Rabbits develop ectopic pregnancies more often than most mammals, with reported incidence rates of 0.2% to 7.8%. Ectopic pregnancies occur when a fertilized ovum escapes from the uterus and implants on the abdominal mesentery or peritoneum. Extrauterine fetuses can be incidental findings in rabbits, or they can contribute to malaise, hyporexia, and discomfort. The possibility of an extrauterine fetus should be considered in any female rabbit with a palpable abdominal mass, whether spayed or intact. This lecture will discuss 3 rabbits with extrauterine pregnancies that were seen at our clinic within an 8-year period. The first rabbit was 3 years old, had been spayed 2 years earlier, and presented with vestibular disease and a fever. Multiple firm masses were palpable in the caudoventral abdomen of this rabbit, and splinting was noted with palpation. The second rabbit was approximately 1 year old and had been spayed 3 months prior. This rabbit presented with diarrhea, dehydration, and a tense abdomen. A moveable mass was palpable in this rabbit’s dorsal caudal abdomen. The third rabbit was approximately 2 years old and pregnant, and was brought in for a routine spay surgery. During an ovariohysterectomy one live fetus and two ectopic mummified fetuses were discovered. In addition to discussing the above cases, the lecture will cover the pathophysiology and clinical signs for extrauterine pregnancy, as well as the recommended treatments.
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