1
|
Jackson MA, Burn CC, Hedley J, Brodbelt DC, O'Neill DG. Dental disease in companion rabbits under UK primary veterinary care: Frequency and risk factors. Vet Rec 2024; 194:e3993. [PMID: 38439116 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3993] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some prior evidence has suggested that lop-eared rabbits and those with brachycephalic skull conformations have a higher dental disease risk. This retrospective cohort study reports the frequency and conformational risk factors for primary-care veterinary diagnosis with dental disease in companion rabbits in the UK. METHODS Anonymised VetCompass clinical records were manually reviewed to confirm dental disease cases. Risk factor analysis used multivariable binary logistic regression modelling. RESULTS From 161,979 rabbits under primary veterinary care in 2019, the 1-year period prevalence of overall dental disease was 15.36% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.78-15.96). The prevalence of dental disease affecting incisors was 3.14% (95% CI: 2.87-3.44), and for cheek teeth it was 13.72% (95% CI: 13.17-14.29). Neither lop-eared conformation nor brachycephalic skull conformation was significantly associated with increased odds of dental disease. Dental disease odds increased as age increased and decreased as bodyweight increased. LIMITATIONS This study retrospectively accessed clinical records, so breed names may sometimes be imprecise. CONCLUSION The high overall prevalence of dental disease represents a major welfare concern for all companion rabbits, regardless of conformation. This information can be used to encourage regular routine dental assessment of rabbits of all conformations to promote earlier diagnosis, paying particular attention to older rabbits and those with low bodyweight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Jackson
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Charlotte C Burn
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Joanna Hedley
- Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Dave C Brodbelt
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Dan G O'Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chivers BD, Keeler MRD, Burn CC. Ear health and quality of life in pet rabbits of differing ear conformations: A UK survey of owner-reported signalment risk factors and effects on rabbit welfare and behaviour. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285372. [PMID: 37467190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of ear disease on animal welfare and behaviour are little documented. Ear disease may be common in rabbits, but difficult to recognise, and lop-ears have previously been indicated as a risk factor for ear disease. We aimed to better understand the range of ear conditions in pet rabbits, signalment risk factors, and impacts on welfare and behaviour. Through an online questionnaire, we investigated owner-reported signalment, veterinary diagnosis of ear conditions, impaired hearing, and ear pain for UK pet rabbits. Relationships between ear condition measures and ear conformation, quality of life, and behaviour were analysed using logistic regression. Of 551 valid responses, 28.5% of rabbits reportedly had experienced ear conditions; 21.2% diagnosed or mentioned by vets, with otitis and excess cerumen most common. Approximately 25% of lop-eared rabbits had ear conditions indicated by a vet versus 10% of erect-eared rabbits. Lop-eared, half-lop, and older rabbits were most at risk (P<0.050). Rabbits reported as showing ear pain responses had reduced owner-reported quality of life compared with other rabbits (P<0.050). Rabbits with ear problems were less likely to be responsive to relevant sounds, and performed binky behaviour (joy jumps) less frequently, than rabbits without such issues. Understanding prevalence and risk factors for ear conditions is critical to improving welfare standards across this widely owned pet species. The findings suggest that improved recognition and treatment of ear conditions, and avoiding breeding from rabbits with early signs, or a family history, of ear disease are necessary to help combat this animal welfare issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedict D Chivers
- Animal Welfare Science and Ethics, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa R D Keeler
- Animal Welfare Science and Ethics, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte C Burn
- Animal Welfare Science and Ethics, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Keeble E. Ear disease in pet rabbits. IN PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/inpr.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
|
4
|
Dobberstein REA, Brisson BA, McMillan S, Oblak ML, Singh A, Dutton CJ, Zhang M. Perioperative complications and outcomes following partial ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy in pet rabbits: 20 cases (2009-2021). J Small Anim Pract 2023; 64:350-358. [PMID: 36756788 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the perioperative complications and outcomes of rabbits undergoing partial ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy for treatment of chronic otitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Surgical logbooks were searched to identify rabbits that underwent partial ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy between December 2009 and September 2021. Data collected included signalment, history, clinical signs, historical and current medical management, physical examination findings, preoperative diagnostic imaging and aural bacterial culture results, surgical procedure information, duration of hospitalisation, complications and final outcome. RESULTS Twenty rabbits with chronic, medically unresponsive otitis underwent 27 partial ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomies. Ten rabbits had pre-existing neurologic deficits and 17 had an ear base abscess at the time of surgery. A total of 13 (65%) rabbits developed at least one complication, either in the perioperative period or between discharge and recheck. Three of these rabbits (15%) underwent revision surgery for persistent or recurrent ear base abscess. Complete resolution of clinical signs ultimately occurred in 12 (60%) rabbits. Three (15%) rabbits showed improved but not completely resolved clinical signs (three facial asymmetry). Five (25%) rabbits died of causes potentially related to chronic otitis and/or partial ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy; two of these rabbits had undergone revision surgery. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Although this study reports a high complication rate (65%), most complications resolved, with 15 (75%) rabbits having a good to excellent final outcome. Since the majority of rabbits in this study had chronic and severe ear disease, further studies are required to determine if surgical intervention earlier in the disease process could result in a lower complication rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R E A Dobberstein
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - B A Brisson
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - S McMillan
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - M L Oblak
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Singh
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - C J Dutton
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Zhang
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Coeuriot CTN, Guise L, Cazin CC, Meregalli R, Fusellier MS. Tympanic bullae ultrasonography is feasible in nonsedated healthy rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 260:1934-1940. [PMID: 36170214 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.06.0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of ultrasonography of the tympanic bullae (TB) in live, nonsedated rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). ANIMALS 40 healthy rabbits undergoing TB ultrasonography without sedation between September 2021 and May 2022. PROCEDURES For each rabbit, fur was clipped over an area (3 X 3 cm) at the level of the angular process of each mandible, then 3 ultrasonographic planes of each TB were imaged via ventral approach, with measurement of the time taken to complete the examination. Three items were assessed for each plane: TB depth, wall integrity, and contents (present or absent). Results were compared for rabbits grouped as standard-sized breed type versus dwarf-sized breed type. RESULTS The examination could be carried out successfully in 36 of 40 (90%) of rabbits with clipping. The restraint and examination were relatively well tolerated by the animals, except for the transverse sections. Obtaining oblique and longitudinal sections, carried out on 33 of 40 (83%) rabbits in our study, allowed for evaluation of the TB. The examination was feasible with all rabbit sizes. The depth of the TB was found to be linked to the size of the rabbit and especially to the size of its jaw. Visualization of the distal bulla wall was observed in 2 of the 40 (5%) subjects, consistent with abnormal fluid contents or bulla osteitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ultrasonography of the TB was easy to learn and rapid to perform, with a mean examination time of < 10 minutes (mean of 8.71 minutes) without any sedation.
Collapse
|
6
|
Vecere G, Malka S, Holden N, Tang S, Krumbeck JA. Comparison of ear canal microbiome in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) with and without otitis externa using next generation DNA sequencing. J Exot Pet Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2022.05.002] [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]
|
7
|
Rodriguez P, Guzman DSM, Robertson J, La Porte AD, Hawkins MG, Paul-Murphy JR, Hansen KS. Stereotactic Radiation Treatment of a Pituitary Mass in a Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). J Exot Pet Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2022.03.004] [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]
|
8
|
Efficacy of a dinotenfuran, permethrin and piriproxifen combination product in the treatment of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) naturally infested by Psoroptes ovis. Vet Parasitol 2022; 303:109681. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
9
|
Morsy EA, Salem HM, Khattab MS, Hamza DA, Abuowarda MM. Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in farmed rabbits in Egypt. Acta Vet Scand 2020; 62:11. [PMID: 32087749 PMCID: PMC7036226 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-020-0509-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an important microsporidian parasite with zoonotic potential. The present study highlights the impact of encephalitozoonosis on rabbit health in Egypt. Three rabbit farms in Giza, with a total of 16,400 rabbits were investigated due to occurrence of rabbits displaying clinical signs consistent with encephalitozoonosis. RESULTS Clinical signs observed during a 4 months observation period in 2018 included vestibular disease, paresis, limb paralysis, cataracts, phacoclastic uveitis, frequent urination, marked decrease in body weight and in some pregnant females, also repeated abortions. The total morbidity rates in adult and young rabbits were 76.7% and 81.5%, respectively. The highest mortality rate was recorded in offspring (12.3%), followed by dams (5.6%), and the lowest recorded mortality rate was in males (0.04%). Post-mortem findings included enteritis, pale enlarged kidneys, congested leptomeninges, focal brain necrosis, and endometrial congestion. Histopathological examination revealed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis and glial nodules with central necrosis in the brain, vacuolation and necrosis of renal tubular epithelium, and corneal ulceration and ruptured lens capsule with fragmentation of lenticular fibres. E. cuniculi were observed in the brain, retinal ganglion cells, kidneys, and liver. Transmission electron microscopy examination revealed the presence of different developmental stages of E. cuniculi in the brain and kidney. Presence of E. cuniculi was confirmed by conventional polymerase chain reaction using a universal 16S gene for Encephalitozoon spp. followed by sequencing and sequence analysis. CONCLUSIONS The presence of E. cuniculi in rabbits was confirmed at three farms in Egypt. Nervous signs and ocular lesions were the most predominant findings in these farms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eman Anter Morsy
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heba Mohammed Salem
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa Salah Khattab
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dalia Anwar Hamza
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mai Mohammed Abuowarda
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, PO Box 12211, Giza, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Johnson JC, Burn CC. Lop-eared rabbits have more aural and dental problems than erect-eared rabbits: a rescue population study. Vet Rec 2019; 185:758. [PMID: 31575760 DOI: 10.1136/vr.105163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This research aimed to assess whether rabbits having lop ears, an artificially selected conformation, compromises welfare. We investigated the occurrence of aural and dental pathology in lop-eared compared with erect-eared rabbits. Thirty rabbits (15 lop-eared and 15 erect-eared) from a rabbit-only rescue shelter were examined. An otoscope was used to visualise the ear canals and mouth. Samples were taken from each ear to examine for mites, bacteria and yeast. Medical records were also examined. Lop-eared rabbits showed statistically significantly more frequent ear canal stenosis, higher scores of cerumen and erythema and more frequent potential pain response during ear examination, compared with erect-eared rabbits. We also found statistically significantly more frequent incisor pathology, molar overgrowth, molar sharpness, molar spurs and history of veterinary dental treatment in lop-eared compared with erect-eared rabbits. The effect sizes were often large. Age was not statistically significant between the lop-eared and erect-eared rabbit groups. Thus, lop-eared rabbits were at an increased risk of aural and dental pathology in this study. This brings into debate the ethics of breeding and buying lop-eared rabbits, as they are more likely to suffer conditions that negatively impact welfare, such as pain, and potentially deafness and difficulty eating.
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lu M, Cai Y, Yang S, Wan Q, Pan B. A single subcutaneous administration of a sustained-release ivermectin suspension eliminates Psoroptes cuniculi infection in a rabbit farm. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2018; 44:2000-2004. [PMID: 30058406 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2018.1506474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoroptes cuniculi mites are the most common ear parasites infesting breeding female rabbits. The suffering rabbits show cutaneous signs of the infestation in the ears and are prone to secondary infections. OBJECTIVES This trial was conducted to eliminate P. cuniculi in farm rabbits with a sustained-release ivermectin-loaded solid dispersion suspension (IVM-SD) suspension, and studied the stability of the formulation. ANIMALS There were 986 breeding female Hyplus rabbits naturally infected with P. cuniculi. METHODS All rabbits infected with P. cuniculi were subcutaneously administered with a single dose of IVM-SD suspension at 2 mg/kg body weight. Twenty-seven rabbits with severe infections were observed daily and examined on days 0 and 14 to score the lesions and count mites in crusts. RESULTS Fourteen days after the treatment no live mites were detected, demonstrating 100% therapeutic efficacy. The mean lesion scores decreased from 4.33 to 0.11 in the left ears and from 4.22 to 0.22 in the right ears. No reinfection occurred within 60 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS A single subcutaneous administration of the IVM-SD suspension at 2 mg/kg was effective in eliminating P. cuniculi infection in the rabbit farm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Lu
- a College of Veterinary Medicine , China Agricultural University , Beijing , China.,b Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy , Pharmaceutical College of Henan University , Kaifeng , Henan Province , China
| | - Yunpeng Cai
- a College of Veterinary Medicine , China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Shizhuang Yang
- a College of Veterinary Medicine , China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Qiang Wan
- a College of Veterinary Medicine , China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Baoliang Pan
- a College of Veterinary Medicine , China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| |
Collapse
|