Background Dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype (DCMph) is rarely reported in juvenile pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Case description Three cases of DCMph in large-breed male rabbits <1 years of age (two intact, one castrated, weight range 3.3–3.8 kg at time of diagnosis) are described. All rabbits had non-specific or absent signs of disease on initial physical exam, but had elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) above 130 U/L. Two of the cases were littermates that presented for routine castrations. The third case had a concurrent diagnosis of Eimeria (unspeciated). Diagnostic testing to investigate the ALT elevations was performed, and DCMph diagnoses were made via echocardiogram in each case. Medical management was initiated with a variety of treatments, including furosemide, enalapril, pimobendan, spironolactone, and nutraceutical supplements. One case was euthanized 283 days after DCMph diagnosis due to unrelated septicemia onset; the other two cases are alive at the time of publication (2444 days and 1743 days post diagnosis, respectively). Conclusions and clinical relevance This case series suggests a possible genetic etiology of DCMph in young, large breed rabbits, with a longer lifespan than previously reported in retrospective studies. Early diagnosis with long term-medical management may help improve outcomes.
Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a diagnosis of exclusion in bearded dragons. To date, information about the disease in this species is limited and no gold-standard treatment has been established. Case description A pet bearded dragon presented for evaluation of lethargy, intermittent episodes of forceful swallowing, mild conjunctivitis with blepharospasm in the left eye, and neurological signs. Initial bloodwork revealed anemia as well as lymphocytosis which persisted despite a prolonged course of treatment with two broad-spectrum antibiotics. Additional diagnostics including MRI, CT scan, plasma biochemistry panel, fecal sedimentation, and adenovirus PCR were performed and results were unremarkable. The collection of findings, most notably persistent lymphocytosis of small-cell morphology, led to a presumptive diagnosis of CLL. Chemotherapy treatment with cyclophosphamide was instituted at 5 mg/kg and the patient received three treatments, two treatments two weeks apart and a third given twelve weeks after the second. One week after the first dose, neurological signs improved, anemia resolved, and lymphocytosis resolved. The patient remained stable until shortly before the third dose was administered. The patient died shortly after the third dose. From the time of initial presumptive diagnosis to death, the patient lived 115 days. From the time of initial cyclophosphamide treatment to death, the patient lived 107 days. Conclusions and clinical relevance Cyclophosphamide may be considered a non-invasive and potentially effective first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy option for CLL in bearded dragons. Treatments at intervals of no longer than two to four weeks may be beneficial for improved disease management.
Background: Gerbode defect is a rare intracardiac shunt between the left ventricular outflow tract and right atrium. Congenital heart disease is rare in rabbits, and a Gerbode defect has not been previously described. Case description: A three-year-old, male neutered, Holland Lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was referred for evaluation of a heart murmur. At initial cardiac evaluation, the rabbit was doing well clinically with no cardiorespiratory clinical signs. A grade III/VI left apical systolic heart murmur was heard on cardiothoracic auscultation and the remainder of his physical examination was within normal limits. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a Gerbode defect (left ventricular outflow tract to right atrial communication), left atrial dilation, left ventricular dilation, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, right atrial dilation, and mitral regurgitation. Pimobendan was initiated. At five month follow-up evaluation, the rabbit was doing well with no clinical signs. Conclusions and case relevance: Gerbode defect should be considered as a differential diagnosis in rabbits with a heart murmur. This case presents follow-up evaluation following initiation of pimobendan.
Background: Numerous studies have investigated reference values for hematological parameters in rabbits and their confounders. However, the results vary widely due to differences in the populations of animals studied, environmental conditions and measurement methods. Currently, a comprehensive summary of these studies is lacking, which makes it difficult to keep track of the different reference values. Objectives: This article aims to compile and summarize standardized reference values for common hematological parameters in rabbits, and to identify significant confounders. Methods: A systematic review and statistical analyses of 144 studies involving 9631 rabbits published worldwide between 1920 and 2023 was conducted. Multiple meta-analyses were performed to aggregate published reference data and identify significant confounders for each hematological parameter. Results: Pooled estimates of reference values were calculated for the following hematological parameters: red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW), reticulocyte count, white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte and platelet (PLT) counts, mean platelet volume (MPV) and plateletcrit (PCT). Age, sex, pregnancy status, season, housing condition, measurement material, and the measurement method were identified as significant confounders (P < 0.05; Cohen's d > 0.5). Conclusions and clinical relevance: This review provides a statistical summary of standardized reference values, which will aid in the interpretation of blood test results in veterinary practice and research. It emphasizes the importance of considering demographic, seasonal, environmental and methodological factors when analyzing hematological data in rabbits.
Background: Xenografting with acellular fish skin graft (FSG) has shown improved wound healing for complex and chronic soft-tissue wounds in human medicine. FSGs have been successfully applied in veterinary medicine for wound healing in dogs and cats, but little is described regarding their use in exotic species. FSGs have unique characteristics that promote healing and reportedly reduce inflammation and infection. Methods: This case series describes FSG application in three zoological companion animal cases with different wound etiologies: a two-year-old female spayed rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with progressive facial ischemic necrosis, a three-year-old female ball python (Python regius) with suspected cutaneous adverse injection site reactions, and an 11-year-old female Quaker parrot (Myiopsitta monachus) with a chronic nonhealing keel wound. A commercial FSG (Kerecis (R) VET) was placed after wound debridement in all cases. Results: All cases demonstrated progression of healing, but the rate of healing varied between species. The rabbit healed rapidly with full resolution of the wound at five weeks, the ball python over seven weeks, and the Quaker parrot developed complications and required a second wound debridement performed at five weeks. Graft desiccation and failure of adherence to the wound bed were common complications. Secondary infection and retained shed were also noted. Comorbidities may limit graft efficacy. Conclusions and clinical relevance: This case series documents the possible utility of FSGs in wound care for zoological companion animals, but species-specific considerations are important for case management.
Objective: This study aims to describe the indications, perioperative diagnostics, and surgical techniques used during cystotomies in ferrets, and to identify associated surgical complications. Methods: Six veterinary hospitals were contacted to participate in the study. Cases were identified by research of the billed items for the word "cystotomy" amongst ferret patients, using the corresponding veterinary hospitals' software. History, signalment, diagnostic tests, duration of anesthesia and surgery, urolith composition, and complications were recorded. Complications were defined as minor or major based on the need for medical intervention. Results: Medical records from 43 ferrets that underwent cystotomy between 2017 and 2023 across five veterinary hospitals were reviewed retrospectively. A significant difference in the distribution of sexes (P = 0.001) was observed with 32 of 43 (74%) ferrets being male. The median surgical time was 70 minutes. Data regarding patient outcome and complications related to the surgery were specified in 38 of 43 cases. Minor complications occurred in 14 of 38 cases (37%), and major complications in 8 of 38 (21%). The most common major complication was incomplete removal of uroliths (4/38, 10.5%). Intraoperative euthanasia was performed in one patient, and no other intraoperative mortality was reported. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Uroliths are often encountered in ferrets and cystotomy is commonly chosen as the treatment to remove these stones. Cystotomies performed in ferrets of the present study had a minor complication rate comparable to that reported in cats and dogs, but the major complication rate appeared higher. Larger-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings.
A one-year-old, 0.545 kg intact male pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) presented for a two-day progression of labored breathing, hyporexia, and lethargy. No history of trauma or any direct contact with the dog in the home was reported. Physical examination revealed polypnea, a restrictive respiratory pattern, and decreased breathing sounds in both hemithoraxes. The chinchilla was hospitalized due to respiratory compromise with oxygen saturation of 67% and for overall intensive medical support. Orthogonal radiographs revealed a pattern suggestive of pneumonia and pleural effusion. In-hospital supportive care consisted of 100% cage oxygen therapy for 4 hours, anxiolytics and opioid for sedation while continuing with other diagnostic studies. Thoracic ultrasound confirmed pleural effusion thus a guided fine-needle aspiration was performed obtaining a whitish purulent material. Culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and computed tomography to assess the extension of lung damage were performed. Computed tomography revealed a severe pneumonic process, an interstitial-alveolar pattern on the entire left hemithorax and pulmonary atelectasis of the right hemithorax. Three day in-hospital management included broad-spectrum antibiotics, intermittent oxygen therapy as needed according to oxygen saturation values, analgesia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, anxiolytics, and assisted feeding. Culture from the pleural effusion revealed the presence of Streptococcus canis. Outpatient management included antibiotics, nebulization, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. This is the first report of pneumonia and pyothorax caused by Streptococcus canis in chinchillas.
Background: Commercial diets intended for ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are widely available; however, the nutritional requirements for ferrets are mostly unknown. Protein and amino acid requirements are mostly extrapolated from mink and cats. The study aimed to analyze and report proximate analysis values and selected amino acid concentrations of commercial ferret diets. Diet comparisons were performed according to grain and legume inclusion. Methods: A total of 12 ferret diets were purchased, aliquoted, and sent for proximate analysis and amino acid analysis. The caloric density for each diet was calculated, and the amino acid content was determined on a metabolizable energy basis. Results: All 12 diets exceeded the recommended allowance values for protein for both adult cats and mink, and for essential amino acids in adult cats in maintenance. There were no significant differences in sulfur amino acid concentrations between grain-free and grain-inclusive diets or between legume-free and legume-inclusive diets. Conclusions: All sampled diets appear to provide sufficient protein and essential amino acids based on feline requirements; however, further research is needed to establish requirements in ferrets. No evidence was found for an abundance of sulfur amino acids in grain-free diets or legume-inclusive diets.
Background Xenografting with acellular fish skin graft (FSG) has shown improved wound healing forcomplex and chronic soft tissue wounds in human medicine. FSGs have been successfully applied in veterinary medicine for wound healing in dogs and cats but little is described regarding their use in exotic species. FSGs have unique characteristics that promote healing and reportedly reduce inflammation and infection. Methods This case series describes FSG application in three zoological companion animal cases with different wound etiologies: a two-year-old female spayed rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with progressive facial ischemic necrosis, a three-year-old female ball python (Python regius) with suspected cutaneous adverse injection site reactions, and an 11-year-old female Quaker parrot (Myiopsitta monachus) with a chronic nonhealing keel wound. A commercial FSG (Kerecis® VET), was placed after wound debridement in all cases. Results All cases demonstrated progression of healing, but the rate of healing varied between species. The rabbit healed rapidly with full resolution of the wound at 5 weeks, the ball python over 7 weeks, and the Quaker parrot developed complications and required a second wound debridement performed at 5 weeks. Graft desiccation and failure of adherence to the wound bed were common complications. Secondary infection and retained shed were also noted. Comorbidities may limit graft efficacy. Conclusions and clinical relevance This case series documents the possible utility of FSGs in wound care for zoological companion animals, but species-specific considerations are important for case management.
Background: Lung lobe torsion is a rare and life-threatening condition in mammals. Based on the literature search described below, no previous reports have documented lung lobe torsion in a rabbit. The present case describes the diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of suspected right cranial lung lobe torsion in a domestic rabbit. Case description: A 6-year-old neutered male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented with increased respiratory effort, sneezing, and worsening cough over several days. The rabbit had a history of respiratory disease and right cranial lung lobe inflammatory lower airway disease. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes and decreased lung sounds on the right. On computed tomography of the thorax, the right cranial lung lobe was dorsally positioned, hyperinflated, and reduced in vascularity. Right cranial lung lobe torsion with concurrent pneumonia was highly suspected. An emergency right cranial lung lobectomy was performed. Diffuse changes in the affected lobe were observed with no visible torsion. Postoperatively, the rabbit recovered uneventfully with an improved appetite. Histopathology was performed on the excised lung lobe, and findings were compatible with lung lobe torsion. Conclusions and clinical relevance: For rabbits presenting with respiratory signs and lobar changes on imaging, lung lobe torsion should be included as a differential. Lung lobectomy is the recommended treatment and contributed to the rabbit's good outcome.
Background: This case report describes a presumed cerebrovascular accident in a domestic ferret presenting with acute neurologic symptoms. A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is defined as an acute event that causes neurologic dysfunction due to disruption in cerebral blood supply, infarction, or hemorrhage, and which is non-progressive after 24 hours. Case description: The ferret presented to the emergency service with an acute onset of neurologic symptoms: dull mentation, circling to the left, and a right-sided proprioceptive ataxia. The CVA was identified by magnetic resonance imaging. A left cerebral arterial territory restricted diffusion and edematous imaging pattern was seen, consistent with a left middle cerebral artery occlusion. The ferret was treated with supportive care and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids (prednisolone). A follow-up magnetic resonance imaging was performed, showing an abnormality in a similar location, interpreted as a chronic nonhemorrhagic vascular event with resolving edema. Conclusions and clinical relevance: CVAs have been reported and described in veterinary medicine in cats and dogs, but a clinical case has not been reported in ferrets. Overall, this case demonstrates an important differential to consider in a ferret exhibiting acute central neurologic symptoms.
Background While rats are commonly studied in research settings, little information is available regarding normal reproductive histopathology of domestic pet rats. This study aimed to describe histopathologic findings in healthy domestic rats (Rattus norvegicus) undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (OVH), document postoperative outcomes up to 4 weeks after surgery, and evaluate the feasibility of a vessel-sealing device (VSD) in rats. Methods Six apparently healthy female domestic rats (>3 months old) were examined prior to elective ventral midline OVH. Uterine and ovarian tissues were submitted for histopathologic evaluation. Two and four-week postoperative owner surveys were collected. Results Histopathologic evaluation of the reproductive tracts of all six rats revealed findings considered incidental when compared to laboratory rat histopathology. These incidental findings included increased cellular turnover and apoptosis of endometrial epithelial cells, eosinophilic infiltration within the endometrial stroma and myometrium, focal aggregates of hemosiderophages surrounding congested vessels in the uterine horns and body, ovarian bursal cystic dilatation, and mild, diffuse endometrial hyperplasia. Incision-site abscess formation and reduced postoperative activity and appetite were the only postoperative complications noted in this study. The VSD implementation was determined to be feasible and easy to use; however, complete uterine body excision was not achieved in three out of six rats. Conclusions and clinical relevance This study establishes baseline reproductive tract histopathology in pet rats, including characterization of incidental lesions. While minimal complications occurred, a technique using a VSD requires further refinement before its use is recommended for OVH in domestic pet rats.
Background Feeder rodents include mice, rats, and occasionally other rodents that are used to feed animals under human care including reptiles, amphibians, birds of prey, and other zoological species. Feeder rodents have previously been associated with numerous outbreaks and isolated infections of zoonotic diseases. Methods Frozen adult feeder mice (Mus musculus) from several popular commercial sources were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp., Hantaan virus, Leptospira spp., lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, Salmonella spp., and Streptobacillus moniliformis via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR was performed on pooled fecal samples for Cryptosporidium spp. and on pooled oral swabs and fecal samples for the remaining pathogens. Samples were pooled from multiple mice, but sources were tested independently. Results None of the pooled samples tested positive for Hantaan virus, Leptospira spp., lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, Salmonella spp. or Streptobacillus moniliformis; however, Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in pooled fecal samples from a majority of rodent sources (8/10, 80.0%). The majority of the positive isolates (6/8; 75%) were identified as Cryptosporidium tyzzeri, a rodent-adapted Cryptosporidium spp. with zoonotic potential. Conclusions and clinical relevance Results of this pilot study suggest that rodent-associated Cryptosporidium spp. including C. tyzzeri are common in frozen adult feeder mice; however, the viability and infectivity of these organisms following freezing is unknown. Due to the infectious and zoonotic potential of these pathogens, pet owners and animal caretakers should take precautions to prevent disease transmission when handling frozen feeder rodents.
Background: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a cardiac-specific biomarker used to detect myocardial injury in mammals, has only undergone cursory investigation in reptiles. This study's objectives were to determine feasibility of cTnI detection in reptilian cardiac tissue, skeletal muscle, and plasma utilizing two different immunoassays, and compare tissue concentrations between immunoassays and taxonomic groups (chelonians, lizards, snakes). Methods: Tissue homogenates were created and total protein concentrations determined from cardiac tissue and skeletal muscle collected from 30 individual reptiles representing 25 different species. Heparinized plasma was collected from seven reptiles. Samples were analyzed on both point-of-care (i-STAT) and high-sensitivity (ADVIA) immunoassays when feasible, and standardized concentrations compared between sample type, immunoassay, and taxonomic group. Results: cTnI was detected above the lower limit of detection (LoD) in cardiac tissues from 24/25 species on the i-STAT and 22/22 species on the ADVIA. Only one sample produced analyzer error, occurring on the i-STAT. Cardiac tissue had significantly higher cTnI in chelonians (padj = 0.034) and lizards (padj = 0.049) than snakes on the i-STAT, and in chelonians than both lizards (padj = 0.015) and snakes (padj <0.01) on the ADVIA. The i-STAT and ADVIA had poor agreement for cardiac tissue samples. Most skeletal muscle samples reported analyzer error (20/30) or concentrations below the LoD (9/30) on the i-STAT. On the ADVIA all skeletal muscle samples were above the LoD (25/25), and four snakes had higher cTnI concentrations in skeletal muscle than cardiac tissue. All plasma samples had detectable cTnI on both immunoassays, but most on the i-STAT were below the LoD. Conclusions and clinical relevance: At least 22 reptile species have detectable cTnI in cardiac tissue on two different immunoassays. Due to variability between taxonomic groups and immunoassays, establishment of both species-specific and assay-specific reference intervals are warranted for clinical utility.
