Introduction: Spontaneous pneumothorax is uncommon in rabbits and could severely affect the respiratory status of the animals. This retrospective case series aimed to provide clinical and diagnostic imaging data associated with this pathological finding in pet rabbits.Materials and Methods: Medical records over the past five years (2017-2022) were reviewed.Results: Four cases were identified: three female and one male rabbit between 5 and 7 years of age. Three rabbits had no history of respiratory signs, and two rabbits presented with respiratory distress. Radiographs revealed severe pneumothorax in two patients. Computed tomography (CT) findings revealed moderate unilateral pneu-mothorax (3/4) and bilateral pneumothorax (1/4). Other concurrent pulmonary findings included emphysema-tous bullae (2/4), cavitary lesions (1/4), and neoplasia (1/4). An infectious component was suspected in all cases and all rabbits were treated with a combination of antibiotics. Several thoracocenteses were performed and chest tubes were inserted in two rabbits. Three rabbits died shortly after the CT scan, whereas the last rabbit recovered temporarily. Histopathology was performed in two cases. The first rabbit had mild-to-severe chronic multifocal granulomatous pneumonia, nephritis, and hepatitis. The second case showed a large epithelioid cell tumor consis-tent with histiocytic sarcoma.Conclusions: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a severe condition that may be life-threatening in pet rabbits. The four cases described provide information about clinical management, evolution over time, and potential etiology.

Spontaneous pneumothorax is uncommon in rabbits and could severely affect the respiratory status of the animals. This retrospective case series aimed to provide clinical and diagnostic imaging data associated with this pathological finding in pet rabbits. Medical records over the past five years (2017–2022) were reviewed. Four cases were identified: three female and one male rabbit between 5 and 7 years of age. Three rabbits had no history of respiratory signs, and two rabbits presented with respiratory distress. Radiographs revealed severe pneumothorax in two patients. Computed tomography (CT) findings revealed moderate unilateral pneumothorax (3/4) and bilateral pneumothorax (1/4). Other concurrent pulmonary findings included emphysematous bullae (2/4), cavitary lesions (1/4), and neoplasia (1/4). An infectious component was suspected in all cases and all rabbits were treated with a combination of antibiotics. Several thoracocenteses were performed and chest tubes were inserted in two rabbits. Three rabbits died shortly after the CT scan, whereas the last rabbit recovered temporarily. Histopathology was performed in two cases. The first rabbit had mild-to-severe chronic multifocal granulomatous pneumonia, nephritis, and hepatitis. The second case showed a large epithelioid cell tumor consistent with histiocytic sarcoma. Spontaneous pneumothorax is a severe condition that may be life-threatening in pet rabbits. The four cases described provide information about clinical management, evolution over time, and potential etiology.

Backyard chickens are gaining popularity, and so is individual veterinary care for their health and management. Ultrasonography represents an important part of the imaging diagnostic arsenal in veterinary medicine; however, published data on its use in chickens are scarce and mostly focus on the reproductive tract. The objectives of this prospective, reference interval study were to describe a standard protocol for a full coelomic evaluation and the normal ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the coelomic organs in awake and anesthetized healthy hens. The liver, gallbladder, gonad, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and spleen were clearly visualized in 21 Rhode Island Red hybrid hens (8 immatures, 13 adults) included in this study. In all animals, there was a scant amount of coelomic fluid, which was more visible at the cardiac apex. The cysticoenteric duct and hepatoenteric duct were visualized in 57% (12/21) of the hens. Seven hens were anesthetized and placed in dorsal decubitus, as the kidneys were not visualized in the hens while standing. Reference intervals were calculated for the splenic short and long axes, proventricular wall thickness, ventricular wall thickness, and duodenal wall thickness. Reference values were measured for the thickness of the pancreas, gallbladder wall, and kidneys, as well as the diameters of the biliary ducts. Moreover, five hens of different breeds were examined, and the results obtained were comparable to those of previous studies. The results of this study support the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Rhode Island Red hybrid hens and provide reference ranges for use in hens with clinical diseases involving coelomic organs.

A 10-month-old male cane corso was evaluated for a four-day history of lethargy and anorexia associated with right thoracic limb lameness. Physical examination, diagnostic imaging and cytological findings were suggestive of a pyothorax and a right antebrachium subperiosteal abscess, which were managed by surgical drainage of the abscess and placement of thoracostomy tubes. Following adapted antibiotic therapy and appropriate analgesia, the dog clinically improved. However, 10 days after admission, the patient became hyperthermic and presented a warm, generalised soft tissue swelling affecting both hindlimbs and painful metaphyseal regions. Radiographic findings were suggestive of multifocal haematogenous osteomyelitis and septic physitis. Blood culture came back positive with a multiresistant bacterium. Given the poor prognosis, the dog was euthanased. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of severe multicentric osteomyelitis, physitis and arthritis, associated with infective endocarditis and chronic bacterial exudative pleuritis.

Abstract Case Description A 9-year-old neutered female mixed-breed dog was presented for the assessment of right pelvic limb lameness of 1-week duration. The lameness had progressed to non-weight bearing the day before presentation. Diagnostic Findings Radiographic examination of the right stifle joint revealed a large purely lytic lesion affecting the proximal metaphysis and epiphysis of the right tibia associated with a pathological fracture of the tibial plateau. These findings, combined with histological evaluation of a bone biopsy performed under ultrasound-guidance, were suggestive of a giant cell tumour of bone. Treatment and Outcome A limb-sparing procedure was attempted as first-line treatment. Curettage of the tumour was followed by coblation, and the defect was filled with polymethyl methacrylate bone cement. Physical and radiographic follow-up examinations 1, 2 and 3 months after surgery revealed improved functional outcome and minor progression of osteolysis. However, local recurrence was apparent 5 months after initial surgery and the limb was therefore amputated. Clinical Relevance Giant cell tumour of bone is rare in dogs. In humans, the traditional surgical management is curettage. This treatment was attempted here for the first time in a dog and the short-term outcome was satisfactory. However, in this particular case, local control of the tumour was unsuccessful.