Name
Evaluation of Biomarker Testing for Inflammation in Rabbits
Description
Routine hematological and biochemistry testing in rabbits is often not reflective of ongoing inflammation or infection. This limits the use in routine health assessments and in prognostication. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate biomarker testing for inflammation (previously validated in rabbits) in clinically normal and clinically abnormal rabbits. The latter group will be representative of the common clinical presentations seen in this species including trauma, dental disease, abscesses, neurological signs, and rabbit gastrointestinal syndrome. Biomarkers can aid in diagnosis of disease, severity of the disease process, prognosis, and response to treatment. Although several biomarkers have been validated in rabbits, their clinical utility has not yet been evaluated together. In this study, a minimum of n=60 pet rabbits of various breeds and ages will be assessed. Testing will include complete blood count, basic biochemistry panel, ECUN serological testing, and biomarker testing including C reactive protein, haptoglobin, fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A. Reference intervals will be generated from normal individuals for all testing. The results for the clinically normal and abnormal rabbits will be compared for the evaluation of inflammatory biomarker testing. The results of this study may help further the use of biomarkers in companion rabbit care in disease diagnosis and prognosis.
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)