with all layers from mucosa to serosa—are yet to be described. This case report presents a 3-yearold neutered female rabbit with an unusual presentation of true diverticula in the jejunum, leading to diverticulitis and partial intestinal obstruction.

A preliminary study on decomposition and seasonality of insect succession of decomposing rabbit carcasses at El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

BackgroundStudying insect succession on carcasses is important in estimating the postmortem interval. This study aims to identify the decomposition stages of decomposing rabbit carcasses and to find out the relationship between seasonal variations and abundance of insects colonizing rabbit carcasses at El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.MethodsThree domestic rabbits (weighing 1300 g each) were killed by a sharp knife. The carcasses were exposed to the sun, left to decompose and inspected twice daily at 6-h intervals to collect insects. Maggots were collected and reared.ResultsThe rabbit carcasses underwent four decomposition stages: fresh, bloat, decay and dry stages. The identified families and their respective collected species included three dipteran families: Calliphoridae (Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya megacephala, and Chrysomya albiceps), Sarcophagidae (Sarcophaga argyrostoma) and Muscidae (Musca domestica and Synthesiomyia nudiseta), three coleopteran families. Histeridae (Saprinus semistriatus), Cleridae (Necrobia rufipes) and Dermestidae (Dermestes frischii and Attagenus gloriosus) and three hymenopteran families: Chalcididae (Brachymeria femorata), Vespidae (Vespa orientalis) and Formicidae (Monomorium sp.). Carrion fauna was dominated by dipteran and coleopteran species, with calliphorid and sarcophagid flies found to play a significant role in carrion consumption process.ConclusionThe succession pattern and decomposition rate were season dependent. The information collected may help establish the basic database for entomological forensic investigations in the future.Graphical abstract

Effects of topical 0.5% tropicamide and 1% atropine on pupil diameter, intraocular pressure, and tear production, in healthy pet rabbits.

To evaluate the effects of topical application of 0.5% tropicamide and 1% atropine on pupil diameter (PD), intraocular pressure (IOP), and tear production (TP) in healthy pet rabbits. Ten healthy client-owned rabbits. A prospective, randomized, blinded, crossover study was conducted. Each animal received one drop of 0.5% tropicamide or 1% atropine in a randomly selected eye. PD, IOP, and TP were evaluated before drug instillation and at 0.25 h, 0.5 h, 0.75 h, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 10 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, 60 h, and 72 h post-instillation. Data were analyzed using a paired two-sample repeated measures T-test with Bonferroni correction. In both tropicamide and atropine treated eyes, the mean PD significantly increased from 15 min until 12 h after treatment with a maximum PD at 45 min (+2.7 mm and + 2.4 mm respectively). Following tropicamide and atropine instillation, IOP increased significantly in treated eyes at 45 min (+2.9 mmHg) and 15 min (+5.2 mmHg) respectively, compared to untreated eyes. No significant effects were found on TP, in both tropicamide and atropine treated eyes at any time. No effects were observed in the untreated eyes on any of the parameters evaluated for both drugs. Topical treatment with 0.5% tropicamide and 1% atropine induced mydriasis in healthy pet rabbits and could be considered as effective options when mydriatic/cycloplegic drugs are required.

Association of Encephalitozoon cuniculi with Clinical Signs and Abnormal Hematologic/Biochemical Changes in Pet Rabbits in Thailand.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi can cause serious disease and subclinical infection in rabbits and requires active surveillance to control the infection. This study investigated the association between anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibody status and various health parameters in pet rabbits. A total of 90 rabbits were divided into healthy (N = 30), subclinical (N = 30), and clinical (N = 30) groups based on their anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibody status and clinical presentations. The mean ages of the control (37 ± 40 months) and subclinical groups (38 ± 34 months) were notably lower compared to that of the clinical group (63 ± 38 months, p < 0.01). Serum titers for anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies were significantly elevated in rabbits with subclinical and clinical infections compared to those of healthy rabbits (p < 0.05). Neurological signs were predominant in rabbits with active E. cuniculi infection (80.0%), with additional pathological features including urinary dysfunction (10.0%) and cataracts (10.0%). The source of rabbits was not associated with E. cuniculi infection (p = 0.159). Anemia was significantly linked to E. cuniculi infection (p = 0.026); however, no significant associations were found with leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or serum biochemistry parameters. Mature adult rabbits were more likely to be infected with E. cuniculi. Recognizing anemia and neurological signs facilitates in early diagnosis of E. cuniculi infection.

Computed tomographic findings of nasal and paranasal disease in domestic rabbits highlight maxillary sinusitis and close association with dental disease: 100 studies (2004-2024).

To describe CT findings and epidemiologic features of nasal and paranasal disease of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). An electronic search was performed for rabbits that underwent skull CT from 2004 to 2024 and had findings consistent with nasal/paranasal or maxillary dental disease. History, signalment, and physical examination findings were recorded and reevaluated retrospectively for evidence of changes to the nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, and nearby associated anatomy. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, ordinal mixed logistic regression, and correlation analysis. 100 studies from 69 rabbits were reviewed. Lop-eared rabbits represented 30 of 69 cases. Upper respiratory signs (48 of 69 [69.6%]) and dental-related disorders (21 of 69 [31.9%]) were primary complaints. Rhinitis (49 of 69 [71.0%]), sinusitis (50 of 69 [72.5%]), and both (40 of 69 [60.0%]) were most diagnosed, with turbinate destruction (48 of 69 [69.6%]) and alveolar bone loss of adjacent teeth (51 of 69 [73.9%]) being common findings. Sinusitis was most common in the ventral (48 of 50 [96.0%]) and dorsal (33 of 50 [66.0%]) recesses of the maxillary sinus. Multiple CT variables were significantly correlated (P < .05); of those, maxillary alveolar bone loss of the incisor teeth and the second premolar tooth were, respectively, correlated with rhinitis grade and with sinusitis and sinusitis grade within the ventral recess of the maxillary sinus (P < .001). Computed tomographic evaluation allowed characterization of nasal and paranasal disease in rabbits and the association of rhinitis, sinusitis, and dental disease. The correlation between the maxillary dentition, rhinitis, and sinusitis highlights the need for thorough evaluation in CT of the teeth in rabbits with upper respiratory signs.

New Insights into Leishmaniasis in Rabbits Raised in the Northeast Region of Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of leishmaniasis in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the state of Sergipe, Brazil, and to evaluate the associated clinical signs. A total of 31 rabbits from urban and rural areas were clinically examined using cytological, immunological, and serological tests. Blood and cytological samples were collected and analysed for the presence of Leishmania parasites and antibodies. Immunochromatographic tests were used to screen for anti-Leishmania antibodies, and cytological analysis of skin lesions was performed to detect the presence of Leishmania amastigotes. Of the rabbits tested, 19.35% were reactive in the anti-Leishmania antibody screening, and 3.33% tested positive for Leishmania amastigotes in skin lesion cytology. Clinical signs included cachexia, lymphadenomegaly, dehydration, apathy, dermatitis, ophthalmopathy, and alopecia. Cytological analysis revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation with Leishmania amastigotes present. The findings suggest that leishmaniasis is present among domestic rabbits in this region CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the presence of leishmaniasis in domestic rabbits in the Northeast of Brazil. The findings underline the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in preventing the spread of the disease, and highlight the need for further research into the role of rabbits as potential reservoirs of Leishmania.

Caecal villi? A comparative histological and morphometric study of caecal and jejunal mucosa in adult rabbits

BackgroundRabbits are herbivores with a distinctive digestive strategy that differs significantly from other caecal fermenters (e.g., horses, guinea pigs) and ruminants. In view of this, the current study aimed to highlight distinctive histological and morphometric features of the caecal mucosa in adult rabbits that accentuate its major role in digestion. The caecal and jejunal samples were harvested from five 1-year-old domestic rabbits and processed by regular paraffin-embedding histological technique followed by Goldner’s trichrome staining. A comprehensive morphological and morphometrical analysis of the jejunal mucosa vs. caecal mucosa was performed.ResultsMicroscopically, as in the case of the jejunal mucosa, the caecal mucosa presents long and often branched finger-like villi covered by a simple columnar epithelium mostly made of enterocytes with a prominent microvillous brush border. Besides, the caecal villi include a lacteal along with the villous muscle. Statistically, except for villus length, all the parameters assessed in the caecal mucosa, including villus width, villus count, thickness of the brush border and enterocyte/goblet cells ratio, revealed a high grade of similarities with the jejunal villi.ConclusionsAccording to the obtained results, the caecal mucosa in adult domestic rabbits includes unique features, namely caecal villi, structures infrequently presented in the large intestine of other adult mammals. Those structures once more emphasize the major role of the caecum not only in fermentation but also subliminally in local absorption. To our knowledge, this is the first reliable microanatomical and morphometric report of caecal villi in adult domestic rabbits.

Rabbitry and Emerging Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus in Nigeria: A Concern for Food Safety and Security

For many decades, small-scale livestock, including rabbit production, has been a veritable pro-poor poverty alleviation venture in Africa. With the rising population and increasing demand for food, the need to introduce and expand small-scale rabbit farms for long-term sustainability cannot be overemphasized. While increasing the production and commercialization of domestic rabbit production is desirable, the intensification of livestock also comes with some animal health problems. One of these is the emergence of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) caused by Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). The virus causes sudden death in rabbits, and does not yet pose any public health risk. Symptoms of RHD may include: loss of appetite, lethargy, high fever, seizures, jaundice, bleeding from natural orifices, difficulty in breathing and sudden death. The first known outbreak of RHD in Nigeria was reported in September 2020 at rabbit farms in Kwara and Oyo States,in Nigeria. Despite several intervention strategies, the disease has continued to spread across the country. In this review, we search literature on the current state and knowledge of RHD as it affects rabbits and the economic impact on livelihood and animal health implication of this emerging viral disease on rabbit farms in Nigeria.

Detection of Mycoplasma sp using next-generation DNA sequencing is common on nasal swabs from both healthy and unhealthy pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Upper respiratory infections are a frequent problem in pet rabbits and rodents, and Mycoplasma pulmonis is 1 of the most common causes of respiratory infections in pet rats. M pulmonis was detected in 1967 in laboratory rabbits via culture of the nares and oropharynx, but overall, Mycoplasma is not commonly identified in the upper airway of rabbits. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of Mycoplasma sp detection via next-generation DNA sequencing on nasal swabs obtained from healthy and unhealthy rabbits. The results of nasal swabs from both healthy and unhealthy rabbits submitted for next-generation DNA sequencing from January 2022 to February 2023 were reviewed. Data gathered included signalment, whether or not Mycoplasma sp was detected, and the cell count and relative predominance of Mycoplasma sp compared to other organisms. 91 rabbits met the inclusion criteria, of which 49 were healthy and 42 were unhealthy. Overall, 52 of 91 (57.1%) rabbits were positive and 39 of 91 (42.8%) were negative for Mycoplasma sp. Mycoplasma positivity was significantly (P < .001) more common in healthy rabbits (37/49 [75.5%]) compared to unhealthy rabbits (15/42 [35.7%]). The fact that Mycoplasma positivity was common in both groups of rabbits, and particularly common in rabbits without upper respiratory signs, suggests that Mycoplasma may be normal nasal flora in rabbits. Further research is needed to determine whether Mycoplasma could function as an opportunistic pathogen in rabbits.

Epidemiologic, clinicopathologic, and diagnostic findings in pet rabbits with myxomatosis caused by the California MSW strain of myxoma virus: 11 cases (2022-2023).

To determine epidemiologic features of naturally occurring myxomatosis in domestic rabbits in California and to characterize clinicopathologic and diagnostic findings. 11 client-owned rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus subsp domesticus. A prospective study of pet rabbits with myxomatosis seen at an exotic animal specialty clinic in Santa Cruz county, California, was conducted between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023. Rabbits were included in the study if they had bilateral blepharedema and were PCR positive for myxoma virus. All infected rabbits had spent time outdoors. Common clinical signs included bilateral blepharedema (11/11), anogenital edema (10/11), rectal temperature ≥ 39.7 °C (5/9), and sudden death (4/11). Eyelid biopsies from all rabbits (11/11) were positive for myxoma virus by qualitative PCR followed by Sanger sequencing (100% nucleotide identity to strain MSW, also known as California/San Francisco 1950 [Genbank accession KF148065]). Most rabbits had keratinocytes containing eosinophilic intracytoplasmic viral inclusions in biopsies of edematous skin (8/11) and lymphocyte necrosis in the spleen (10/11). Immunohistochemistry identified myxoma virus in samples of skin, heart, lung, ileum, spleen, and lymph node. Clinical signs of myxomatosis caused by the MSW strain of myxoma virus are distinctive but subtle. Cases occur regularly in the Santa Cruz and San Jose regions of California. As infection with this virus is almost 100% fatal and no vaccine is available in the US, owners of domestic rabbits in endemic areas should keep their pets indoors or behind mosquito screens. Myxomatosis is a reportable disease in the US, and the appropriate state or federal agencies should be contacted when outbreaks occur.

Evaluating in vitro Efficiency of Calotropis procera against Eimeria flavescens Oocysts, Isolated from Domestic Rabbits

Evaluating in vitro Efficiency of Calotropis procera against Eimeria flavescens Oocysts, Isolated from Domestic Rabbits

An investigation into how ownership factors influence the lifestyle and health management of rabbits.

Gaps in skills, knowledge, and experience can hinder pet owners' ability to provide proper care and good animal welfare. This study aimed to examine how past and current experiences, reasons for acquiring rabbits, and methods of knowledge acquisition impact the lifestyle and health of pet rabbits in households. Among 306 rabbit owners surveyed, 25% had previous experience with rabbits, and 54% had owned rabbits for over 3 years. While 61% sought veterinary care upon acquiring rabbits, only 47% scheduled regular check-ups, and 38% consulted a veterinarian when health changes were noticed. Sixty-nine percent of rabbits were primarily fed hay, and just 23% were provided companionship with other rabbits. Reasons for acquiring rabbits included gifts (17%) and seeking companionship (43%). Only 18% of respondents obtained information about rabbit care from veterinarians. These factors significantly influenced owners' assessments of rabbit lifestyle (p < 0.001), with current experience impacting health management (p < 0.01). The study shows that rabbit wellbeing is closely tied to owner education, especially regarding health monitoring and veterinary care.