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In rabbits and guinea pigs, total thyroxine (TT4) and free thyroxine (fT4) reference values have been previously published. However, most studies have been performed on laboratory animals with small sample sizes. A reference value for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement has not yet been established for either species. With the increasing popularity of pet guinea pigs and rabbits in veterinary practice, established reference values are needed to make a diagnosis and promptly initiate appropriate treatment. Plasma samples from a healthy and defined animal population of 41 pet rabbits (n = 41 TT4, fT4, TSH) and 73 pet guinea pigs (n = 73 TT4 and fT4; n = 51 TSH) were evaluated using chemiluminescence assay (CLIA; for TT4, fT4) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; for TSH) to establish reference values. A thyrotropin teleasing hormone (TRH)-stimulation test (n = 4; for each species) was conducted to validate the TSH ELISA test kits. Range, mean, median, standard deviation, interquartile range, 95% reference interval, and 90% confidence intervals for lower and upper reference limits of TT4, fT4, and TSH in healthy pet guinea pigs and healthy pet rabbits were assessed. In addition, the influence of age, sex, and housing on TT4, fT4, and TSH levels was investigated. In this study, TSH reference values were established in pet rabbits and guinea pigs for the first time. Reference values for both TT4 and fT4 were also established de novo for both species. Only with evidence- and population-based reference values can thyroid diseases be precisely and correctly diagnosed to prevent inadequate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine an effective dose of the contrast agent diatrizoate in healthy rabbits. This study included 14 rabbits receiving three different dosages of a solution containing 300 mg iodine/mL and 600 mg diatrizoate/mL (Dose 1, 2 mL/kg; Dose 2, 7 mL/kg; Dose 3, 10 mL/kg). Full body radiographs were obtained at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes, and 12 and 24 hours after oral administration. Blood samples 60 minutes and 24 hours after administration and fecal dry matter after 24 hours were compared to preliminary samples. Recommended doses and times for radiography for luminal patency and visualization of each gastrointestinal segment are given. The evaluated blood parameters were within their respective reference intervals throughout this study. However, significant changes (P < 0.05) could be observed. A decrease in hematocrit at all three doses administered, an increase in urea that persisted for more than 24 hours after administration of 2 mL/kg and 10 mL/kg, and a short-term increase in creatinine after administration of 7 mL/kg could be observed. Glucose and sodium were still increased after administration of 10 mL/kg after 24 hours, while potassium decreased after administration of all three doses. The chloride concentration was still increased after 24 hours after administration of 7 mL/kg. Administration of 7 mL/kg and 10 mL/kg resulted in a significant decrease in the dry matter of feces. Five rabbits developed self-limiting diarrhea after administration of 10 mL/kg. Diatrizoate is a useful contrast agent in order to assess the passage through the intestine and achieve a good visualization of the gastrointestinal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skull fractures in ferrets are rarely reported and established treatment methods for this species have not been published. A 3-year-old male chemically neutered pet ferret was presented with a malocclusion of the jaw after being bitten by a dog. Radiographs confirmed a unilateral caudal mandibular fracture. An esophageal tube was placed for alimentation during the healing process and the labial button technique for fracture stabilization was performed. The patient was hospitalized for 8 days, after which the sutures were removed, and the patient was discharged with a physiological occlusion of the jaw. Radiographs after 4 weeks and 4 months confirmed proper bone healing in the clinically unremarkable ferret. Due to their skull size and form, invasive methods, tape muzzles or other methods of fracture repair might not be suitable for every case of skull fracture in ferrets. Alternative methods, like the presented labial button technique, can provide sufficient stabilization for functional healing of a mandibular fracture in a ferret. The technique is easily performed, minimally invasive and requires no special material or instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the acid-base-balance status and blood gas values in rabbits with gastric stasis and gastric dilation syndrome. Methods: Thirty rabbits with corresponding symptoms and radiographs were sampled before, during, and after treatment and an arterial acid-base-balance status and blood gas analysis was performed. Results: pCO 2 , HCO 3 , and base excess were significantly lower in animals that were presented 12 hours after the owner had registered signs of illness than animals presented within 6 hours. Of the examined rabbits, 57% had acidosis, 83% of which were of metabolic origin. The pH returned to normal after treatment in 94% of surviving animals (24/30). Conclusions: Gastric stasis and dilation syndrome has a considerable impact on the acid-base-balance status and blood gas analysis in rabbits and its measurement is therefore valuable for assessing the patient's status and adjusting the therapy accordingly to each animal's needs. Clinical relevance: Our findings underline the importance of a swift introduction of rabbits with gastric stasis and dilation syndrome into veterinary care to prevent further impairment of secondary findings such as metabolic acidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid diseases are rarely diagnosed in pet rabbits and very little is known about the effects of systemic illnesses on thyroid hormone levels in this species. This brief communication compares the results of total thyroxine (T4, n = 44) and free T4 (n = 26) measurements in sick rabbits with total T4 (n = 56) and free T4 (n = 28) measurements from apparently healthy animals. Mean values of total and free T4 were significantly lower in sick animals, indicating nonthyroidal illness syndrome in the pet rabbit. Unlike in the dog, total and free T4 were both decreased to a similar degree in diseased rabbits. Rabbits with fractures and presumed obstructive ileus had particularly low total T4 levels. Total T4 values of rabbits suffering from urinary tract diseases were affected to a lesser extent. The effect of different diseases on free T4 values could not be evaluated on account of the small sample size. This study suggests that, similar to other species, total and free T4 measurement alone might not be sufficient to diagnose hypothyroidism in the pet rabbit due to the existence of nonthyroidal illness syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two sexually intact adult male chinchillas were presented with a swelling in the perineal region. Radiographically both masses had a soft tissue opacity. Ultrasonography confirmed the tentative diagnosis of perineal hernia. In the first case the ultrasonographic examination revealed a fluid-filled structure inside the swelling, which was determined to be the urinary bladder. In the second case the hernia sac was filled with homogeneous tissue, belived to be fat. Subsequently, unilateral perineal herniorrhaphies including an internal obturator muscle flap transposition technique were performed. Both chinchillas recovered well with subsequent uneventful healing of the surgical sites. No long-term complications or recurrences of the perineal hernias were reported. This clinical report shows that perineal hernias occur in chinchillas and can be surgically treated with success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]