Name
Medical management of tracheal stenosis in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Lucy Robson
Description
A 5-year-6-month old female neutered Lop-eared rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented with a 9 month history of coughing and sneezing. The symptoms had worsened during this period and the rabbit had experienced episodes of choking. The rabbit had previously been prescribed a week course of enrofloxacin 10mg/kg BID but with no clinical improvement. Physical examination revealed profound upper respiratory stridor which worsened during handling precluding a thorough examination in the interest of not causing respiratory decompensation. Meloxicam 0.6mg/kg BID PO was prescribed and a full body CT was scheduled. CT revealed severe focal narrowing of the cranial cervical trachea between C3-C5 vertebra suggestive of chondromalacia with secondary dynamic tracheal collapse and tracheal stenosis. An area of lung consolidation thought to be pneumonia secondary to tracheal pathology was noted. Surgical correction including tracheal resection and anastomoses was discussed with the owner but due to the poor prognosis the owner elected medical management. Salbutamol and fluticasone propionate inhaler therapy was started to combat local inflammation alongside penicillin-G 40mg/kg SID SC injections for the suspected pneumonia. Meloxicam was continued at the aforementioned dosage. The rabbit tolerated the medication and clinically improved. Reports of tracheal stenosis in rabbits are rare and this case highlights alternative treatment options compared to surgical intervention.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)