Rabbit health

Last updated
Engraving of a wild rabbit and its skeleton by Johann Daniel Meyer (1752) Meyer Zeit-Vertreib 1 Tafel 083.jpg
Engraving of a wild rabbit and its skeleton by Johann Daniel Meyer (1752)

The health of rabbits is well studied in veterinary medicine, owing to the importance of rabbits as laboratory animals and centuries of domestication for fur and meat.

Contents

Disease in pet rabbits is rare when they are raised in sanitary conditions and provided with adequate care, but the wider population of wild and feral rabbits is susceptible to various diseases and disorders, which has been taken advantage of in research and population control. Rabbits have fragile bones, especially in their spines, and need support on the bottom when they are picked up.

Spaying and neutering

Neutering is possible for both female and male rabbits; however, spaying females can pose significant risks. This is because spaying female rabbits requires a far bigger surgery with a higher mortality rate (during or in relation to the procedure) compared to males, [1] as their lower abdomen needs to be opened up in order to remove ovaries and uterus. In addition, spaying is known to have severe negative effects on a female rabbit's health. [2] One particularly dangerous consequence is the development of osteoporosis due to the lack of estrogen caused by the removal of the ovaries, which, among other things, greatly increases the risk of dental problems and bone fractures. [3] Other negative health outcomes that have been reported include colonic obstruction, [4] urinary incontinence, [5] ureteral stenosis, [6] increased ageing of ligaments, [7] and alterations of the rabbit's cornea. [8] In general, due to the wide range and severity of possible negative health effects and the high risk for complications from anesthesia and the surgery itself, spaying female rabbits should only be considered in case of acute medical reasons (e.g., ovarian or uterine cancer), if they show signs of hormonal problems, like overly frequent phases of heat or pseudopregnancies, or unusually aggressive behavior, which cannot be attributed to environmental factors, e.g., a lack of exercise. [9] [10] [11] As of today, assertions of female rabbits near inevitably developing cancer if left unneutered, as well as neutered females living longer, have no scientific foundation. [12] [2]

However, castration of male pet rabbits is necessary, if they are to be kept species-appropriate (together with at least one other rabbit), which wouldn't otherwise be possible. Uncastrated male rabbits will engage in severe and often bloody fights with each other upon reaching adulthood, which can even end fatally. To prevent uncontrolled reproduction, it is advised to castrate males instead of females, as the necessary procedure, which requires only a small incision, has proven to be relatively safe and to have far less adverse effects on the rabbit's overall health. [2]

Vaccinations

In most jurisdictions, including the United States (except where required by local animal control ordinances), rabbits do not require vaccination. Vaccinations exist for both rabbit hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis. [13] These vaccinations are usually given annually, two weeks apart. If there is an outbreak of myxomatosis locally, this vaccine can be administered every six months for extra protection. [14] Myxomatosis immunizations are not available in all countries, including Australia, due to fears that immunity will pass on to feral rabbits. However, they are recommended by some veterinarians as prophylactics, where they are legally available. [15] :182

Declawing

A rabbit cannot be declawed. Lacking pads on the bottoms of its feet, a rabbit requires its claws for traction. Removing its claws would render it unable to stand. [16] [17]

Tonic immobility

Coping with stress is a key aspect of rabbit behavior, and this can be traced to part of the brain known as ventral tegmental area (VTA). Dopaminergic neurons in this part of the brain release the hormone dopamine. In rabbits, it is released as part of a coping mechanism while in a heightened state of fear or stress, and has a calming effect. Dopamine has also been found in the rabbit's medial prefrontal cortex, the nucleus accumbens, and the amygdala. [18]

Tonic immobility (TI) is sometimes called "trancing" or "playing dead". [19] Physiological and behavioral responses to human-induced TI have been found to indicate a fear-motivated stress state in rabbits. [19] Accordingly, even though people think the rabbits enjoy it, the promotion of TI to try to increase a bond between rabbits and their owners is misplaced. [20] [19] However, some researchers conclude that inducing TI in rabbits is appropriate for certain medical procedures, as it holds less risk than anesthesia. [20] [19]

Sore hocks

The formation of open sores on the rabbit's hocks, commonly called sore hocks, is a problem that commonly afflicts mostly heavy-weight rabbits kept in cages with wire flooring [21] or soiled solid flooring. The problem is most prevalent in rex-furred rabbits and heavy-weight rabbits (over 4 kg (9 lb)), as well as those with thin foot bristles.

The condition results when, over the course of time, the protective bristle-like fur on the rabbit's hocks thins down. Standing urine or other unsanitary cage conditions can exacerbate the problem by irritating the sensitive skin. The exposed skin in turn can result in tender areas or, in severe cases, open sores, which may then become infected and abscessed if not properly cared for.

Gastrointestinal stasis

Digestive system of the rabbit, by Ruth Lawson, Otago Polytechnic 26 November 2007 Anatomy and physiology of animals Gut of a rabbit.jpg
Digestive system of the rabbit, by Ruth Lawson, Otago Polytechnic 26 November 2007

Gastrointestinal stasis (GI stasis) is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs in some rabbits in which gut motility is severely reduced and possibly completely stopped. When untreated or improperly treated, GI stasis can be fatal in as little as 24 hours.

GI stasis is the condition of food not moving through the gut as quickly as normal. The gut contents may dehydrate and compact into a hard, immobile mass (impacted gut), blocking the digestive tract of the rabbit. Food in an immobile gut may also ferment, causing significant gas buildup and resultant gas pain for the rabbit.

The first noticeable symptom of GI stasis may be that the rabbit suddenly stops eating. Treatment frequently includes intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy (rehydration through injection of a balanced electrolyte solution), pain control, possible careful massage to promote gas expulsion and comfort, drugs to promote gut motility, and careful monitoring of all inputs and outputs. The rabbit's diet may also be changed as part of treatment, to include force-feeding to ensure adequate nutrition. Surgery to remove the blockage is not generally recommended and comes with a poor prognosis. [22]

Some rabbits are more prone to GI stasis than others. The causes of GI stasis are not completely understood, but common contributing factors are thought to include stress, reduced food intake, low fiber in the diet, dehydration, reduction in exercise or blockage caused by excess fur or carpet ingestion. Stress factors can include changes in housing, transportation, or medical procedures under anesthesia. As many of these factors may occur together (poor dental structure leading to decreased food intake, followed by a stressful veterinary dental procedure to correct the dental problem), establishing a root cause may be difficult. [23]

GI stasis is sometimes misdiagnosed as "hair balls" by veterinarians or rabbit keepers not familiar with the condition. [24] [25] While fur is commonly found in the stomach following a fatal case of GI stasis, it is also found in healthy rabbits. Molting and chewing fur can be a predisposing factor in the occurrence of GI stasis; however, the primary cause is the change in motility of the gut.

Dental problems

Dental disease has several causes, namely genetics, inappropriate diet, injury to the jaw, infection, or cancer.

Malocclusion in a rabbit Bradygnathia-superior-rabbit.jpg
Malocclusion in a rabbit

Signs of dental difficulty include difficulty eating, weight loss and small stools and visibly overgrown teeth. However, there are many other causes of ptyalism, including pain due to other causes. [30]

Rabbits will gnaw on almost anything, including electrical cords (possibly leading to electrocution), potentially poisonous plants, and material like carpet and fabric that may cause life-threatening intestinal blockages, so areas to which they have access need to be pet-proofed. [31] [32]

Respiratory and conjunctival problems

An over-diagnosed ailment amongst rabbits is respiratory infection, known as rhinitis or colloquially as "snuffles". [33] Pasteurella , a bacterium, was historically misdiagnosed as the main cause of respiratory disease in rabbits, [34] as the bacterium is present in the respiratory tract of most adult rabbits. The bacterium may, under poor conditions, reproduce rapidly and produce symptoms of pasteurellosis, though this is known to be a factor in the overuse of antibiotics among rabbits and is not always the cause of respiratory disease. [35] A runny nose, for instance, can have several causes, among those being high temperature or humidity, extreme stress, environmental pollution (like perfume or incense), a sinus infection or dental disorders. Options for treating this is removing the pollutant, [33] lowering or raising the temperature accordingly, and medical treatment for sinus infections. [34]

Sneezing can be a sign of environmental pollution, such as too much dust or high ammonia levels. [33]

Runny eyes and other conjunctival problems can be caused by dental disease or a blockage of the tear duct. Environmental pollution, corneal disease, entropion, distichiasis, or inflammation of the eyes are also causes. Some conjunctival problems are effectively treated with topical or systemic gentamicin. [36]

Viral diseases

Rabbits are subject to infection by a variety of viruses. Some have had deadly and widespread impact.

Myxomatosis Trial, Wardang Island (Australia) 1938 Rabbits MyxomatosisTrial WardangIsland 1938.jpg
Myxomatosis Trial, Wardang Island (Australia) 1938

Myxomatosis

Myxomatosis is a virulent threat to all rabbits but not to humans. [37] The intentional introduction of myxomatosis in rabbit-ravaged Australia killed an estimated 500 million feral rabbits between 1950 and 1952. The Australian government will not allow veterinarians to purchase and use the myxomatosis vaccine that would protect domestic rabbits, for fear that this immunity would be spread into the wild via escaped livestock and pets. [38] This potential consequence is also one motivation for the pet-rabbit ban in Queensland. [39]

In Australia, rabbits caged outdoors in areas with high numbers of mosquitoes are vulnerable to myxomatosis. In Europe, fleas are the carriers of myxomatosis. In some countries, annual vaccinations against myxomatosis are available.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD)

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), also known as viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD) or rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD), [40] is caused by a rabbit-specific calicivirus known as rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) or rabbit calicivirus (RCV). Discovered in 1983, RHD is highly infectious and usually fatal. Initial signs of the disease may be limited to fever and lethargy, until significant internal organ damage results in labored breathing, squealing, bloody mucus, and eventual coma and death. Internally, the infection causes necrosis of the liver and damages other organs, especially the spleen, kidneys, and small intestine.

RHD, like myxomatosis, has been intentionally introduced to control feral rabbit populations in Australia and (illegally) in New Zealand, and RHD has, in some areas, escaped quarantine. The disease has killed tens of millions of rabbits in China (unintentionally) as well as Australia, with other epidemics reported in Bolivia, Mexico, South Korea, and continental Europe. Rabbit populations in New Zealand have bounced back after developing a genetic immunity to RHD, and the disease has, so far, had no effect on the genetically divergent native wild rabbits and hares in the Americas.

In the United States, an October 2013 USDA document stated: [41]

RHD has been found in the United States as recently as 2010, and was detected in Canada in 2011. Thus far, outbreaks have been controlled quickly through quarantine, depopulation, disease tracing, and cleaning and disinfection; however, rabbit losses have been in the thousands. An RHD vaccine exists, but it is not recommended for use where the disease is not widespread in wildlife, as it may hide signs of disease and is not considered a practical response for such a rapidly spreading disease.

In the UK, reports of RHD (as recently as February 2018) have been submitted to the British Rabbit Council's online "Notice Board". [42] Vaccines for RHD are availableand mandatoryin the UK.

A new strain of the virus has been discovered, called rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2).

West Nile virus

West Nile virus is another threat to domestic as well as wild rabbits. [43] It is a fatal disease, and while vaccines are available for other species, there are none yet specifically indicated for rabbits. [44]

Wry neck and parasitic fungus

Wry neck (or head tilt or torticollis) is a condition in rabbits that can be fatal, due to the resulting disorientation that causes the animal to stop eating, drinking or performing other tasks, [32] or through other afflictions causing the condition, such as pasteurellosis. [33]

The causes of wry neck can be middle- or inner-ear infections, ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi), nematodes (roundworms, Baylisascaris procyonis ), cancer (in brain, neck, ear), cervical muscle contractions, ingestion of lead or toxic plants, or diseases or injuries affecting the brain (stroke, abscess, tumor, trauma). [45] [46]

However, the most common cause is a parasitic microscopic fungus called Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi). Note that: "despite approximately half of all pet rabbits carrying the infection, only a small proportion of these cases ever show any illness". [47] Symptoms may include drinking more water than usual, frequent peeing, seizures and even complete paralysis. Stressful situations may worsen the symptoms. There is a precedent for antibiotic treatment against E. cuniculi in rabbits exhibiting symptoms of torticollis. [45] The usual drugs for treatment and prevention are the benzimidazole anthelmintics, particularly fenbendazole (also used as a deworming agent in other animal species). In the UK, fenbendazole (under the brand name Panacur Rabbit) is sold over-the-counter in oral paste form as a nine-day treatment. Fenbendazole is particularly recommended for rabbits kept in colonies and as a preventive before mixing new rabbits with each other, [47] and there have been anecdotal reports of successful treatments with ponazuril. [45]

Mites

Ear Canker is caused by nonburrowing ear mites Psoroptes cuniculi. It causes severe scabbing and inflammation on the ears and is very painful. Infected rabbits scratch a lot, which causes secondary bacterial infections. Rabbits should be treated as soon as possible, as the mites & infections can cause severe complications. [48] [49] It can also cause Wry neck (as described above).

Fur mites can be any of a variety of species including Leporacarus gibbus , but most commonly Cheyletiella parasitivorax. [50] C. parasitivorax do not burrow into the skin but rather live in the keratin layer. They can cause dandruff, itching and fur loss. Diagnosis is not easy & it might take several tries to determine if mites are present. [51]

Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is usually caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei (also known as S. scabei). Symptoms are beige crusts around the borders of the ears, edges of the eyelids, the nose, mouth and toes. Also loss of fur. Scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infection. If untreated, the crusts can cover extensive areas of the body. Even mild cases should be treated as soon a possible. [52] [53]

Tropical rat mites ( Ornithonyssus bacoti ) (and pigeon mites) cause severe itching. While rabbits can be easily treated (described below), to prevent reinfection, the host species (e.g., rat, pigeon) must also be treated or removed. [52]

Burrowing mange mites (Trixacarus caviae) are rare in rabbits but can cause such painful itching that the rabbit can become aggressive. [52]

All mites that infect rabbits can be treated by drugs given orally, by injection or applied on the skin (most common treatment), at intervals, as dictated by a veterinarian. The environment must also be treated. [51] [53]

Fly strike

Fly strike, or blowfly (Lucilia sericata) strike, is a condition that occurs when flies lay their eggs in a rabbit's damp or soiled fur, or in an open wound. Within 12 hours, the eggs hatch into the larval stage of the fly, known as maggots. Initially small but quickly growing to 15 mm (0.59 in) long, maggots can burrow into skin and feed on an animal's tissue, leading to shock and death. The most susceptible rabbits are those in unsanitary conditions, sedentary ones, and those unable to clean their excretory areas. Rabbits with diarrhea should be inspected often for fly strike, especially during the summer months. [54] The topical treatment Rearguard (from Novartis) is approved in the United Kingdom for 10-week-per-application prevention of fly strike. [55]

Bot flies

Bot flies that infect rabbits (generally Cuterebra buccata ) lay their eggs where rabbits live. The eggs hatch into larvae which enter the rabbit through the nose, mouth or open wound. The larvae migrate within the rabbit to just under the skin, where it forms a visible bump with breathing hole. It feeds off of the rabbit's flesh and bodily fluids for up to 30 days, reaching up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long. It then exits through the hole, pupates in the ground & emerges as an adult. These bot flies live in the eastern US and Canada and as far west as Arizona. [56] [57]

Whereas flystrike occurs in rabbits with soiled fur, bot flies can infect even very clean rabbits. Even before the bump and hole are visible, the larvae are very painful and the rabbit may become depressed, weak, lose weight or even go into shock. The hole may become moist and cause secondary bacterial or fungal infections. The larvae can also migrate to the nasal cavity, eyes, trachea and brain. [58]

Larvae are typically treated through careful removal by a veterinarian when they are identified. If the larvae are damaged, the rabbit can die from an anaphylactic reaction. [58]

Neoplasia

The most common tumor type of rabbits is uterine adenomcarcinoma, followed by neoplasia in hematopoietic organs, skin, mammary gland, testes, and the digestive system. [59] Subsequently, female intact rabbits have highest prevalence of neoplasia (19.7%) as compared to all sex combined (prevalence: 14.4%). Overall prevalence of neoplasia continuously increases with age and may affect up to 45% of rabbits older than 6 years. Histologic criteria of malignancy is present in most tumor specimens and distant spread to other organs is common for lymphoma and uterine adenocarcinoma. Lymphoma commonly occur in younger rabbits and frequently affect lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, spleen, and liver.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rabbit</span> Mammals of the family Leporidae

Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae, which is in the order Lagomorpha. The European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus is the ancestor of the world's hundreds of breeds of domestic rabbit. Sylvilagus includes 13 wild rabbit species, among them the seven types of cottontail. The European rabbit, which has been introduced on every continent except Antarctica, is familiar throughout the world as a wild prey animal, a domesticated form of livestock and a pet. With its widespread effect on ecologies and cultures, in many areas of the world, the rabbit is a part of daily life – as food, clothing, a companion, and a source of artistic inspiration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zoonosis</span> Disease that can be transmitted from other species to humans

A zoonosis or zoonotic disease is an infectious disease of humans caused by a pathogen that can jump from a non-human to a human and vice versa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Horse teeth</span> Aspect of equine anatomy

Horse teeth refers to the dentition of equine species, including horses and donkeys. Equines are both heterodontous and diphyodontous, which means that they have teeth in more than one shape, and have two successive sets of teeth, the deciduous and permanent sets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferret</span> Domestic species of mammal

The ferret is a small, domesticated species belonging to the family Mustelidae. The ferret is most likely a domesticated form of the wild European polecat, as evidenced by the ferret's ability to interbreed with European polecats and produce hybrid offspring. Physically, ferrets resemble other mustelids because of their long, slender bodies. Including their tail, the average length of a ferret is about 50 cm (20 in); they weigh between 0.7 and 2.0 kg ; and their fur can be black, brown, white, or a mixture of those colours. The species is sexually dimorphic, with males being considerably larger than females.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Myxomatosis</span> Rabbit disease caused by Myxoma virus

Myxomatosis is a disease caused by Myxoma virus, a poxvirus in the genus Leporipoxvirus. The natural hosts are tapeti in South and Central America, and brush rabbits in North America. The myxoma virus causes only a mild disease in these species, but causes a severe and usually fatal disease in European rabbits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterinarian</span> Health professional who treats non-human animals

A veterinarian (vet) is a medical professional who practices veterinary medicine. They manage a wide range of health conditions and injuries in non-human animals. Along with this, veterinarians also play a role in animal reproduction, health management, conservation, husbandry and breeding and preventive medicine like nutrition, vaccination and parasitic control as well as biosecurity and zoonotic disease surveillance and prevention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feral cat</span> Unowned or untamed domestic cat in the outdoors

A feral cat or a stray cat is an unowned domestic cat that lives outdoors and avoids human contact; it does not allow itself to be handled or touched, and usually remains hidden from humans. Feral cats may breed over dozens of generations and become an aggressive local apex predator in urban, savannah and bushland environments. Some feral cats may become more comfortable with people who regularly feed them, but even with long-term attempts at socialization, they usually remain aloof and are most active after dusk. Of the 700 million cats in the world, an estimated 480 million are feral.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malocclusion</span> Medical condition

In orthodontics, a malocclusion is a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the upper and lower dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close. The English-language term dates from 1864; Edward Angle (1855–1930), the "father of modern orthodontics", popularised it. The word "malocclusion" derives from occlusion, and refers to the manner in which opposing teeth meet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dermatophytosis</span> Fungal infection of the skin

Dermatophytosis, also known as tinea and ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin, that may affect skin, hair, and nails. Typically it results in a red, itchy, scaly, circular rash. Hair loss may occur in the area affected. Symptoms begin four to fourteen days after exposure. The types of dermatophytosis are typically named for area of the body that they affect. Multiple areas can be affected at a given time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dog health</span> Health of dogs

The health of dogs is a well studied area in veterinary medicine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ear mite</span> Common name of many species of mites that live in the ears of animals and humans

Ear mites are mites that live in the ears of animals and humans. The most commonly seen species in veterinary medicine is Otodectes cynotis. This species, despite its name, is also responsible for 90% of ear mite infections in felines.

Pneumonia is an irritation of the lungs caused by different sources. It is characterized by an inflammation of the deep lung tissues and the bronchi. Pneumonia can be acute or chronic. This life-threatening illness is more common in cats than in dogs and the complication “Kennel Cough” can occur in young pets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veterinary surgery</span> Surgery performed on non-human animals

Veterinary surgery is surgery performed on non-human animals by veterinarians, whereby the procedures fall into three broad categories: orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, and neurosurgery. Advanced surgical procedures such as joint replacement, fracture repair, stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency, oncologic (cancer) surgery, herniated disc treatment, complicated gastrointestinal or urogenital procedures, kidney transplant, skin grafts, complicated wound management, and minimally invasive procedures are performed by veterinary surgeons. Most general practice veterinarians perform routine surgeries such as neuters and minor mass excisions; some also perform additional procedures.

<i>Myxoma virus</i> Species of virus

Myxoma virus is a poxvirus in the genus Leporipoxvirus. The two broad geographic types of myxoma virus are Californian and South American. Californian myxoma virus is found on the West Coast of the United States, the Baja Peninsula of Mexico, and the southwest coast of Canada. South American or Brazilian myxoma virus is found in South and Central America. South American myxoma virus circulates in the jungle rabbit or tapeti, whereas Californian myxoma virus circulates in the brush rabbit. In their native hosts, the viruses cause the formation of benign cutaneous fibromas rather than systemic disease.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rabbit hemorrhagic disease</span> Disease that affects wild and domestic rabbits

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), also known as viral hemorrhagic disease (VHD), is a highly infectious and lethal form of viral hepatitis that affects European rabbits. Some viral strains also affect hares and cottontail rabbits. Mortality rates generally range from 70 to 100 percent. The disease is caused by strains of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a lagovirus in the family Caliciviridae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cat health</span> Health of domestic cats

The health of domestic cats is a well studied area in veterinary medicine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rabies in animals</span> Deadly zoonotic disease

In animals, rabies is a viral zoonotic neuro-invasive disease which causes inflammation in the brain and is usually fatal. Rabies, caused by the rabies virus, primarily infects mammals. In the laboratory it has been found that birds can be infected, as well as cell cultures from birds, reptiles and insects. The brains of animals with rabies deteriorate. As a result, they tend to behave bizarrely and often aggressively, increasing the chances that they will bite another animal or a person and transmit the disease.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">European rabbit</span> Species of mammal

The European rabbit or coney is a species of rabbit native to the Iberian Peninsula, western France, and the northern Atlas Mountains in northwest Africa. It has been widely introduced elsewhere, often with devastating effects on local biodiversity. Its decline in its native range due to myxomatosis, rabbit hemorrhagic disease, overhunting and habitat loss has caused the decline of the Iberian lynx and Spanish imperial eagle. It is known as an invasive species because it has been introduced to countries on all continents with the exception of Antarctica, and has caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems; in particular, European rabbits in Australia have had a devastating impact, due in part to the lack of natural predators there.

<i>Encephalitozoon cuniculi</i> Microsporidial pathogen

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidial parasite of mammals with world-wide distribution. An important cause of neurologic and renal disease in rabbits, E. cuniculi can also cause disease in immunocompromised people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammal tooth</span> Details of teeth found in many warm-blooded vertebrate animals

Teeth are common to most vertebrates, but mammalian teeth are distinctive in having a variety of shapes and functions. This feature first arose among early therapsids during the Permian, and has continued to the present day. All therapsid groups with the exception of the mammals are now extinct, but each of these groups possessed different tooth patterns, which aids with the classification of fossils.

References

  1. Streicher, Michael; Hach, Volker (2006). "Das Uterus-Adenokarzinom des Kaninchens". Kleintierpraxis. 51 (6): 3–8.
  2. 1 2 3 Perpiñán, David (2019-04-02). "Rabbit neutering". Companion Animal. 24 (4): 217–225. doi:10.12968/coan.2019.24.4.217. ISSN   2053-0889. S2CID   243376323.
  3. Southard, Thomas E.; Southard, Karin A.; Krizan, Kenneth E.; Hillis, Stephen L.; Haller, John W.; Keller, John; Vannier, Michael W. (February 2000). "Mandibular bone density and fractal dimension in rabbits with induced osteoporosis". Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology. 89 (2): 244–249. doi:10.1067/moe.2000.102223. PMID   10673664.
  4. Guzman, David Sanchez-Migallon; Graham, Jennifer E.; Keller, Krista; Hunt, Geraldine; Tong, Nathan; Morrisey, James K. (2015-01-01). "Colonic Obstruction Following Ovariohysterectomy in Rabbits: 3 Cases". Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. Neurology. 24 (1): 112–119. doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2014.11.006. ISSN   1557-5063.
  5. Bujok, Jolanta; Wincewicz, Edyta; Czerski, Albert; Zawadzki, Wojciech (2016-02-01). "Influence of ovariohysterectomy and deslorelin acetate on the spontaneous activity of the rabbit urinary bladder in vitro". Theriogenology. 85 (3): 441–446. doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.018. ISSN   0093-691X. PMID   26474688.
  6. Duhamelle, Alexis; Tessier, Emilie; Larrat, Sylvain (2017-04-01). "Ureteral Stenosis Following Ovariohysterectomy in a Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)". Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 26 (2): 132–136. doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2017.01.022. ISSN   1557-5063.
  7. Lemmex, Devin B.; Ono, Yohei; Reno, Carol R.; Hart, David A.; Lo, Ian K. Y.; Thornton, Gail M. (2016-02-08). "Increased lubricin/proteoglycan 4 gene expression and decreased modulus in medial collateral ligaments following ovariohysterectomy in the adult rabbit: Evidence consistent with aging". Journal of Biomechanics. 49 (3): 382–387. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.12.026 . ISSN   0021-9290. PMID   26776933.
  8. Achari, Yamini; Reno, Carol R.; Tsao, Helen; Morck, Douglas W.; Hart, David A. (2008-03-06). "Influence of timing (pre-puberty or skeletal maturity) of ovariohysterectomy on mRNA levels in corneal tissues of female rabbits". Molecular Vision. 14: 443–455. ISSN   1090-0535. PMC   2268760 . PMID   18334964.
  9. Fry, Deborah J N (2018-11-02). "Human-directed aggression in rabbits: a behavioural case study". Companion Animal. 23 (11): 644–648. doi:10.12968/coan.2018.23.11.644. ISSN   2053-0889. S2CID   150169140.
  10. Whitehead, Martin L. (February 2017). "Neutering of pet rabbits". Veterinary Record. 180 (8): 204–205. doi:10.1136/vr.j826. PMID   28235931. S2CID   46044895.
  11. Bradbury, A. G.; Dickens, G. J. E. (December 2016). "Should we advocate neutering for all pet rabbits?". Veterinary Record. 179 (25): 654–655. doi:10.1136/vr.i6680. PMID   28008120. S2CID   28921499.
  12. Whitehead, Martin L. (2015). "'80% of entire female rabbits get uterine adenocarcinoma.' A case report of a veterinary factoid" (PDF). Proceedings of the British Veterinary Zoological Society Conference, March 2015, Loughborough University: 37. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-01-21. Retrieved 2023-01-21.
  13. "British Veterinary Association Rabbit Care Downloads" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2005-01-25.
  14. "The importance of vaccination for your rabbit" (PDF). Intervet UK Limited. May 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 February 2009. Retrieved 26 May 2008.
  15. Pavia, Audrey (2003). Rabbits for Dummies . New York: Wiley. ISBN   978-0-7645-0861-5.
  16. "Why Rabbits Should Not Be Declawed". www.rabbit.org. Archived from the original on 2018-02-20. Retrieved 2017-04-06.
  17. "Rabbit Care: Rabbit Never Do's". www.rabbitwise.org. Archived from the original on 2017-02-04. Retrieved 2017-04-06.
  18. Guarraci, F.; Knapp, B. (1999). "An electrophysiological characterization of ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons during differential pavlovian fear conditioning in the awake rabbit" (PDF). Behavioural Brain Research. 99 (2): 169–179. doi:10.1016/S0166-4328(98)00102-8. PMID   10512583. S2CID   10451981.
  19. 1 2 3 4 "HopperHome" (PDF). 24 November 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-11-24.
  20. 1 2 McBride, Anne; Day, Simone; McAdie, Tina; Meredith, Anna; Barley, Jasmine; Hickman, Janice; Lawes, Lesley (2006). "Trancing rabbits: Relaxed hypnosis or a state of fear?". Proceedings of the VDWE International Congress on Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Sint-Niklaas, Belgium: Vlaamse Dierenartsenvereniging (VDV): 135–137. Archived from the original on 12 July 2016.
  21. "Housing". Rabbit.org. House Rabbit Society.
  22. Harkness, John E. (2010). Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents (5th ed.). Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell. pp. 306–308. ISBN   978-0-8138-1531-2.
  23. Jenkins, Jeffery (1997). "Gastrointestinal Diseases". In Hillyer, E. V.; Quesenberry, K. (eds.). Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co. pp. 178–179. ISBN   978-0-7216-4023-5.
  24. "House Rabbit Society: Sluggish Motility in the Gastrointestinal Tract".
  25. Dana M. Krempels (July 1997). "Gastrointestinal Stasis, The Silent Killer". University of Miami Department of Biology. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  26. "When Teeth Turn to Tusks". www.rabbit.org. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
  27. "Medirabbit". www.medirabbit.com. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
  28. Meredith, Anna. "Rabbit dentistry" (PDF).
  29. "Zolcal D liquid calcium". www.vetark.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2016.
  30. "Differential diagnosis for ptyalism". www.medirabbit.com.
  31. Dawson, Bronwyn (10 July 2011). "Dealing with Medical Emergencies". House Rabbit Journal. II (4). House Rabbit Society. Retrieved 2 October 2015. A differently formatted version is also available here.
  32. 1 2 Crowell-Davis, Sharon L. (January 2007). "Behavior Problems in Pet Rabbits". Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 16 (1): 38–44. doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2006.11.022.
  33. 1 2 3 4 Varga, Molly (2014). "Cardiorespiratory Disease". Textbook of Rabbit Medicine: 390–404. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-4979-8.00011-X. ISBN   978-0-7020-4979-8. PMC   7150336 .
  34. 1 2 Krempels, Dana. "Runny Eyes, Runny Nose. What do They Mean?". Georgia House Rabbit Society. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  35. Brown, Susan. "Care of Rabbits" (PDF). Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  36. van der Woerdt, Alexandra (2012). "Ophthalmologic Diseases in Small Pet Mammals". Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: 523–531. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4160-6621-7.00037-3. ISBN   978-1-4160-6621-7. PMC   7152055 .
  37. "Myxomatosis (Chapter 2.6.1)" (PDF). Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals ("Terrestrial Manual 2014") (Lagomorpha (Chapter 2.6)). World Organization for Animal Health (OIE): 1–18. May 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 March 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  38. "A Statement from the Chief Veterinary Officer (Australia) on myxomatosis vaccine availability in Australia". Australian Government - Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  39. "Restricted Invasive Animals - Rabbit". Queensland [Australia] Government - Business Queensland. 22 November 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  40. Center for Food Security & Public Health; Institute for International Cooperation in Animal Biologics (September 2007). "Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease: Viral Hemorrhagic Disease of Rabbits, Rabbit Calicivirus Disease" (PDF). CFSPH.IAState.edu. Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  41. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Veterinary Services (October 2013). "Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease: Standard Operating Procedures: 1. Overview of Etiology and Ecology" (PDF). Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Plan (FAD PReP). United States Department of Agriculture: 1–11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2017. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  42. "Notice Board". The British Rabbit Council. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  43. Mancinelli, Elisabetta; Cousquer, Glen. "West Nile virus infection (Lapis)". Vetstream. ISSN   2398-2969 . Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  44. Suen, Willy W.; et al. (2015). "Experimental West Nile Virus Infection in Rabbits: An Alternative Model for Studying Induction of Disease and Virus Control". Pathogens. 4 (3): 529–558. doi: 10.3390/pathogens4030529 . PMC   4584271 . PMID   26184326.
  45. 1 2 3 Krempels, Dana. "Head Tilt in Rabbits: Don't Give Up". House Rabbit Society. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  46. "Head Tilt in Rabbits". Disabled Rabbits. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  47. 1 2 "Rabbits and E. cuniculi (Encephalatizoon cuniculi)". Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund. 4 May 2013. Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  48. Delaney, Martha. "Lagomorpha, Ectoparasites". Science Direct. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  49. van Praag, Esther. "Ear mite: Psoroptes cuniculi". MediRabbit. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  50. Rhodes, Karen Helton; Werner, Alexander H. (2011-01-25). Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion. Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell. p. 560. ISBN   978-0-8138-1596-1.
  51. 1 2 van Praag, Esther. "Common Fur Mites or Cheyletiellosis". MediRabbit. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
  52. 1 2 3 Kremples, Dana. "Fur Loss and Skin Problems in Rabbits". Kremples website. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  53. 1 2 van Praag, Esther. "Mange: burrowing mites Sarcoptes scabiei or Notoedres cati". MediRabbit. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
  54. Harriman, Marinell. "Fly Strike". House Rabbit Society. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  55. "Summary of [Rearguard] Product Characteristics (AN. 01134/2015)" (MS Word document). Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Government of the United Kingdom (gov.uk). 15 December 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  56. Brown, Dave. "Cuterebra buccata". Animal Diversity Web (ADW). Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  57. "Warbles (Cuterebra Botfly Larvae)". Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  58. 1 2 van Praag, Esther. "Myiasis (botfly) in rabbits". MediRabbit. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  59. Bertram, Christof A.; Bertram, Beate; Bartel, Alexander; Ewringmann, Anja; Fragoso-Garcia, Marco A.; Erickson, Nancy A.; Müller, Kerstin; Klopfleisch, Robert (20 November 2020). "Neoplasia and Tumor-Like Lesions in Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): A Retrospective Analysis of Cases Between 1995 and 2019". Veterinary Pathology. 58 (5): 901–911. doi:10.1177/0300985820973460. PMID   33213301. S2CID   227079099.