An investigation into how accurately UK rabbit owners identify pain in their pet rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Rabbits are popular family pets. They are prey species and so have evolved to hide signs of illness and pain. Recent research has developed robust pain scales for use in a clinical setting, but to date none has examined rabbit owners' ability to recognise pain in their animals. This study investigated how owners identify pain in their pet rabbits and their ability to correctly identify different levels of pain, in order to determine any need for owner education in this area. METHODS: Owners were recruited via Facebook and a two-part online survey was distributed. Part one collected data on demographics, owners' knowledge of pain signs and beliefs about pain in rabbits. Part two asked respondents to pain score eight videos of rabbits in different levels of pain for comparison to pain scores made by three experts. We used a simplified version of the Bristol Rabbit Pain Score (BRPS) which involved a single 0 to 3 scale. We explored the number of pain signs each respondent could list, the total score given to the videos, and their deviation from the experts' scores. RESULTS: A total of 500 respondents completed part one of the survey and 345 additionally completed Part two. Respondents were on average able to state five signs of pain (range 0-12), but females stated significantly more (p = 0.018), as did those who worked with rabbits (p = 0.004) and those with experience of their rabbit having an operation (p = 0.01). Overall, 98.6% of respondents thought rabbits felt pain as much or more that dogs and cats. In Part two, respondents more frequently agreed with the experts when identifying rabbits in no pain (88.8%) and severe pain (65.2%), but there was lower agreement when identifying mild (28.4%) and moderate pain (43.2%). Respondents overall rated pain lower than experts with an average total pain score of 11.9 compared to 18 given by the experts. CONCLUSIONS: Most rabbit owners are able to list numerous pain signs and are generally able to identify pain-free rabbits and those in severe pain. Owners' ability to differentiate between mild and moderate pain is more limited and could benefit from training in the subtler signs of pain. Veterinary professionals are well placed to educate owners about signs of pain in rabbits and should be aware of areas where owners' knowledge can be improved.

Analysis of occurrence and risk factors associated with pet rabbits' tumors in Central Thailand.

Rabbit oncology is gaining more attention as more pet rabbits are surviving beyond their normal lifespans. Due to the limited epidemiological information on pet rabbits' tumors in Thailand, this study aimed to report the prevalence and the potential risk factors associated with tumors in pet rabbits in Thailand. From 2018 to 2022, 93 tissue biopsies from tumor-suspected lesions on pet rabbits were gathered from animal hospitals in Bangkok and Chonburi provinces, Thailand. According to histopathology confirmation, tumors and tumor-like lesions were diagnosed. In this study, the overall tumors were 67.74% (n=63) out of the submitted cases (n=93). The most commonly affected organ systems were reproduction (65.08%) and integumentary (22.22%). Rabbits older than 5 years were 3.85 times more likely to have reproductive tumors than younger rabbits (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-10.27, P≤0.01), and the most frequently occurring tumor type was uterine adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, male rabbits had a 17.02 times higher probability of developing cutaneous tumors than female rabbits (95% CI: 4.19-69.11, P≤0.001), and the most frequently occurring tumor type was soft tissue sarcoma. The results of this study thus suggested that the age and sex of the rabbits were potential risk factors for tumor development in Thailand. The knowledge gained from our study also provided the recommendation for owners to monitor their rabbits' health annually, particularly after late middle age, and rendered guidance for tumor detection in practical clinics.

Successful management of fipronil toxicosis in two pet rabbits.

Background: Antiparasitic drug toxicosis is commonly described in dogs and cats, but reports on the management of antiparasitic drug toxicities in pet rabbits are scarce. Here, we describe the successful clinical management of two pet rabbits with fipronil toxicosis. Cases Description: The first case was a 5-month-old, intact female, rabbit that presented with the acute onset of seizures, obtunded mentation, and in lateral recumbency, while the second rabbit was a 1-year-old, intact male, rabbit that presented with anorexia and lethargy. In both cases, the owners reported to have administered a 0.5 ml fipronil vial topically on the skin as an antiparasitic drug between 4 and 6 hours prior to presentation. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry were unremarkable and both rabbits tested negative on Encephalitozoon cuniculi serology. Both animals were decontaminated by bathing with tepid water and dishwashing soap. The rabbit with seizures received on admission intravenous midazolam. In both cases, overnight hospitalization, intravenous isotonic crystalloid fluids, and assisted-feeding by oral syringe were provided until voluntary feeding was resumed. Both rabbits rapidly improved approximately 12 hours of initiating supportive care. Complete resolution of clinical signs and return of normal appetite and defecation occurred within 24 hours of hospitalization in both animals. No recurrence of neurological signs was reported in the rabbit presenting with seizures on a follow-up period of 1 month. Conclusion: The outcome of these cases suggests that supportive treatment of fipronil toxicity in pet rabbits can be successful if administered promptly.

Spreading of Pasteurella multocida Infection in a Pet Rabbit Breeding and Possible Implications on Healed Bunnies.

The number of pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and parrots has increased in European families. Social benefits to owners such as decreasing feelings of loneliness and anxiety are provided by pets which are also used in Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT). Nevertheless, human-animal interactions are also associated with health problems including allergies, asthma, and zoonosis. Rabbits may carry potential pathogens for humans. One of the most common bacteria that colonizes the oro-pharynx and the upper respiratory tract of rabbits is Pasteurella (P.) multocida. Transmission of the infection to humans results from scratches, licks, and bites but it also can occur from the inhalation of air particles containing the microorganism. Immunocompromised people or persons with pulmonary disorders are particularly susceptible to the infection. Infected rabbits may carry P. multocida with or without clinical signs. In this paper, the sensitivity to antibiotics and the invasiveness ability of P. multocida identified in a farm of pet rabbits affected by severe pasteurellosis were investigated. The strain was P. multocida belonging to capsular type A which is the type most often detected in humans. The identified strain was susceptible to the tested antibiotics, but it appeared equipped with several virulence genes which are responsible for fimbriae production, adhesion processes to host cells, enzyme production, and are involved in iron acquisition processes. These findings are of particular interest because rabbits recovered from pasteurellosis very often become carriers of the bacteria. Therefore, we suggest considering P. multocida screening in the routine medical checks of rabbits, especially if they are meant to be companion animals for children and elder people, given that the transmission of the pathogen cannot be excluded.

Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii in pet rabbits in eastern coastal areas of China.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) is a microsporidian parasite commonly detected in rabbits and can infect humans and cause encephalitozoonosis. And Toxoplasma gondii is a prevalent parasite distributed worldwide and can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. The aim of the current study was to investigate the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii, and risk factors of infection in pet rabbits reared in eastern coastal areas of China (Tianjin, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian). Total 222 blood samples of pet rabbits were collected from local veterinary hospitals. The seropositivity rates of E. cuniculi were 16.22% (36/222) according to an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Female pet rabbits was significantly higher than that in males (P=0.002), Zhejiang were markedly higher than those in Jiangsu and Shanghai (P=0.017, P=0.022), and cross-breed rabbits were dramatically higher than those in Chinchilla, New Zealand white, Rex (P=0.02, P=0.006, P=0.008). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 13.06% (29/222) by the method of ELISA. The seroprevalence in Zhejiang was significantly higher than that in Shanghai (P=0.017). No difference in seroprevalence was detected with respect to the gender, age, species, health status, or season. These findings show that E. cuniculi and T. gondii are present and spread in pet rabbits. Therefore, pet rabbits should be considered as an important reservoir of encephalitozoonosis for humans and maybe important implication for public health in eastern coastal areas of China.

First Evidence of Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Domestic Rabbits.

We tested 144 pet rabbits sampled in France between November 2020 and June 2021 for antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by microsphere immunoassay. We reported the first evidence of a natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in rabbits with a low observed seroprevalence between 0.7% and 1.4%.

Clinical assessment of acid-base balance in Netherland Dwarf rabbit / Avaliação clínica do equilíbrio ácido-básico em coelhos Anã Holandês

Pet rabbits have increased their popularity in a lot of countries. However, most of the laboratory profiles in rabbit medicine come from the observations made in rabbit as biomodels or meat production. So that further researches are necessary to obtain reference values for hematology and biochemical profiles in pet rabbits and the different breeds, especially, in relation to acid-base balance. The aim of this report was to offer the mean values of the main parameters connected with acid-base profile in Netherland Dwarf breed. Thirty-five healthy rabbits (15 males and 20 females) were studied. Venous blood sample from lateral saphenous vein was analyzed to measure: haematocrit, haemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, blood pH, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), total CO2, ions bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium, base excess and anion Gap. Results showed a shorter range that those reported by different researchers. Moreover, differences between genders were showed in pCO2, its values were higher in males. It may be associated with a greater cellular metabolism. Values obtained in this research should be taken into account by veterinary clinicians for this breed in their clinical assessments. Besides, these values provide new results in parameters with few reference values.

A popularidade de coelhos como animais de estimação aumentou em muitos países. No entanto, a maioria dos perfis de laboratório em medicina de coelhos advém das observações de biomodelos animais ou da produção de carne. Assim, são necessárias pesquisas adicionais para obter valores de referência para hematologia e perfis bioquímicos em coelhos de estimação, e das diferentes raças, especialmente, em relação ao equilíbrio ácido-base. O objetivo deste relatório foi oferecer os valores médios dos principais parâmetros ligados ao perfil ácido-base na raça Anã Holandês. Trinta e cinco coelhos saudáveis ​​(15 machos e 20 fêmeas) foram estudados. A amostra de sangue venoso da veia safena lateral foi analisada para mensuração: hematócrito, hemoglobina, nitrogênio ureico sanguíneo, glicose, pH sanguíneo, pressão parcial de CO2 (pCO2), CO2 total, íons bicarbonato, cloreto, sódio, potássio, excesso de base e ânion Gap. Os resultados apresentaram um intervalo menor do que aqueles relatados por diferentes pesquisadores. Além disso, as diferenças entre os gêneros foram mostradas na pCO2, seus valores foram maiores no sexo masculino. Pode estar associado a um maior metabolismo celular. Os valores obtidos nesta pesquisa devem ser levados em consideração pelos clínicos veterinários para esta raça em suas avaliações clínicas. Além disso, esses valores fornecem novos resultados em parâmetros com poucos valores de referencia.

A Potential Atypical Case of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease in a Dwarf Rabbit.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a highly contagious infectious disease of European wild and domestic rabbits. Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV, GI.1) emerged in 1986 in Europe, rapidly spreading all over the world. Several genotypes of RHDV have been recognised over time, but in 2010, a new virus (RHDV2/RHDVb, GI.2) emerged and progressively replaced the previous RHDV strains, due to the lack of cross-immunity conferred between RHDV and RHDV2. RHDV2 has a high mutation rate, similarly to the other calivirus and recombines with strains of RHDV and non-pathogenic calicivirus (GI.4), ensuring the continuous emergence of new field strains. Although this poses a threat to the already endangered European rabbit species, the available vaccines against RHDV2 and the compliance of biosafety measures seem to be controlling the infection in the rabbit industry Pet rabbits, especially when kept indoor, are considered at lower risk of infections, although RHDV2 and myxoma virus (MYXV) constitute a permanent threat due to transmission via insects. Vaccination against these viruses is therefore recommended every 6 months (myxomatosis) or annually (rabbit haemorrhagic disease). The combined immunization for myxomatosis and RHDV through a commercially available bivalent vaccine with RHDV antigen has been extensively used (Nobivac® Myxo-RHD, MSD, Kenilworth, NJ, USA). This vaccine however does not confer proper protection against the RHDV2, thus the need for a rabbit clinical vaccination protocol update. Here we report a clinical case of hepatitis and alteration of coagulation in a pet rabbit that had been vaccinated with the commercially available bivalent vaccine against RHDV and tested positive to RHDV2 after death. The animal developed a prolonged and atypical disease, compatible with RHD. The virus was identified to be an RHDV2 recombinant strain, with the structural backbone of RHDV2 (GI.2) and the non-structural genes of non-pathogenic-A1 strains (RCV-A1, GI.4). Although confirmation of the etiological agent was only made after death, the clinical signs and analytic data were very suggestive of RHD.

Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Pet Rabbit Mammary Carcinomas: A Study with Relevance to Comparative Pathology.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) serve as prognostic biomarker in human breast cancer. Rabbits have the potential to act as animal model for human breast cancer, and close similarities exist between the rabbit and human immune system. The aim of this study is to characterize TILs in pet rabbit mammary carcinomas and to statistically correlate results with histological and immunohistochemical tumor characteristics. Microscopic evaluation of TILs was performed in hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of 107 rabbit mammary carcinomas according to international guidelines for human breast cancer. Data on histological features of malignancy, estrogen and progesterone receptor status and calponin expression were obtained from the data base. This study revealed a statistical association between stromal TILs in the central tumor (CT) and infiltrative margin. Higher maximal percentages of stromal TILs at the CT were statistically correlated with decreased mitotic count and lower tumor grade. An increased number of calponin positive tumor cells was statistically associated with a lower mitotic count and a higher percentage of stromal TILs. Results suggest that higher percentages of stromal TILs are useful biomarkers that may point toward a favorable prognosis in rabbit mammary carcinomas and support the concept of the use of rabbits for translational research.

Expression of Myoepithelial Markers in Mammary Carcinomas of 119 Pet Rabbits.

Most mammary tumors in pet rabbits are carcinomas; prognostic factors are unknown. The aim of this study on rabbit mammary carcinomas was to determine the expression of myoepithelial markers that have a prognostic relevance in human cancers. Mammary carcinomas (n = 119) of female or female-spayed pet rabbits were immunostained for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and calponin; and percentages of non-neoplastic myoepithelial cells (ME cells) and calponin-positive neoplastic cells were determined. Using statistical analysis, data were correlated with the age of the rabbits and histological tumor characteristics. All carcinomas contained retained spindle-shaped ME, while 115 also contained hypertrophic ME (HME). A statistically significant relationship existed between a higher age and an increase in HME. In 111 carcinomas (93%), tumor cells expressed calponin. There was a significant correlation between higher percentages of calponin-positive tumor cells and a lower mitotic count, an increased percentage of tubular growth, and a lower grading score, respectively. Data suggest that pet rabbit mammary carcinomas develop from progression of in situ cancer and that the extent of calponin expression in tumor cells influences their biological behavior. These results provide the basis for a long-term follow-up on the prognostic significance of calponin expression in mammary cancer cells.

Tibial bone density, cross-sectional geometry and strength in Finnish pet rabbits: a peripheral quantitative computed tomography study.

Rabbit bones are brittle and prone to fissure formation. Radiographs of very young and old rabbits are often indicative of decreased bone density. The aim of this study was to investigate the tibial bone parameters in pet rabbits, and their association with age, sex, castration and dental disease. Eighty-seven (43 female/5 spayed, 44 male/19 castrated) pet rabbits (mean age 2.6 years, range 0.3-9.3 years) of various breeds were studied, of which 37 had dental disease. Right tibiae were scanned with peripheral quantitative CT at the distal (4percent) and mid-shaft sites (50percent of the tibial length). Analysed bone parameters included the total cross-sectional area, cortical bone area and density, trabecular bone density and strength-strain index. The mean diaphyseal cortical density was high (about 1400 mg/cm3) in comparison to many other species. Within the studied age range, age was weakly but positively associated with diaphyseal cortical density, with the juvenile rabbits clearly showing the lowest values. There was no tendency for age-related decrease in trabecular or cortical bone density at least up to six years of age. Neither were sex, castration nor dental disease associated with decreased tibial bone density.

Peri-anaesthetic mortality and nonfatal gastrointestinal complications in pet rabbits: a retrospective study on 210 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and the associated risk factors of peri-anaesthetic mortality and gastrointestinal complications in pet rabbits. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: A total of 185 pet rabbits admitted to the Exotic Referal Service of Beaumont Sainsbury's Animal Hospital over the period 2009-2016. METHODS: The clinical records of the rabbits were obtained from the database. To evaluate the incidence of peri-anaesthetic mortality, three possible outcomes were considered: alive, dead or euthanized within the 72 hours following the anaesthetic event. Food intake and stool production during the first 72 hours following the anaesthetic event were evaluated to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal complications. Thereafter, various hypothesized risk factors, including administration of alpha-2 agonists, body weight, American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification and endotracheal intubation were tested against peri-anaesthetic mortality and gastrointestinal complications, with both univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Twenty-five out of 185 rabbits underwent two anaesthetic events; therefore, data from 210 cases were used. Of these 210 cases, six died during sedation or general anaesthesia and four (one of which euthanized) died during the first 72 postoperative hours, accounting for an actual mortality rate equal to 4.8% (95% confidence interval, 0.025-0.086). Peri-anaesthetic gastrointestinal complications developed in 77 (38%) out of the 204 anaesthetic events whose outcome was not intraoperative death (95% confidence interval, 0.314-0.446). Species-specific risk factors could not be identified for peri-anaesthetic mortality; however, the odds for post-anaesthetic gastrointestinal complications increased significantly with body weight (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings confirm that rabbits continue to have a higher incidence of peri-anaesthetic mortality than dogs and cats, and highlight a high risk for nonfatal peri-anaesthetic gastrointestinal complications in this species.

Clinical assessment of acid-base balance in Netherland Dwarf rabbit

Abstract Pet rabbits have increased their popularity in a lot of countries. However, most of the laboratory profiles in rabbit medicine come from the observations made in rabbit as biomodels or meat production. So that further researches are necessary to obtain reference values for hematology and biochemical profiles in pet rabbits and the different breeds, especially, in relation to acid-base balance. The aim of this report was to offer the mean values of the main parameters connected with acid-base profile in Netherland Dwarf breed. Thirty-five healthy rabbits (15 males and 20 females) were studied. Venous blood sample from lateral saphenous vein was analyzed to measure: haematocrit, haemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, blood pH, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), total CO2, ions bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium, base excess and anion Gap. Results showed a shorter range that those reported by different researchers. Moreover, differences between genders were showed in pCO2, its values were higher in males. It may be associated with a greater cellular metabolism. Values obtained in this research should be taken into account by veterinary clinicians for this breed in their clinical assessments. Besides, these values provide new results in parameters with few reference values.

Resumo A popularidade de coelhos como animais de estimação aumentou em muitos países. No entanto, a maioria dos perfis de laboratório em medicina de coelhos advém das observações de biomodelos animais ou da produção de carne. Assim, são necessárias pesquisas adicionais para obter valores de referência para hematologia e perfis bioquímicos em coelhos de estimação, e das diferentes raças, especialmente, em relação ao equilíbrio ácido-base. O objetivo deste relatório foi oferecer os valores médios dos principais parâmetros ligados ao perfil ácido-base na raça Anã Holandês. Trinta e cinco coelhos saudáveis (15 machos e 20 fêmeas) foram estudados. A amostra de sangue venoso da veia safena lateral foi analisada para mensuração: hematócrito, hemoglobina, nitrogênio ureico sanguíneo, glicose, pH sanguíneo, pressão parcial de CO2 (pCO2), CO2 total, íons bicarbonato, cloreto, sódio, potássio, excesso de base e ânion Gap. Os resultados apresentaram um intervalo menor do que aqueles relatados por diferentes pesquisadores. Além disso, as diferenças entre os gêneros foram mostradas na pCO2, seus valores foram maiores no sexo masculino. Pode estar associado a um maior metabolismo celular. Os valores obtidos nesta pesquisa devem ser levados em consideração pelos clínicos veterinários para esta raça em suas avaliações clínicas. Além disso, esses valores fornecem novos resultados em parâmetros com poucos valores de referencia.

Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet rabbits in Korea.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite commonly found in rabbits that can infect humans, causing encephalitozoonosis. The prevalence of encephalitozoonosis is not well documented, even when many clinics suspect pet rabbits as being highly infected. This study investigated the seropositivity of E. cuniculi using ELISA. The examination of 186 rabbits using ELISA showed that 22.6% (42/186) were seropositive against E. cuniculi. In analysis with healthy status, all 42 seropositive sera were collected from clinically normal rabbits. Moreover, the gender and age of pet rabbits did not have anysignificant effect on E. cuniculi infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in pet rabbits and suggests that pet rabbits could act as an important reservoir of encephalitozoonosis for both pet animals and humans in Korea.

Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Pet Rabbits in Korea

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite commonly found in rabbits that can infect humans, causing encephalitozoonosis. The prevalence of encephalitozoonosis is not well documented, even when many clinics suspect pet rabbits as being highly infected. This study investigated the seropositivity of E. cuniculi using ELISA. The examination of 186 rabbits using ELISA showed that 22.6% (42/186) were seropositive against E. cuniculi. In analysis with healthy status, all 42 seropositive sera were collected from clinically normal rabbits. Moreover, the gender and age of pet rabbits did not have anysignificant effect on E. cuniculi infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in pet rabbits and suggests that pet rabbits could act as an important reservoir of encephalitozoonosis for both pet animals and humans in Korea.