Name
Clinical Description of Gastric Volvulus in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): 18 Cases
Description
Gastric volvulus has been recognized in case reports in pet rabbits, although it appears to be an uncommon pathology. This case series reviews 18 definitively diagnosed cases of gastric volvulus in domestic rabbits from 5 veterinary hospitals. Medical record systems were reviewed for cases of gastric volvulus diagnosed via CT or abdominal exploratory surgery. Information on the clinical history, diagnosis, management, and outcome of the cases was extracted. The mean age at presentation was 2.85 years (range 0.25-8.5 years). Rabbits commonly presented for anorexia and decreased or absent fecal production for a mean time of 1 day (range 0.33-2 days). An obviously distended stomach was noted in 16 rabbits, although 2 had a normal stomach on palpation, and only 2 rabbits were specifically noted to be painful on cranial abdominal palpation. On hematology analysis, rabbits had a normal PCV, with the exception of one rabbit with a concurrent liver lobe torsion. On biochemistry, all rabbits had an elevated ALT, and 12 rabbits had an elevation in ALP. Total bilirubin was increased in 6 rabbits. Most rabbits received surgical treatment to correct the volvulus, although 2 rabbits received medical intervention alone and achieved resolution of clinical signs and volvulus. This presentation will review the management and clinical outcomes of these cases to provide additional clinical information on this pathology in rabbits.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)