Name
Successful Medical Management of Liver Lobe Torsion in Domestic Rabbits: A Case Series
Description
This case series describes medical management of three privately-owned domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) diagnosed with liver lobe torsions between March 2023 and September 2025. All rabbits presented for acute anorexia and absent fecal production. Physical exams revealed reactivity on cranial abdominal palpation, reduced to absent gut sounds on auscultation, moderate dehydration, pale pink mucous membranes, and dull mentation. Radiographs showed subjective loss of definition between the liver and cranial border of stomach on one or all lateral radiographs. Ultrasonography identified an enlarged, rounded, hyperechoic liver lobe with decreased blood flow, and scant peritoneal effusion. Shared clinicopathological findings on presentation were elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN), hypoalbuminemia, and thrombocytopenia. Mild to moderate anemia was reported in one rabbit on presentation and developed in the other two rabbits during hospitalization. All rabbits either presented with or developed moderate hypernatremia and severe hyperkalemia during hospitalization. The three rabbits were hospitalized for a duration of 48 to 72 hours. The treatment regime for all patients included intravenous crystalloids, buprenorphine, cisapride, antimicrobial therapy, nutraceutical liver support, and syringe feeding. Two patients also received a lidocaine CRI and meloxicam. Bloodwork and ultrasound were serially monitored on all rabbits during hospitalization, the week after discharge, and three to four months following discharge. Hyperkalemia, hypernatremia and anemia resolved after being discharged and serum biochemical hepatic parameters showed improvement within in the first week following hospitalization and subsequent resolution. Nutraceutical liver support was continued for at least one month following discharge.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)