Domestic Rabbits Research Articles

Retrospective analysis of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens from pet rabbits in Hong Kong, 2019-2022.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat to human and animal health. Data are limited on the prevalence of resistant bacteria in pet rabbits. Therefore, we aimed to identify prevalent bacterial infections and AMR profiles among pet rabbits in Hong Kong (HK). Our search of the CityU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) database found 301 cases of pet rabbits submitted for bacteriologic and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by veterinarians at 20 exotic veterinary clinics across HK between 2019 and 2022. The rabbits were of 8 different breeds and had a median age of 6.5 y, with 54.8% males, 40.2% females, and 5% unspecified. Of the 301 samples received, 168 (55.8%) had positive bacterial growth; 125 (74.4%) had single bacterial isolates, and 43 (25.6%) had mixed cultures. Cultures included Enterococcus faecalis (21.3%) as the most frequently isolated gram-positive bacterium, followed by Streptococcus intermedius (12.5%), and Staphylococcus aureus (11.3%). The most frequently isolated gram-negative bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.1%), followed by Escherichia coli (8.3%), Pasteurella multocida (6.9%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (4.2%). Approximately 83% of the isolates had acquired resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 49.4% were multidrug-resistant. The isolated bacteria had high levels of resistance to penicillin (69.8%), clindamycin (47.4%), and doxycycline (46.9%). Our findings highlight the high levels of AMR in bacteria isolated from pet rabbit clinical samples in HK; many of these bacteria are zoonotic and pose a public health threat.

Monitoring data on the effect of domestic livestock and rabbits on Androcymbiumeuropaeum (Lange) K. Richt. and its xerophytiques pastures for thirteen years.

Dataset of annual monitoring of herbivory effects on the conservation status of the endangered species Androcymbiumeuropaeum (Lange) K. Richt and its associated plant communities is presented in this manuscript. This dataset encompasses the annual monitoring of herbivory effects on the conservation status of the endangered species Androcymbiumeuropaeum. Since 2010, the SERPAM Department (Service of Evaluation, Restoration and Protection of Mediterranean Agrosystems) at the Zaidin Experimental Station, belonging to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC-EEZ), has conducted annual sampling to assess the impact of both domestic and wild livestock, specifically rabbits, on the pastures where A.europaeum lives. The study consisted of a randomised block design, implementing three distinct treatments to evaluate different management strategies: (1) rabbit and domestic herbivory, (2) exclusion of domestic livestock and (3) exclusion of rabbits and domestic livestock. Within each treatment, two types of monitoring were conducted. Firstly, the abundance of A.europaeum was estimated by counting individuals within 50 cm x 50 cm quadrats. Secondly, plant species diversity was assessed along 2-m long transects using the modified Point-Quadrat method. The research was conducted within the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in southern Spain, specifically in the Amoladeras Nature Reserve in Almería. The dataset contains information spanning from 2010 to 2023, providing valuable insights into the annual monitoring of herbivory effects on the conservation status of A.europaeum, contributing to our understanding of the species' interaction with domestic and wild animal in the studied area.

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin-E in Preventing Inflammation and Stromal Congestion in Alcoholic Liver Injury.

The objective of the research was to investigate and assess how effective Vitamin E is in preventing or reducing liver inflammation and stromal congestion associated with alcoholic liver injury. This is a laboratory-based experimental study. A total of 18 domestic rabbits were divided into groups A, B, and C. Group A was the control group and treated with normal saline as a placebo. Groups B and C were given 30% ethanol in a daily dose of 30 ml/kg/day. Additionally, group C was treated with vitamin E at 50 mg/kg/day. All three groups were sub-divided into two sub-groups I and II on the basis of experimental duration of eight weeks and four weeks respectively. The subgroups with eight weeks of experimental time duration were categorized as "category E8" and subgroups with an experimental duration of four weeks were categorized as "category E4". Liver tissue samples from each animalwere subjected to staining using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain for histological staining in order to assess portal inflammation and to measure the sizes of hepatic sinusoids and central veins to evaluate hepatic congestion. A statistically significant variance was observed in the size of central veins, hepatic sinusoids, and invasion of inflammatory cells in portal areas across and between the groups within categories E4 and E8. Animals treated with vitamin E exhibited lower invasion of inflammatory cells and larger central veins and sinusoids compared to those not treated with vitamin E. Vitamin E may have a significant role in reducing or limiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells and could help prevent hepatic congestion in cases of alcoholic liver injury.

Orofacial masses in domestic rabbits: a retrospective review of 120 cases from 2 institutions, 2000-2023.

Orofacial masses or swellings are a common presenting complaint in lagomorphs. Similar gross appearances of the masses can complicate clinical interpretation, and histologic review often provides the final diagnosis. Underlying causes vary from infectious to neoplastic. Although inflammatory changes are most commonly reported, various neoplasms occur, although the prevalence of specific tumor types is relatively unknown. We reviewed retrospectively 120 cases (87.5% biopsy, 12.5% autopsy) of neoplastic and non-neoplastic orofacial masses received from January 2000-February 2023 at 2 institutions: University of Guelph, Canada (Animal Health Laboratory and Department of Pathobiology), and Finn Pathologists, United Kingdom. All final diagnoses were achieved through histologic assessment. We included masses or mass-like swellings from the oral cavity, including the mandible and maxilla, and surrounding skin and soft tissues of the oral cavity and jaw. Submissions included pet and commercial (meat and fur) rabbits. Neoplastic lesions were most common (60%), including trichoblastomas, papillomas, melanocytic neoplasms, sarcomas, round-cell tumors, carcinomas (including squamous cell carcinoma), lipomas, odontogenic neoplasms, polyps, osteoma, neuroma, peripheral keratinizing ameloblastoma, and apocrine adenoma. Inflammatory diagnoses (30%) included abscesses, osteomyelitis, dermatitis, and sialadenitis. Other diagnoses (7%) included cysts, as well as hyperplastic skin and proliferative bone lesions. Three cases had no definitive diagnosis. The importance of histologic assessment in diagnosing orofacial "masses" in rabbits is highlighted, given that the most common diagnostic category overall was neoplasia.

Diagnosis and medical treatment of portal vein thrombosis in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

AbstractPortal vein thrombosis is the partial or total obstruction of blood flow due to a thrombus in the hepatic portal system. This case report outlines the diagnosis and treatment of portal vein thrombosis in a rabbit. The animal presented for inappetence and lack of faecal production, and was found to have markedly elevated alanine transaminase on biochemistry. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a focal hyperechoic structure within the right intrahepatic portal venous branches, with no flow on colour Doppler interrogation. The rabbit was subsequently diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis and treated with clopidogrel and rivaroxaban. Thirty‐two days after presentation, the previously noted intrahepatic portal venous thrombus had resolved, with normal flow visualised in the portal venous branches on colour Doppler interrogation. The rabbit has remained stable for 1 year 5 months after cessation of treatment.

Effects of intrauterine position during gestation on specific endocrine and behavioral parameters that impact reproduction in domestic rabbits

Prior studies from others, performed in a different breed, reported that doe rabbits developing between two male siblings (2 M) during gestation display characteristics indicative of masculinization: larger anogenital distance (AGD), larger submandibular glands, and higher chinning frequency than females with zero (0 M) or one (1 M) contiguous brothers. Similar effects are provoked by injecting androgens to the pregnant doe suggesting that prenatal androgen exposure masculinizes female embryos. To further understand the scope of such masculinization we compared 0 M, 1 M, and 2 M females regarding behavioral, neuroendocrine, and somatic parameters, related or not to reproduction. IUP did not impact: body weight, sexual receptivity, mating-induced LH secretion, maternal nest-building, litter size, or milk output. At puberty: a) chinning frequency was: 0 M and males>1 M and 2 M; b) ambulation in open field was lowest in 1 M females and males. IUP effects on AGD were significant only on postnatal day 1: 0 M, 1 M, and males>2 M, in contrast to earlier study. Willingness to nurse at delivery was less frequent in 2 M than in 1 M and 0 M does and correlated with nursing occurrence across lactation. Does that did not nurse at parturition delivered fewer kits/min than those that nursed then, regardless of IUP. The duration of nursing bouts across lactation was significantly longer in the1 M and 2 M does that showed this behavior on postpartum days 1–20. Our findings indicate that IUP is associated with alterations in specific aspects of postpartum maternal behavior.

Effects of Intratesticular Lidocaine in Pet Rabbits Undergoing Orchiectomy.

The use of local anesthetics for castration is both simple and cost-effective, and it may contribute to reducing the anesthetic requirements. Despite its common use in clinical practice, the literature regarding the effects of intratesticular lidocaine in rabbits is limited. In this study, nine rabbits per group were assigned to intratesticularly receive either 2% lidocaine (0.05 mL/kg into each testicle) or an equivalent volume of saline prior to elective orchiectomy. Anesthesia was induced by intranasal administration of ketamine, medetomidine, and butorphanol. During intraoperative assessment, no significant differences in vital parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral saturation of oxygen) were observed between the groups. However, rabbits receiving intratesticular saline displayed a higher incidence of responses to surgical stimuli. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the composite Centro Animali Non Convenzionali Rabbit Scale (CANCRS), revealing a significantly lower score at the initial post-surgery assessment in rabbits treated with intratesticular lidocaine. All subjects exhibited rapid resumption of food intake and fecal output. While all rabbits demonstrated satisfactory perioperative performances, the use of intratesticular lidocaine was associated with a diminished response to surgical stimuli. Consequently, this practice has the potential to reduce the requirement for additional anesthetics or analgesics, promoting faster recovery.

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in southern Finland

BackgroundDiet and endogenous vitamin D synthesis are possible sources of vitamin D in wild rabbits. Higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations have been reported in rabbits after artificial UVB light exposure than in rabbits without this exposure, suggesting that endogenous vitamin D synthesis occurs in the former group. In Finnish pet rabbits, diet was reported as main source of vitamin D, while outdoor access was not. Finland’s northern location only enables endogenous synthesis from mid-March to mid-October in people with light skin type. Living conditions during winter are challenging for Finnish wild rabbits. This study aimed to measure serum 25(OH)D concentrations and possible natural seasonal variation of vitamin D concentrations in Finnish wild rabbits.ResultsPost-mortem blood samples (n = 78) were collected between 2013 and 2021 from wild rabbits hunted for reduction of the wild rabbit population. Separated sera were stored at − 80 °C until 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Data regarding sex were available from 50 rabbits, 29 (58%) of which were females. Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 3.3 (range 0.3–7.1) ng/ml. 25(OH)D concentration was statistically similar between season (autumn, winter, summer), month or year of sample collection, and sex.ConclusionsWild rabbits living in Finland have very low serum 25(OH)D concentrations. This is far below the previously suggested threshold of vitamin D deficiency in rabbits (17 ng/mL) or the mean 25(OH)D concentration reported in Finnish pet rabbits (26.0 ng/mL). Seasonal variation was not observed in 25(OH)D concentrations between winter and summer months. Even though rabbits are crepuscular animals and may spend the mid-day in underground burrows, the very low observed 25(OH)D concentrations raise doubt about whether vitamin D synthesis occurs efficiently in the skin of rabbits and whether the diet of wild rabbits provides adequate amounts of vitamin D. Cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, possible long-term consequences of low 25(OH)D concentrations, and the association of low vitamin D status with other health disorders warrant further investigations in rabbits.

Radiological and laboratory prognostic parameters for gastric dilation in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographical and laboratory findings in pet rabbits with gastric dilation (GD) and identify prognostic parameters. One hundred and fifty-five rabbits with GD were included for the radiographical analyses and 75 for the laboratory analyses. A vertebral stomach score (VSS) was established to determine the extension of the stomach on lateral radiographs. In addition, the caudal limit of gastric distention and the extension and position of gas accumulation in the stomach were recorded. The VSS was significantly higher in rabbits with GD than in healthy rabbits (p=0.001). Extensive amounts of gas accumulation in the stomach (p=0.001) and a ventral or central location of gas accumulation (p=0.023) were associated with significantly increased mortality. Azotemia (51%), hyperglycaemia (44%) and hyponatraemia (37%) were the most frequent biochemical alterations in rabbits with GD. Dueto the retrospective nature of the data, the cause of GD could not be determined in all animals. Rabbits with GD and severe alterations in glucose, creatinine and sodium concentrations, ventral or central gas accumulations and a large amount of gas in the stomach had a poor prognosis.

Never fear when a rabbit stasis patient is near

Managing a gut stasis rabbit can be very challenging for a veterinary team. The goal should be to resolve the acute, potentially life-threatening condition, to then allow the veterinary surgeon to diagnose the cause of why the gastrointestinal stasis has occurred in the first place. Given the nature of these patients and how high maintenance they can be, a lot of the monitoring and care falls on the veterinary nurse. The veterinary nurse becomes the eyes and ears for the veterinary surgeon and the information that is passed on to them can impact the treatment plan of the patient. Some veterinary nurses may find this daunting and, certainly in the author's own practice, some nurses enjoy working with rabbits more than others. The aim, as a cohesive team, has been to create a protocol which everyone can use to standardise how stasis patients are treated and boost the confidence of less experienced team members.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in pet cats, dogs and rabbits from urban areas of Poland

BackgroundNeospora caninum (N. caninum) has a broad intermediate host range and might cause multisystemic lesions in various species of animals. Dogs are both intermediate and definitive hosts of the parasite and play a crucial role in the horizontal transmission of this protozoan to other animals. Cats and rabbits could be sensitive to infection with N. caninum, however, clinical symptoms and the exact route of infection in these species are unknown. The epidemiology of N. caninum in cats and rabbits has been barely researched, and there is no published record of the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in these species in Poland. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents for N. caninum within pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban areas of Poland and to identify possible risk factors for these animals.ResultsIn total, serum samples from 184 cats (Felis catus), 203 dogs (Canis familiaris) and 70 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in dogs and cats reached 1.0% (2/203; 95% CI: 0.3–3.5) and 3.3% (6/184; 95% CI: 1.5–6.9), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence regarding age group, gender, symptoms or sampling location were found. All 70 samples from pet rabbits were negative for anti-N. caninum antibodies.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence rates of N. caninum in dogs and cats in the present study were low, however, our results confirmed N. caninum circulates among dog and cat populations in Poland, and neosporosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of neuro-muscular disorders in these species. This is the first serological survey of N. caninum in European pet cats and rabbits. The role of pet rabbits in N. caninum epidemiology and circulation in Poland is marginal.

Administration of meloxicam before rather than after castration on eating, defecation and pain indicators in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

AbstractBackgroundRabbits are extremely sensitive to pain. There is evidence on whether non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medication should be administered before or after surgery in rabbits.ObjectivesIn this study, we compared the pain scores and behaviours of rabbits administered meloxicam before or after routine castration.MethodsForty‐two healthy rabbits undergoing castration were randomly assigned to receive meloxicam (1 mg/kg SC) 1 h before or upon recovery from anaesthesia. Several parameters were recorded, including the occurrence of eating, defecating and pain scores postoperatively and change in heart rate intraoperatively.ResultsAt 4 h after surgery, eating was observed in 43% (9/21) of rabbits that received meloxicam before neutering and in 29% (6/21) of rabbits that received meloxicam after. The morning after the surgery, eating was observed in 62% (13/21) of rabbits that received meloxicam before neutering and in 57% (12/21) of rabbits that received meloxicam after. The odds of not eating increased by 1.16 times (1.03–1.29; p = 0.01) per month of age, whereas there was no significant association between eating and administration of meloxicam before or after surgery, body weight and time. Similarly, defecation, pain score and change in heart rate did not differ in animals receiving meloxicam before or after surgery.ConclusionsAdministration of meloxicam in rabbits undergoing castration before or after surgery does not have a relevant effect on eating, defecating or pain score. Younger rabbits show less obvious signs of pain and are more likely to resume eating habits sooner after surgery compared to older rabbits.

Parasitological and molecular investigation of consequences of raw meat feeding (BARF) in dogs and cats: implications for other pets living nearby

Considering the original nature of carnivorism among dogs and cats, nowadays these pets are increasingly fed BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food/Bone And Raw Food) diet to improve their health conditions. However, this diet may also carry health risks, such as vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and infection with pathogens including parasites. In our study, fecal samples of 89 pet animals kept on BARF diet were subjected to coprological examination followed by molecular analyses. Six of them shed eggs of Dicrocoelium dendriticum. This result was confirmed with PCR and sequencing, and in one case, the DNA of Fasciola hepatica was also demonstrated. In addition, oocysts of Cystoisospora canis, a Cystoisospora ohioensis-like sp. and Eimeria stiedai, as well as sporocysts of a Sarcocystis sp. were also detected. All samples were negative for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. In conclusion, no evidence was found for the infection of BARF-fed dogs and cats with parasites that are usually associated with this diet and considered as clinico-pathological risk factors for these pets themselves (e.g., N. caninum, T. gondii). However, fluke eggs (probably originating from ruminants) and oocysts of E. stiedai (from rabbit liver in the food) were demonstrated as pseudoparasites. These species are usually not considered among parasite-associated risks of BARF-feeding, implying that other animals living near BARF-fed pets are neglected in this context. However, where intermediate hosts of D. dendriticum occur in urban areas, BARF-feeding may indirectly affect later other dogs and cats. It was also shown here that BARF-feeding may contribute to the contamination of the environment with E. stiedai oocysts, thus increasing the risks of biliary coccidiosis in nearby living pet rabbits that would otherwise not have access to oocysts of E. stiedai.Graphical abstract

Особенности кормления молодняка кроликов

Abstract. Domestic industrial rabbit breeding after 30 years of stagnation is beginning to gain momentum. Rabbit breeding is a well-developed branch of animal husbandry all over the world. An essential condition for the success of animal husbandry is the correctness of the organization of feeding, since in the cost of production, the cost of feeding reaches 60–70 %.The basis of the organization of feeding of all types of farm animals, including rabbits, is to determine their nutritional and energy needs. The feeding of young rabbits attracts special attention of scientists, since its energy demand is 3.4 times higher than that of adult animals during reproduction. Scientific research of domestic and foreign scientists on feeding young rabbits is very fragmented. The scheme of three-breed rabbit crossing has been developed at the Afanas`ev Research Institute of Fur – Bearing Animal Breeding and Rabbit Breeding on the basis of which the first domestic precocious and highly productive cross “Rodnik” was created. The relevance of the study lies in the need to create optimal diets for highly productive rabbit crosses. The purpose of the study is to study and analyze the achievements of domestic and foreign rabbit scientists contributing to the development of optimal diets for highly productive rabbit crosses. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the analysis of new knowledge obtained by different scientific schools makes it possible to choose the direction of creating optimal diets for young rabbits. The results of the study. It has been established that the physiological features of rabbit digestion indicate the direction to the creation of diets optimized in terms of the ratio of nutrients, allowing to reduce the cost of feeding by 34 %. Probably, the need for nutrients and energy of new highly productive and precocious rabbit crosses will differ from the needs of meat-skinned breeds, as a result of which there will be a need to create individual diets.

In vitro Studies on Anticoccidial Effects of Healthy Sheep Bile against Eimeria magna and Eimeria exigua Oocysts and Sporozoites Isolated from Domestic Rabbits

Background: Coccidiosis is one of the most common diseases that hinder the raising of rabbits. The disease causes symptoms such as diarrhea and loss of appetite. Acute infection causes bloody feces and negatively affects fertility. Diarrhea may be bloody due to the intestinal epithelium withering off as many oocysts and merozoites burst out of the cells. This leads to the deaths of rabbits resulting in huge economic losses for commercial rabbit systems. Methods: The study aims to determine the optimal effective concentration of bile collected from healthy sheep gall bladder inhibiting in vitro sporulation and viability of E. magna and E. exigua oocysts and sporozoites isolated from rabbit intestine. Un-sporulated oocysts were exposed (1×102) to six treatments: 2.5% potassium dichromate solution as the non-treated control, four concentrations of bile (12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100%) and Toltrazuril 25 mg/ml as traditional medicine for anti-oocyst activities. In addition, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/mL concentrations of bile were evaluated for effect on sporozoite viability. The oocysts were examined after 25, 50, 75 and 100 hours and sporozoites after 12 and 24 hours of treatment. Result: GC-Mass analysis showed that sheep bile contains 12 biologically active compounds. In addition, quantitative analysis revealed total phenols (50.65±0.5) and total flavonoids (9.39±0.4). After 100 hours of exposure, sheep bile was able to prevent sporulation of E. magna and E. exigua oocysts at 100% and 50% concentrations and the rate of inhibition was about 96% and 79%, respectively. Additionally, bile exhibited the least discouraging of 11% at a dose of 125 mg/mL and the highest suppression of 95% of E. magna and E. exigua sporozoites viable at 1000 mg/ml. Generally, the inhibition rate typically increased with longer incubation times and greater doses. Findings have scientifically validated the use of bile in fighting against coccidiosis. Additional studies are required to separate the active compounds found in bile and their mechanisms of action and potential applications in rabbit farms.

Assessment of lipid layer patterns in domestic dogs and rabbits: an observational study.

Maintaining a stable tear film is crucial for having healthy human and animal vision. Animals are expected to have thicker lipid layers than humans due to living in high-temperature and humid environments. The study aimed to evaluate the lipid layer patterns (LLPs) in Arabian dogs and rabbits using a non-invasive, practical, and easy-to-use device and compare them to humans with healthy eyes. The study included 75 domestic Arabian dogs (42 males and 33 females; mean ± SD = 6.1 ± 12.7 months) and 75 rabbits (37 males and 38 females; mean ± SD = 3.1 ± 3.4 months). In addition, 75 individuals with healthy eyes (39 males and 36 females; mean ± SD = 25.7 ± 5.0 years) were included for comparison. EASYTEAR View+ assessed the LLP in each animal's and individual's right eye. The median LLP grades significantly differed between dogs and humans (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). Similarly, the LLP grades differed significantly between rabbits and humans (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). No significant difference (Mann-Whitney U test) in the LLP grades between dogs and rabbits was found. The analysis indicated that most dogs had either an A (34.7%) or a B grade (37.3%). Similarly, rabbits had predominantly A or 1 (46.7%) and B (30.7%) grades. On the other hand, humans had predominantly D (53.3%) and E (30.7%) grades. The EASYTEAR View+ has been employed to assess LLP in dogs and rabbits, and the measurements were compared to those of humans with normal ocular health. Dogs and rabbits have thinner lipid layers than healthy humans.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Eimeria species in domestic rabbits of semi-arid Rajasthan

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Eimeria species in domestic rabbits of semi-arid Rajasthan

A retrospective study on subcutaneous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in 14 domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) treated surgically between 2008 and 2021.

A retrospective study involving 14 pet rabbits histopathologically diagnosed with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) was conducted. The age at diagnosis was 4-12 years, with a median age of 8.6 years. All rabbits had solid subcutaneous tumor masses in varied locations. Surgical excision of the tumors was performed in all cases. Recurrence was observed in 10 cases (71%), and postoperative metastasis to the lung was suspected in 4 cases (29%). The postoperative mean and median survival times were 11 months and 9 months, respectively. Hence, MPNSTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis for subcutaneous masses in rabbits and it is essential to inform the owners of the potentially high recurrence and metastasis rates.

Does a stronger bond with pet rabbits equate to better husbandry conditions for them?

Rabbits are becoming one of the most popular pets in western countries, including the Czech Republic. Until now, the welfare-husbandry conditions of rabbits in correlation with owner attachment to the rabbit has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the bond with a rabbit and selected factors, such as ownership of a dog and/or cat, the time spent with the rabbit, and the age of any children living in the household, have an impact on a pet rabbit’s husbandry conditions. Data was gathered on the basis of a questionnaire survey conducted among pet rabbit owners in the Czech Republic. In total, 1651 completed questionnaires were collected through various channels, namely veterinary surgeries, pet shops, breeders, and social media. The questions covered demographics, living conditions, the presence of children and/or other pets, and the strength of the bond. We found that living with a child/children under 12 years of age, owning a dog and a cat, and spending less time with the rabbit were associated with a decreased bond between the owner and the rabbit. It was also found that decreased time spent with the rabbit is associated with decreased animal husbandry conditions. However, only a weak association was found between the bond of the owners to their rabbit and its welfare-husbandry conditions. Overall, the most alarming finding was that over 80% of companion rabbits in Czech Republic are kept in isolation. In conclusion, the amount of time owners spend with their rabbit appears to be a suitable parameter for determining the strength of the bond attachment and husbandry conditions of the rabbit. There were minimal differences between the strength of the bond and the breeding status of the rabbit if there was a child and/or other pets such as a dog and/or cat in the household. The role of rabbits has changed recently, and it is therefore necessary to conduct comprehensive research into rabbit welfare.

A Comparative Study of Calcium Metabolism between Quail and Domestic Rabbits

The existing study was conducted to evaluate calcium; vitamin D and calcitonin concentration in two types of amniotes that live in the Iraqi environment include the local rabbit and the Japanese quail. The study included 18 female Japanese quail Coturnix coturnix, weighing 145.5 ± 34.341 g, they were 16 weeks in ages and 18 female local rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, at the age of one years and 1438.5 ± 284.988 g in weight. The results showed that the mean serum calcium concentration in bird and rabbit were 8.134±0.450 (mg/dl) and 7.267±1.761 (mg/dl) respectively and it was significantly at at 0.066 higher in bird in comparison to rabbit, the mean of vitamin D in bird and rabbit were 24.22± 3.159 (ng/ml) and 28.43±4.632 (ng/ml) respectively and it was significantly higher in rabbit than bird at 0.007 while the mean serum calcitonin concentration in bird and rabbit were 1.354±0.1960 (mg/dl) and 1.676±0.4151 (mg/dl) respectively and it was significantly at 0.009 higher in rabbit in comparison to bird. Egg laying, shell calcification and medullary bone formation induce more extra demand of calcium in birds while the high rate of teeth erupting demand extra calcium in rabbits, the metabolism of vitamin D will be altered indirectly by these process which associated with increased requirements for calcium. The study showed an increase in the level of calcium in both rabbits and quail birds, and that this increase will change the metabolism of vitamin D, and many physiological processes will occur.