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Porcarelli L, Dell’Era E, Collarile T, De Palma V, Morara N, Matiasek K, Corlazzoli D. Cervical Disc Extrusion with Dorsal Migration in a Pet Rabbit. Vet Sci 2024; 11:328. [PMID: 39058012 PMCID: PMC11281693 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11070328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
An 8-year-old rabbit presented with a 5-day history of acute difficulty in walking. Neurological examination revealed tetraparesis, proprioceptive deficits in both pelvic limbs and the right thoracic limb, decreased withdrawal reflex on the right thoracic limb and hyperreflexia in the pelvic limbs. A cervico-thoracic (C6-T2) localization was suspected. Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed, revealing a right dorsolateral extradural lesion at the C6-C7 intervertebral disc space. Additionally, meningeal and paravertebral contrast enhancement was observed on MRI, while periosteal reaction was evident at the right C6-C7 facet joint on CT. The findings were primarily consistent with spinal cord compression due to the presence of extruded disc material. Following conservative treatment failure, a right-sided C6-C7 hemilaminectomy was performed to remove the compression and sample the extradural material. Histological examination confirmed the presence of degenerated and partially mineralized disc material mixed with granulation tissue. This is the first reported case of cervical disc extrusion in a rabbit, confirmed by histological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Porcarelli
- Centro Veterinario Gregorio VII, 00165 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (V.D.P.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Elena Dell’Era
- Section of Clinical & Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (E.D.); (K.M.)
| | - Tommaso Collarile
- Centro Veterinario Gregorio VII, 00165 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (V.D.P.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Valeria De Palma
- Centro Veterinario Gregorio VII, 00165 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (V.D.P.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Noemi Morara
- Centro Veterinario Gregorio VII, 00165 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (V.D.P.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical & Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (E.D.); (K.M.)
| | - Daniele Corlazzoli
- Centro Veterinario Gregorio VII, 00165 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (V.D.P.); (N.M.); (D.C.)
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Doboși AA, Paștiu AI, Bel LV, Pusta DL. The Prevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the North-Western Region of Romania Using Serological Diagnosis: A Preliminary Study. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1440. [PMID: 39065208 PMCID: PMC11279170 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian, domestic rabbits being the main host. The disease can be acute or subclinical, but treatment options are limited and usually with unrewarding results; therefore, diagnosis and prevention of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits are of the utmost importance. This study aims to obtain the first preliminary information of the prevalence of E. cuniculi in the north-western region of Romania. A total of 176 rabbits were clinically examined and 2 mL of blood was sampled from each. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit by Medicago (Medicago, Uppsala, Sweden) on the resulted blood serum was utilized. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using the EpiInfo 2000 software (CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA). A total prevalence of 39.2% (69/176) was identified, with statistically significant differences in relation to the rabbits' clinical status, age, season of sampling, breeding system, body condition score and county of origin; the different family farms tested also had a statistically significant difference. This study gives the first preliminary information on this pathogen distribution on Romania's territory, but further studies need to be performed on larger regions to declare the prevalence in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Alexandra Doboși
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.D.); (D.L.P.)
| | - Anamaria Ioana Paștiu
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.D.); (D.L.P.)
| | - Lucia-Victoria Bel
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Dana Liana Pusta
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-A.D.); (D.L.P.)
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Liatis T, Makri N, Czopowicz M, Richardson J, Nuttall T, Suñol A. Otitis media/interna and encephalitozoonosis are the most common causes of head tilt in pet rabbits in the UK: 73 cases (2009‒2020). Vet Rec 2024; 195:e4267. [PMID: 38831734 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited studies that identify diseases associated with head tilt in pet rabbits. METHODS This was an observational, retrospective, single-centre study of rabbits with head tilt presented between 2009 and 2020. Descriptive statistics were performed for all cases, whereas univariate and multivariate analyses were only performed for the 36 cases with a final diagnosis. RESULTS Seventy-three rabbits met the inclusion criteria. The final diagnoses included Encephalitozoon cuniculi meningoencephalomyelitis (EC) (15/36; 41.7%), otitis media/interna (OMI) (8/36; 22.2%) and concurrent EC and OMI (13/38; 36.1%). Subacute-to-chronic onset was more common in rabbits with OMI than in those with EC (p = 0.018). Previous middle ear surgery (p = 0.046) and a diagnosis of otitis externa (p = 0.004) significantly increased the risk of OMI. Meloxicam was associated with improvement of clinical signs (p = 0.007). Upright ears (p = 0.013), recumbency (p = 0.037) and impaired mentation (p = 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of death/euthanasia. The proportions of residual head tilt (66.7%) and relapse of vestibular signs (42.1%) were high. LIMITATIONS This was a retrospective study with cases varying in their investigation and conclusive final diagnoses. CONCLUSION OMI and EC were the most common aetiologies of head tilt in pet rabbits in the UK. Meloxicam might be associated with a favourable outcome in affected rabbits. Paired EC serology and a CT scan of the head should be the baseline investigation for head tilt in rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theofanis Liatis
- Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Nikoleta Makri
- Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jenna Richardson
- Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Tim Nuttall
- Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Anna Suñol
- Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
- Hospital Veterinaria del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
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Aimo-Koivisto E, Punakallio L, Järvinen R, Junnila J, Grönthal T, Rantala M. A pilot study of antimicrobial effects and ototoxicity of a Norway spruce (Picea abies) resin-based canine otic rinse product. Vet Dermatol 2024; 35:325-336. [PMID: 38169122 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norway spruce (Picea abies) resin-based products are used in human medicine. A resin-based otic rinse also could be useful in supportive care of canine otitis externa (COE), yet information on its antimicrobial effect against canine pathogens or ototoxicity is lacking. OBJECTIVES To investigate the antimicrobial properties and ototoxicity of a commercial resin-based otic product. MATERIALS AND METHODS Antimicrobial effect was evaluated using a standardised challenge test on Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Corynebacterium auriscanis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Malassezia pachydermatis, and Streptococcus halichoeri strains to measure reduction in growth after 24 h exposure to the product. Effect on cell morphology was investigated by exposing S. pseudintermedius, C. auriscanis, P. aeruginosa and M. pachydermatis to the product in 20% and 100% (v/v) concentrations for 6, 24 and 48 h, and evaluating cells by transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy. An in vitro microbial kill-rate assay also was performed. Auditory brain stem response test, clinical evaluation and postmortem histological evaluation of ear canals were undertaken on experimental guinea pigs treated with the test product or saline controls. RESULTS The product showed >log 5 growth reduction for all strains in the challenge test. TEM and SEM images showed clear changes in the cells' inner structures and deterioration of cells, and 100% (v/v) test product exposure induced microbial killing in 1-2 h. Ototoxicity was not detected in guinea pigs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The product may be an option in supportive care of COE because of antimicrobial effects and lack of ototoxic properties in a guinea pig model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Aimo-Koivisto
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | | | | | - Merja Rantala
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Wang J, Qiao H, Wang Z, Zhao W, Chen T, Li B, Zhu L, Chen S, Gu L, Wu Y, Zhang Z, Bi L, Chen P. Rational Design and Acoustic Assembly of Human Cerebral Cortex-Like Microtissues from hiPSC-Derived Neural Progenitors and Neurons. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2210631. [PMID: 37170683 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Development of biologically relevant and clinically relevant human cerebral cortex models is demanded by mechanistic studies of human cerebral cortex-associated neurological diseases and discovery of preclinical neurological drug candidates. Here, rational design of human-sourced brain-like cortical tissue models is demonstrated by reverse engineering and bionic design. To implement this design, the acoustic assembly technique is employed to assemble hiPSC-derived neural progenitors and neurons separately in a label-free and contact-free manner followed by subsequent neural differentiation and culture. The generated microtissues encapsulate the neuronal microanatomy of human cerebral-cortex tissue that contains six-layered neuronal architecture, a 400-µm interlayer distance, synaptic connections between interlayers, and neuroelectrophysiological transmission. Furthermore, these microtissues are infected with herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) virus, and the HSV-induced pathogenesis associated with Alzheimer's disease is determined, including neuron loss and the expression of Aβ. Overall, a high-fidelity human-relevant in vitro histotypic model is provided for the cerebral cortex, which will facilitate wide applications in probing the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and screening the candidates for neuroprotective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibo Wang
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Haowen Qiao
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhenyan Wang
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Bin Li
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Lili Zhu
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Sihan Chen
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Longjun Gu
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Linlin Bi
- Department of Pathology, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Pu Chen
- Tissue Engineering and Organ Manufacturing (TEOM) Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan, 430071, China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
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Doboși AA, Bel LV, Paștiu AI, Pusta DL. A Review of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Domestic Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus)-Biology, Clinical Signs, Diagnostic Techniques, Treatment, and Prevention. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121486. [PMID: 36558820 PMCID: PMC9785705 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a eukaryote, unicellular, spore-forming, obligate intracellular microorganism of the phylum Microsporidia, with domestic rabbits as its main host. Another important species in which this pathogen has been identified are humans, the infection being therefore called a "zoonosis". The transmission takes place via the horizontal route or the vertical route, and cell-mediated immunity plays the biggest role in the infected hosts' protection. Encephalitozoonosis can manifest itself as an acute infection, with neurological signs, renal signs, and ocular lesions, or as a chronic or subclinical infection, which is usually the case for asymptomatic carriers. The diagnostic techniques usually carried out are histological examination, serological tests, and molecular genetic techniques. The treatment of encephalitozoonosis is usually symptomatic, with unrewarding results, and prevention methods include periodical serological screening, prophylactic administration of fenbendazole, and maintenance of a clean environment. The purpose of this article is to review the current data regarding the pathogenesis, host immunity, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prevention methods of encephalitozoonosis in the domestic rabbit, as well as to analyze the prevalence of this disease in different countries of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Alexandra Doboși
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucia-Victoria Bel
- New Companion Animals Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anamaria Ioana Paștiu
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Dana Liana Pusta
- Department of Genetics and Hereditary Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Rozas JJB, Gomez JL, Urday MJQ. FREQUENCY OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN PET RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS) IN LIMA, PERU. J Exot Pet Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Mäkitaipale J, Järvenpää E, Bruce A, Sankari S, Virtala AM, Näreaho A. Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and risk-factor assessment for Encephalitozoon cuniculi seroprevalence in Finnish pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Acta Vet Scand 2022; 64:2. [PMID: 35109904 PMCID: PMC8812214 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-022-00622-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurological signs, such as head tilt, torticollis, paralysis, and seizures, are common in rabbits. Differential diagnoses include two zoonotic infections caused by the microsporidial fungi Encephalitozoon cuniculi and the apicomplexan protozoa Toxoplasma gondii. Both infections are mainly latent in rabbits but may cause severe or even fatal disease. Although several international studies have reported the seroprevalence of these pathogens in different commercial rabbit populations, similar prevalence studies and risk-factor analyses among family-owned pet rabbits are uncommon and lacking in Scandinavia. We sought to estimate the seroprevalence and possible risk factors for E. cuniculi and T. gondii among Finnish pet rabbits. We used ELISA to measure E. cuniculi IgG seroprevalence of 247 rabbits and modified direct agglutination test for T. gondii seroprevalence of 270 rabbits. Samples were collected as part of the Finnish Pet Rabbit Health Research project. Internet-based questionnaires (n = 231) completed by the rabbit owners were used for risk-factor analysis. Results The apparent seroprevalence of E. cuniculi was 29.2% and true seroprevalence of T. gondii 3.9%. Risk factors were analysed only for E. cuniculi due to the low T. gondii seroprevalence. The final multivariable logistic regression model revealed that rabbits spending the whole summer outdoors had a higher risk of being E. cuniculi seropositive than rabbits with limited outdoor access. Additionally, rabbits living in households with only one or two rabbits had higher risk of being E. cuniculi seropositive than those in multi-rabbit households. Conclusions Nearly one third of Finnish pet rabbits participating in this study had E. cuniculi IgG antibodies, indicating previous exposure to this pathogen. The prevalence is similar to that reported previously in clinically healthy rabbit populations in UK and Korea. While the seroprevalence of T. gondii was low (3.9%), antibodies were detected. Therefore, these zoonotic parasitic infections should be considered as differential diagnoses when treating rabbits.
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Solanes F, Bassan T, Cobos A, Frau M, Martorell J. Cerebral thromboembolism secondary to infective endocarditis in a pet rabbit. J Exot Pet Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Proks P, Johansen TM, Nývltová I, Komenda D, Černochová H, Vignoli M. Vertebral Formulae and Congenital Vertebral Anomalies in Guinea Pigs: A Retrospective Radiographic Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030589. [PMID: 33668174 PMCID: PMC7995982 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Guinea pigs are popular pets, but there is still a lack of information about their morphology. Variable morphology of the vertebral column can lead to incorrect localization of spinal diseases or the site of surgical intervention. This study aimed to determine the numerical variants of vertebral column and prevalence, localization, and type of congenital anomalies of the vertebral column. Vertebral column radiographs were reviewed in 240 guinea pigs, and nine numerical variants of the vertebral column were noticed. The most common vertebral formula, seven cervical, 13 thoracic, six lumbar, four sacral, and five to seven caudal vertebrae, was found in 75% of guinea pigs. Congenital anomalies were also found as incidental findings in 12.5% of guinea pigs, mostly in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions. The most common congenital anomalies were a variable morphology of the last pair of ribs in the thoracolumbar region and transitional vertebra with a mixed morphological characteristic of lumbar and sacral vertebrae in the lumbosacral region. The cervical region was the least common region for congenital anomalies of the vertebral column. Our results contribute to the knowledge of clinical morphology in guinea pigs applicable in both, research and clinical practice. Abstract The objectives of this retrospective study of 240 guinea pigs (148 females and 92 males) were to determine the prevalence of different vertebral formulae and the type and anatomical localization of congenital vertebral anomalies (CVA). Radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L), sacral (S), and caudal (Cd) part of the vertebral column were reviewed. Morphology and number of vertebrae in each segment of the vertebral column and type and localization of CVA were recorded. In 210/240 guinea pigs (87.50%) with normal vertebral morphology, nine vertebral formulae were found with constant number of C but variable number of Th, L, and S vertebrae: C7/Th13/L6/S4/Cd5-7 (75%), C7/Th13/L6/S3/Cd6-7 (4.17%), C7/Th13/L5/S4/Cd6-7 (2.50%), C7/Th13/L6/S5/Cd5-6 (1.67%), C7/Th12/L6/S4/Cd6 (1.25%), C7/Th13/L7/S4/Cd6 (1.25%), C7/Th13/L7/S3/Cd6-7 (0.83%), C7/Th12/L7/S4/Cd5 (0.42%), C7/Th13/L5/S5/Cd7 (0.42%). CVA were found in 30/240 (12.5%) of guinea pigs, mostly as a transitional vertebra (28/30), which represents 100% of single CVA localised in cervicothoracic (n = 1), thoracolumbar (n = 22) and lumbosacral segments (n = 5). Five morphological variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (TTV) were identified. Two (2/30) guinea pigs had a combination of CVA: cervical block vertebra and TTV (n = 1) and TTV and lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LTV) (n = 1). These findings suggest that guinea pigs’ vertebral column displays more morphological variants with occasional CVA predominantly transitional vertebrae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Proks
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.M.J.); (I.N.); (D.K.)
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
| | - Trude Maria Johansen
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.M.J.); (I.N.); (D.K.)
| | - Ivana Nývltová
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.M.J.); (I.N.); (D.K.)
| | - Dominik Komenda
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (T.M.J.); (I.N.); (D.K.)
| | - Hana Černochová
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Massimo Vignoli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
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Richardson J, Longo M, Liuti T, Eatwell K. Computed tomographic grading of middle ear disease in domestic rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculi). Vet Rec 2019; 184:679. [PMID: 31147450 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Ear disease, involving the middle and external ear, is commonly reported in pet rabbits, with lop-eared breeds predisposed. CT is the most reliable imaging modality for identifying otitis media (OM) in rabbits. This study aimed to develop a CT-based grading scale to classify the severity of CT changes in rabbits with presumed OM. Three observers independently reviewed CT images of 36 rabbits with OM. For both OM and material within the external ear canal, a grade of I to IV was used, (I=mild, IV=severe disease) and the level of agreement between reviewers was statistically evaluated. The study demonstrated that grades from the three reviewers showed a strong level of interobserver agreement. Comparisons between clinical signs and CT grade were also evaluated. Rabbits with grade IV OM had a high grade of material in the external ear canal. A high proportion of rabbits (83 per cent) underwent CT scanning conscious, demonstrating that diagnostic quality CT images are achievable without the need for anaesthetic intervention, minimising patient risk. This novel CT-based grading scale provides a methodology to correlate grade of disease with clinical signs, ear canal cytology, predisposing factors, treatment options and outcomes for rabbits with ear disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Richardson
- Dick Vet Rabbit and Exotic Practice, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin, Midlothian, UK
| | - Maurizio Longo
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin, Midlothian, UK
| | - Tiziana Liuti
- Diagnostic Imaging Department, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin, Midlothian, UK
| | - Kevin Eatwell
- Dick Vet Rabbit and Exotic Practice, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin, Midlothian, UK
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Proks P, Stehlik L, Nyvltova I, Necas A, Vignoli M, Jekl V. Vertebral formula and congenital abnormalities of the vertebral column in rabbits. Vet J 2018; 236:80-88. [PMID: 29871755 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this retrospective study of 330 rabbits (164 males, 166 females) was to determine different vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in rabbits from radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) segments of the vertebral column. The number of vertebrae in each segment of vertebral column, position of anticlinal vertebra and localisation and type of congenital abnormalities were recorded. In 280/330 rabbits (84.8%) with normal vertebral morphology, seven vertebral formulas were identified: C7/Th12/L7/S4 (252/330, 76.4%), C7/Th12/L6/S4 (11/330, 3.3%), C7/Th13/L7/S4 (8/330, 2.4%), C7/Th12/L7/S5 (4/330, 1.2%), C7/Th12/L8/S4 (3/330, 0.9%), C7/Th12/L7/S6 (1/330, 0.3%) and C7/Th11/L7/S4 (1/330, 0.3%). The anticlinal vertebra was identified as Th10 in 56.4% of rabbits and Th11 in 42.4% of rabbits. Congenital spinal abnormalities were identified in 50/330 (15.2%) rabbits, predominantly as a single pathology (n=44). Transitional vertebrae represented the most common abnormalities (n=41 rabbits) in the thoracolumbar (n=35) and lumbosacral segments (n=6). Five variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae were identified. Cervical butterfly vertebrae were detected in three rabbits. One rabbit exhibited three congenital vertebral anomalies: cervical block vertebra, thoracic hemivertebra and thoracolumbar transitional vertebra. Five rabbits exhibited congenital vertebral abnormalities with concurrent malalignment, specifically cervical kyphosis/short vertebra (n=1), thoracic lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (n=1), thoracic kyphoscoliosis/wedge vertebrae (n=2) and thoracolumbar lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae/lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (n=1). These findings suggest that vertebral columns in rabbits display a wide range of morphologies, with occasional congenital malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Proks
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - L Stehlik
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - I Nyvltova
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - A Necas
- Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Vignoli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano D́Accio, 641 00, Teramo, Italy
| | - V Jekl
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
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Crawford AH, Hedley JE, Lam R, Drożdżyńska MJ, De Decker S. Surgical treatment of a paraspinal abscess with osteomyelitis and spinal cord compression in a rabbit. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2017; 251:340-344. [PMID: 28703667 DOI: 10.2460/javma.251.3.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A 16-month-old neutered male Continental Giant rabbit (Lepus curpaeums) was referred for evaluation of a 7-day history of acute-onset, progressive, symmetric paraparesis. CLINICAL FINDINGS On initial examination, the rabbit was nonambulatory, and results of neurologic examination were consistent with a lesion affecting the T3-L3 spinal cord segments. Thoracic radiography showed irregular widening of the left T11-12 articular process joint. Marked dorsolateral and lateral extradural spinal cord compression with contrast enhancement of the adjacent epaxial muscles was evident on MRI images of the spine. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A left-sided T11-T12 hemilaminectomy was performed, which revealed an abnormal and hypertrophic T11-12 articular process joint and an osteolytic lesion communicating with the vertebral canal. Copious purulent material causing marked spinal cord compression was evident, and the surgical site was lavaged extensively with sterile (0.9% NaCl) saline solution. Results of aerobic, anaerobic, and enriched bacteriologic cultures of swab specimens obtained from the surgical site were negative. Histologic analysis of biopsy samples revealed chronic purulent osteomyelitis, myositis, and fasciitis with necrosis, fibrosis, and dystrophic mineralization. The rabbit was discharged 48 hours after surgery. Ten weeks after surgery, the rabbit was ambulatory with mild paraparesis. On telephone follow-up 21 months after surgery, the owners indicated that the rabbit was healthy and expressed satisfaction with the treatment and outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Paraspinal abscess with vertebral canal involvement should be considered as a differential diagnosis for rabbits with clinical signs of progressive T3-L3 myelopathy. Outcome for the patient of the present report suggested that surgical treatment including decompression and debridement can result in a favorable long-term outcome.
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15
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Snow R, Mans C, Rylander H. Neurological examination in healthy chinchillas ( Chinchilla lanigera). Lab Anim 2017; 51:629-635. [PMID: 29160177 DOI: 10.1177/0023677217698000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chinchillas are popular as laboratory models and companion animals, and they can be affected by a variety of infectious and non-infectious neurological diseases. Little information is available on making a neurological diagnosis in this species, in part because the neurological examination has not been standardized in chinchillas and the expected physiological findings in healthy chinchillas have not been reported. In this study, a standardized neurological examination was performed on 30 clinically normal chinchillas. The perineal reflex and the menace response were absent in all chinchillas evaluated and so should not be used as functional tests. Several tests were consistently positive, such as the oculocephalic reflex, maxillary, mandibular and auricular sensations, withdrawal reflexes, thoracic limb paw replacement, and the wheelbarrow test. Other tests, such as the cutaneous trunci reflex and pelvic limb paw replacement, had variable responses. Based on these findings, it is advised that clinicians prioritize tests that can be easily performed without undue stress to the animal, and give consistent results in a healthy patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Snow
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christoph Mans
- 2 School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Helena Rylander
- 2 School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Abstract
This chapter provides an introduction to animals that are commonly used for research. It presents information on basic care topics such as biology, behavior, housing, feeding, sexing, and breeding of these animals. The chapter provides some insight into the reasons why these animals are used in research. It also gives an overview of techniques that can be utilized to collect blood or to administer drugs or medicine. Each section concludes with a brief description of how to recognize abnormal signs, in addition to lists of various diseases.
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Pellett
- Animates Veterinary Clinic, 2 The Green, Thurlby, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 0EB
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DeCubellis J. Common Emergencies in Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2016; 19:411-29. [PMID: 26948264 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas are some of the more common exotic pets seen in emergency clinics. They frequently present with acute illnesses that are the result of several chronic conditions, most related to inadequate diet and husbandry. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of some of the more common acute illnesses. It also discusses the predisposing factors that culminate in acute presentations, so that emergency providers can recognize and be mindful of underlying causes of disease before treatment of acute illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie DeCubellis
- Calgary Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic, Bay 1, 2308-24th Street Southwest, Calgary, Alberta T2T 5H8, Canada.
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