Dental disease is a common problem in pet rabbits. Odontogenic abscesses can occur as a complication of dental disease or as an advanced clinical picture of acquired progressive dental disease (PSADD (Progressive Syndrome of Acquired Dental Disease)). In addition to various congenital causes, such as superior brachygnathia, acquired causes play a role in the development of dental disease. These are often very complex. In addition to iatrogenic causes, e.g., due to the obsolete use of nippers to shorten the incisors, a complex interplay of diet-related and metabolic factors should be mentioned. The specifics of dental anatomy are important to understand the disease and to correctly classify pathologies. As important further diagnostics, radiographs or computer tomographic images of the head are essential for an exact diagnosis. Furthermore, they provide important information for prognosis and therapy planning.

Five female gerbils were presented with apathy at two veterinary clinics. Abdominal masses were palpated in four cases during the clinical examination. After whole body radiography and abdominal ultrasonography, the suspected diagnosis of an ovarian pathology was made in all five animals. A diagnostic laparotomy followed by an ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy were performed. A histological diagnosis was undertaken only in three patients and revealed a benign granulosa cell tumour of the ovaries in one gerbil (Patient 1) and a malignant granulosa cell tumour of the ovary in the other two (Patients 2 and 3). In addition, a uterine adenocarcinoma was found in Patient land a glandular-cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium was diagnosed in another (Patient 2). The postsurgical survival time of the five patients ranged from six days to eight months. Ovarian neoplasms are common in the female Mongolian gerbil and should be considered if corresponding symptoms occur. Due to the possible malignant behaviour and bilateral occurrence of some ovarian neoplasms, ovariohysterectomy rather than unilateral ovariectomy should be performed. However, the long-term prognosis is considered cautious.

Erfahren Sie mehr über anatomische und physiologische Besonderheiten, Untersuchungsmethoden und häufige Krankheitsbilder dieses kleinen Patienten.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine an effective dose of the contrast agent diatrizoate in healthy rabbits. Methods: This study included 14 rabbits receiving three different dosages of a solution containing 300 mg iodine/mL and 600 mg diatrizoate/mL (Dose 1, 2 mL/kg; Dose 2, 7 mL/kg; Dose 3, 10 mL/kg). Full body radiographs were obtained at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes, and 12 and 24 hours after oral administration. Blood samples 60 minutes and 24 hours after administration and fecal dry matter after 24 hours were compared to preliminary samples. Results: Recommended doses and times for radiography for luminal patency and visualization of each gastrointestinal segment are given. The evaluated blood parameters were within their respective reference intervals throughout this study. However, significant changes (P < 0.05) could be observed. A decrease in hematocrit at all three doses administered, an increase in urea that persisted for more than 24 hours after administration of 2 mL/kg and 10 mL/kg, and a short-term increase in creatinine after administration of 7 mL/kg could be observed. Glucose and sodium were still increased after administration of 10 mL/kg after 24 hours, while potassium decreased after administration of all three doses. The chloride concentration was still increased after 24 hours after administration of 7 mL/kg. Administration of 7 mL/kg and 10 mL/kg resulted in a significant decrease in the dry matter of feces. Five rabbits developed self-limiting diarrhea after administration of 10 mL/kg. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Diatrizoate is a useful contrast agent in order to assess the passage through the intestine and achieve a good visualization of the gastrointestinal system.

Erkrankungen des Gastrointestinaltrakts sind ein häufiger Vorstellungsgrund für Meerschweinchen in der tierärztlichen Praxis. Erfahren Sie mehr über mögliche Ätiologien, Symptome, Diagnostik und Therapie dieses vielschichtigen Krankheitsbilds.

A 6-year-old female, pet rabbit after ovaryectomy was presented due to dyspnea and a swelling in the anogenital region. After detailed anamnesis, clinical investigation, further diagnostics (radiography and sonography), and blood analysis an abdominal herniation with prolapsed urinary bladder and uterus was diagnosed. During laparotomy a tumor of the uterus was found and therefore hysterectomy was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed an uterine adenocarcinoma. The urinary bladder was relocated to the abdominal cavity and the hernia orifice was closed. The rabbit recovered well and was released the day after. The detection of an uterine adenocarcinoma in a rabbit after ovaryectomy is the first report of that kind in the German literature according to the authors' knowledge.

Kaninchen in Außen- und Innenhaltung benötigen einen lückenlosen Impfschutz, um zuverlässig gegen die Infektionskrankheiten RHD 1 und 2 und Myxomatose geschützt zu sein.

Die therapeutische Versorgung des potenziell lebensbedrohlichen Ileus erfolgt individuell, je nach Befund und Krankheitsverlauf. Frischen Sie Ihr Wissen zu Diagnostik, Therapie und Prophylaxe auf.

Die Leberlappentorsion, die oft mit unspezifischen Symptomen einhergeht, führt unbehandelt rasch zum Tod. Mögliche Ätiologien, Symptome, diagnostische Wege und Therapiemöglichkeiten sollen dargestellt werden und das Erkennen und Behandeln dieser unterschätzten Erkrankung erleichtern.

Aim The aim of this study was to present an overview of the gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in guinea pigs. Material and methods Four cases of gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in guinea pigs were evaluated. Its clinical presentation, diagnostic options, therapeutical approach and possible alternatives thereof were discussed. Furthermore, risk factors for the disease as well as pathophysiology and etiology were discussed and compared to the situation in other species. Results The presented cases indicate that in addition to anamnesis and clinical examination, radiography is the means of choice to diagnose a gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in guinea pigs. All four patients underwent surgery. One animal was euthanized during surgery, the other three guinea pigs died postoperatively. Conclusion and clinical relevance Gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in guinea pigs is considered to be an emergency and, therefore, immediate stabilization is necessary, as well as surgery in almost all cases. The prognosis of this disease is guarded to poor.

Zusammenfassung Ziel Übersichtsarbeit zur Darstellung des Krankheitsbildes der Magendrehung beim Meerschweinchen. Material und Methoden Vier klinische Fälle einer Magendrehung beim Meerschweinchen wurden hinsichtlich des klinischen Bildes und der diagnostischen Möglichkeiten betrachtet. Es erfolgte eine Darstellung von Therapieversuchen und möglicher Alternativen. Potenzielle Risikofaktoren für die Erkrankung sowie deren Ätiologie und Pathophysiologie wurden diskutiert und mit den Verhältnissen bei anderen Tierarten verglichen. Ergebnisse Anhand der dargestellten Fälle wird deutlich, dass neben der Anamnese und klinischen Untersuchung die Röntgenuntersuchung das Mittel der Wahl zur Diagnose einer Magendrehung beim Meerschweinchen darstellt. In allen vier Fällen erfolgte nach der Diagnose ein chirurgischer Therapieversuch. Ein Tier wurde intraoperativ euthanasiert, drei Patienten verstarben nach der Operation. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Die Magendrehung beim Meerschweinchen ist als absoluter Notfall einzustufen. Neben der sofortigen Stabilisierung des Patienten bedarf es fast immer einer chirurgischen Intervention. Die Prognose der Erkrankung ist als vorsichtig bis schlecht einzustufen.

Mit zunehmendem Wissen über verschiedene Krankheitsbilder von Kleinsäugern wie Kaninchen, Frettchen, Meerschweinchen und Kleinnagern steigt auch die Erwartungshaltung der Besitzer an den Tierarzt. Die Qualität des Röntgenbilds spielt bei der Interpretation der Befunde häufig eine entscheidende Rolle.

Urolithiasis is a common condition in rabbits and guinea pigs. Swift therapy is advisable due to the associated pain, inflammation and the obstruction of the urinary tract. Medical therapy alone can be unsuccessful and in many cases surgical therapy is indicated. The type of surgery varies depending on urolith size, location and the patient's status. Several measures to prevent urolith reoccurrence are currently under discussion, such as urine dilution, change of diet, improvement of husbandry and several types of medication.

Urolithiasis is a common condition in both rabbits and guinea pigs. Their particular type of calcium metabolism and other predisposing factors can lead to the formation of predominantly calcium carbonate stones in the urinary tract of these animals. Clinical signs and urinalysis can lead to a tentative diagnosis of urolithiasis. Radiographic imaging and ultrasonography are used to confirm the diagnosis. Additional blood testing can be helpful in estimating each animal's prognosis.

Gegen RHD und Myxomatose bietet nur eine lückenlose Impfung einen zuverlässigen Schutz. Zusätzlich besteht die Möglichkeit gegen Enterokolitis und Kaninchenschnupfen zu impfen. Der Artikel gibt eine Übersicht über diese Infektionskrankheiten und stellt die aktuellen Möglichkeiten der Impfungen dar.