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Until the early 1980s, it was totally unknown that lagomorphs were the hosts of several caliciviruses, which were included in the genus Lagovirus by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) in 2000. In those years, two new diseases appeared, with very similar clinical and pathological profiles and associated high mortality rates: rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) in rabbits and European Brown Hare Syndrome (EBHS) in European brown hares. It took a few years to ascertain that both diseases, actually acute and fatal forms of hepatitis, were caused by two genetically related caliciviruses, but they were finally classified by ICTV into two distinct viral species on the basis of their molecular characterisation and epidemiological data: RHDV in rabbit and EBHSV in brown hare. RHD has had a devastating effect on rabbit farms, causing great economic damage, especially in China, where RHD was first noticed around 1982, and in Europe. RHD has also severely affected wild rabbit populations, whose drastic decline has caused serious ecological imbalances in territories such as Spain, where rabbits are a central link in the wildlife food chain. Since the early 1990s, with the increased availability on the market of RHDV vaccines effective in protecting rabbits from RHD, the impact of the disease on rabbit farms has been significantly reduced. In the following years, also considering that RHDV is an endemic virus that cannot be eradicated, farmers learned how to manage the continuous use of RHDV vaccine in relation to the epidemiological situation, the type of breeding farm and the costs of vaccination prophylaxis. Although precarious, management of the RHD risk for rabbit farmers reached an acceptable equilibrium, which was, however, completely upset starting from 2010 by the emergence of another lagovirus also causing RHD. The genome of the newly emerged virus shows limited differences from that of RHDV, but the phenotypic traits of the two viruses are distinctive in at least three main respects: 1) The antigenic profile of the virus (the "face" of the virus recognised by the antibodies) is largely different from that of RHDV. 2) Newborn rabbits only a couple of weeks old die of RHD when infected with the new virus, while RHDV infections run asymptomatic until 7-8 wk of age. 3) The new virus, which started in Europe, has spread over the years to several continents, affecting wild and/or domestic rabbit populations. During this worldwide distribution, the new virus infected several lagomorph species and was shown to cause RHD in most of them. Considering these marked differences and the fact that the new virus is not a variant of RHDV, we proposed the name RHDV type 2 (RHDV2). All these main distinctive traits that differentiate RHDV from RHDV2 have the following consequences in practice: 1) The antigenic difference between RHDV and RHDV2 (their 'faces') is so great that we need "new" specific vaccines to control RHDV2 (i.e. RHDV2 is a new serotype). 2) In the event of an RHDV2 infection in suckling rabbits, the presence of maternal antibodies to RHDV2 in the blood is the only way to prevent RHD. In contrast, newborns are naturally resistant to RHD if infected with RHDV and therefore, in terms of protection, the presence of maternal antibodies is useless. 3) When RHD outbreaks occur in territories where rabbits live in sympatry with populations of other lagomorphs, viral contamination in the environment reaches sufficiently high levels to facilitate the transmission of RHDV2 to other lagomorphs, including those with a lower susceptibility to infection than the rabbit. Taken together, these phenotypic traits characteristic of RHDV2 are the reason for its rapid spread across the territory and the concomitant disappearance of RHDV. Probably the most striking example of the epidemiological consequences related to the peculiar features of RHDV2 is its rapid spread in the USA and Mexico, where it is now practically endemic. There, despite repeated isolated outbreaks of RHD caused by RHDV from 2000 onwards in small rabbit farms, RHDV has never been able to become endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To determine epidemiological features of cardiovascular disease in rabbits examined at a veterinary teaching hospital and characterize clinical and pathological findings. ANIMALS 59 rabbits. PROCEDURES Medical records from 200 I to 2018 were reviewed. and data were collected. Echocardiographic images and histologic diagnoses were reviewed. RESULTS The prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 2.6% (59/2,249) Clinical signs related to cardiac disease included heart murmur (n = 25 rabbits), arrhythmia (22), tachypnea or dyspnea (13), hyporexia oranorexia (13), and muscle wasting (9). Radiographic (n = 39) abnormalities included cardiomegaly (19) and peritoneal (12) and pleural (11) effusion. Common echocardiographic (n = 37) diagnoses included degenerative valve disease (15), dilated cardiomyopathy (7), unclassified cardiomyopathy (4), restrictive cardiomyopathy (3), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (2). On ECG (n = 19), supraventricular arrhythmias (16) were more common than ventricular arrhythmias (12). Thirty-five necropsy reports were available, and diagnoses included cardiomyopathy (n = 14), myocarditis (10), and arteriosclerosis (9). Medical management (n = 20) included a wide range of drugs and dosages with few adverse effects. Survival times (n = 36 rabbits) ranged from 1 to 2.353 days with a median cardiac disease-specific survival time of 306 days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The findings provided information on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in rabbits and survival times for affected rabbits. Right-sided, left-sided, and biventricular congestive heart failure occurred equally. Median survival time was lower than that reported for other species. Further research on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in rabbits is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some prior evidence has suggested that lop‐eared rabbits and those with brachycephalic skull conformations have a higher dental disease risk. This retrospective cohort study reports the frequency and conformational risk factors for primary‐care veterinary diagnosis with dental disease in companion rabbits in the UK. Methods: Anonymised VetCompass clinical records were manually reviewed to confirm dental disease cases. Risk factor analysis used multivariable binary logistic regression modelling. Results: From 161,979 rabbits under primary veterinary care in 2019, the 1‐year period prevalence of overall dental disease was 15.36% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.78–15.96). The prevalence of dental disease affecting incisors was 3.14% (95% CI: 2.87–3.44), and for cheek teeth it was 13.72% (95% CI: 13.17–14.29). Neither lop‐eared conformation nor brachycephalic skull conformation was significantly associated with increased odds of dental disease. Dental disease odds increased as age increased and decreased as bodyweight increased. Limitations: This study retrospectively accessed clinical records, so breed names may sometimes be imprecise. Conclusion: The high overall prevalence of dental disease represents a major welfare concern for all companion rabbits, regardless of conformation. This information can be used to encourage regular routine dental assessment of rabbits of all conformations to promote earlier diagnosis, paying particular attention to older rabbits and those with low bodyweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical and pathological records of 44 domestic, female rabbits with an age ranging from 6–124 months (median age: 63.5 month) were assessed retrospectively for ovarian lesions. Included were all rabbits that underwent an ovariohysterectomy with a subsequent pathological examination of the genital tract between March 1997 and June 2016. Pathological examination revealed ovarian lesions in 12 of the 44 rabbits including follicular cysts (n=7), cystic rete ovarii (n=3), widespread ovarian necrosis with dystrophic calcification (n=2), ovarian adenoma (n=1). Clinical examination including radiographs only suggested ovarian disorders in two cases of ovarian necrosis with dystrophic calcification and in two cases of cystic rete ovarii. Clinical significance was only conclusive in a case of cystic rete ovarii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CASE DESCRIPTION A 5-year-old male Dwarf rabbit and 4-year-old female Mini-Rex rabbit were evaluated because of anorexia and urine scalding of the perineum. CLINICAL FINDINGS Abdominal radiography revealed a diffuse increase in the opacity of the urinary bladder attributable to urinary sludge. In I rabbit, abdominal ultrasonography revealed several mass-like lesions protruding from the mucosal surface into the lumen of the urinary bladder. Rabbits were anesthetized, and cystoscopy was performed with a rigid 2.7-mm, 30° endoscope. Histologic analysis of tissue samples obtained through the cystoscope operating channel revealed findings consistent with polypoid cystitis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME To remove the urinary sludge from each rabbit, the urinary bladder was filled with sterile saline (0.9% NaCI) solution and emptied with a gentle massage several times until the ejected fluid was transparent. Rabbits were treated with NSAIDs, antimicrobials (chosen following microbial culture of urine and antimicrobial susceptibility testing), bathing of the perineum, and a low-calcium diet. The male rabbit died of unrelated causes 18 months later; postmortem examination findings confirmed the polypoid cystitis. The female rabbit remained disease free through to last follow-up (12 months after initial evaluation). CLINICAL RELEVANCE This was the first report of polypoid cystitis in pet rabbits. Although ultrasonographic findings supported this diagnosis, a definitive diagnosis was achieved through cystoscopy and lesion biopsy. Treatments administered were intended to reduce the potential sources of irritation. Research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of the applied interventions and the association between excessive urinary calcium excretion and polyploid cystitis in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CASE DESCRIPTION A 3-year-old sexually intact male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated because of a I-day history of signs of anorexia and depression. CLINICAL FINDINGS Clinical examination revealed signs of depression, hunched posture, low skin elasticity (suggesting dehydration), slightly distended abdomen, and penile and preputial edema. The owner reported that the rabbit had been fed a routine diet, received water via a sipper bottle, and was allowed free movement around the home. It had been observed by the owner to bite and chew gypsum-based plaster from the walls of the home. Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography revealed radiopaque material in the urinary bladder, irregular thickening of the urinary bladder wall, and gaseous distention of the cecum. Urinalysis revealed mild hematuria and proteinuria. Results of the physical examination and other diagnostic tests were consistent with urolithiasis, cystitis, and gastrointestinal stasis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME At clinical examination, numerous small uroliths originating from the urethral orifice were removed and submitted for composition analysis via infrared and Raman spectrometry and polarized microscopy. Laparotomy-assisted flushing of the urinary bladder and urethra was performed, and the rabbit recovered without complication. Results of composition analysis indicated the uroliths were composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This is the first report of calcium sulfate urolithiasis in a rabbit, which was attributed to dehydration (possibly due to inadequate water provision) and excessive dietary intake of sulfur in the form of gypsum-based plaster. Rabbits should be prevented from consuming plaster and other potential extradietary sources of sulfur and provided an appropriate water supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in rabbits remains a major veterinary issue. ELISA or immunofluorescence assays are the current reference standards of serological tests. However, these conventional techniques suffer from a lack of accuracy for distinguishing active from past infections, as a positive serostatus is common in clinically normal rabbits. In this study, we assessed the diagnostic performance of Western blot (WB) to detect both anti- E. cuniculi immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in comparison with ELISA and to address the intensity of the immune response through a quantitative approach. Positive WB results were highly correlated with the E. cuniculi-related diseased status ( P < 0.0001). Although it was more labor intensive and less standardized, quantitative WB provided detailed comparable analysis regarding the humoral response and diagnostic performance similar to ELISA testing with statistically higher sensitivity (88.4 vs. 76.1% for IgG detection and 84.3 vs. 70.4% for IgM, P < 0.01). Several specific WB bands were shown to be significantly associated with concomitant clinical signs, like the one located at 50 kDa (OR = 8.2, [2.4-27.7], P = 0.0008) for IgG and (OR = 27.9, [4.2-187.9], P = 0.0006) for IgM. Therefore, the quantitative WB may have application in veterinary diagnostic laboratories to increase the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of E. cuniculi infection. In addition, this tool may help to further understand the development and function of the humoral immune response to this infectious agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii causes serious infection worldwide in humans and animals. In this study, the seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis was investigated in wild boars (Sus scrofa) (n=377), wild rabbits (cape hare, Lapus capensis) (n=331), and wild chickens (red junglefwol, Gallus gallus) (n=571) in 4 forested and country sided area of Hubei province of China. For this, blood samples were collected and tested by indirect hemagglutination test (IHA). The seroprevalence was found to be 7.2%, 5.1%, and 12.6% in wild boars, rabbits, and chickens, respectively, with significant differences among these species. The prevalence of T. gondii infection in male and female wild boars was found to be 7.9% and 6.5% (P<0.01), in male and female rabbits was 5.6% and 4.9% (P<0.01), and in male and female chickens was 17.1% and 7.7% (P<0.01), respectively, with significant differences between 2 genders of chickens (P<0.01). The findings of this study may help in planning of the prevention measures against T. gondii infection in wild animals in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and medical management of a 2-year-old spayed female dwarf rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) suffering from an ulcerative keratitis and a stromal abscess with a rapid evolution. The diagnosis of fungal keratitis was based on fungal culture identifying the pathogen as Aspergillus fumigatus. Treatment by topical terbinafine was efficacious in resolving the keratomycosis within 8 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spontaneous keratomycosis in a rabbit and the first description of successful therapy by terbinafine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania infantum, is a vector-borne zoonotic disease that is endemic to the Mediterranean basin. The potential of rabbits and hares to serve as competent reservoirs for the disease has recently been demonstrated, although assessment of the importance of their role on disease dynamics is hampered by the absence of quantitative knowledge on the accuracy of diagnostic techniques in these species. A Bayesian latent-class model was used here to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the Immuno-fluorescence antibody test ( IFAT) in serum and a Leishmania-nested PCR (Ln- PCR) in skin for samples collected from 217 rabbits and 70 hares from two different populations in the region of Madrid, Spain. A two-population model, assuming conditional independence between test results and incorporating prior information on the performance of the tests in other animal species obtained from the literature, was used. Two alternative cut-off values were assumed for the interpretation of the IFAT results: 1/50 for conservative and 1/25 for sensitive interpretation. Results suggest that sensitivity and specificity of the IFAT were around 70-80%, whereas the Ln- PCR was highly specific (96%) but had a limited sensitivity (28.9% applying the conservative interpretation and 21.3% with the sensitive one). Prevalence was higher in the rabbit population (50.5% and 72.6%, for the conservative and sensitive interpretation, respectively) than in hares (6.7% and 13.2%). Our results demonstrate that the IFAT may be a useful screening tool for diagnosis of leishmaniasis in rabbits and hares. These results will help to design and implement surveillance programmes in wild species, with the ultimate objective of early detecting and preventing incursions of the disease into domestic and human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely used in biomedical science including antiarthritic agents, drug loading, and photothermal therapy. In this report, we studied the effects of AuNPs with diameters of 3, 13, and 45 nm, respectively, on rabbit articular chondrocytes. AuNPs were capped with citrate and their diameter and zeta potential were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cell viability was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after the rabbit articular chondrocytes were pre-incubated with 3, 13, and 45 nm AuNPs, respectively, for 24 h. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis with annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) double staining and fluorescence imaging with Hoechst 33258 staining were used to determine the fashion of AuNPs-induced chondrocyte death. Further, 13 nm AuNPs (2 nM) significantly induced chondrocyte death accompanying apoptotic characteristics including mitochondrial damage, externalization of phosphatidylserine and nuclear concentration. However, 3 nm AuNPs (2 nM) and 45 nm (0.02 nM) AuNPs did not induce cytotoxicity in chondrocytes. Although 13 nm AuNPs (2 nM) increased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, pretreatment with Nacetyl cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, did not prevent the cytotoxicity induced by 13 nm AuNPs, indicating that 13 nm AuNPs (2 nM) induced ROS-independent apoptosis in chondrocytes. These results demonstrate the size-dependent cytotoxicity of AuNPs in chondrocytes, which must be seriously considered when using AuNPs for treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to being an important human pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus is able to cause a variety of infections in numerous other host species. While the S. aureus strains causing infection in several of these hosts have been well characterised, this is not the case for companion rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), where little data are available on S. aureus strains from this host. To address this deficiency we have performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genome sequencing on a collection of S. aureus isolates from companion rabbits. The findings show a diverse S. aureus population is able to cause infection in this host, and while antimicrobial resistance was uncommon, the isolates possess a range of known and putative virulence factors consistent with a diverse clinical presentation in companion rabbits including severe abscesses. We additionally show that companion rabbit isolates carry polymorphisms within dltB as described as underlying host-adaption of S. aureus to farmed rabbits. The availability of S. aureus genome sequences from companion rabbits provides an important aid to understanding the pathogenesis of disease in this host and in the clinical management and surveillance of these infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The clinical relevance of plasmatic l-lactate concentration ( PLLC) is unknown in rabbits. Due to an entirely different metabolism of lactic acid, PLLC in rabbits can reach much higher concentrations than in other species. Objectives The aim of this study was to establish a reference interval (95% RI) for venous PLLC in pet rabbits and to assess its diagnostic and prognostic significance in ill pet rabbits. Methods Plasmatic l-lactate concentration was determined by an enzymatic colorimetric method. In the first study, healthy rabbits ( n = 140) were the control group. The ill rabbits group ( n = 405) included the deceased ( n = 108) and the survivors ( n = 266), depending on the outcome at day 14. In a second study, variation in the PLLC was determined in 25 boarding (control-serial), 99 hospitalized (deceased-serial [ n = 27], and survivors-serial [ n = 72]) rabbits sampled at 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours. Results The 95% RI for PLLC in controls was 2.1-15.2 mmol/L. On-arrival PLLC in ill rabbits was not statistically different from those in the control group, but was significantly lower in deceased compared to survivors or controls. The range of PLLC variation differed significantly between control-serial, deceased-serial, and survivors-serial groups. A better prognosis was associated with an increase of 3.3 mmol/L PLLC within 48 hours after arrival. Conclusions Contrary to the available information in other species, morbidity and mortality is associated with sustained low PLLC in pet rabbits, while a good prognosis is associated with an increase in PLLC. Monitoring PLLC in hospitalized rabbits is advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To determine whether rectal temperature at hospital admission, independently or in conjunction with other parameters, was associated with all-cause mortality in client-owned rabbits. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. ANIMALS 316 client-owned rabbits consecutively hospitalized in an exotics-only animal hospital. PROCEDURES Rectal temperature of each hospitalized rabbit was measured at admission. Individual variables, including survival up to 1 week after hospital discharge, were recorded. Univariate, multivariate, and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS Rabbits with hypothermia at admission had a risk of death before or within 1 week after hospital discharge 3 times that of rabbits without hypothermia (relative risk, 3.09; 95% confidence interval, 2.17 to 4.39). For each 1°C (1.8°F) decrease in admission rectal temperature, the odds of death were doubled (OR, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.69 to 2.64). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the finding. Older age, suspected presence of a systemic disease, and presence of gastrointestinal stasis were also significantly associated with an increased risk of death. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Rectal temperature was easily measured in rabbits and was a major predict or of death in the present patient cohort Because of its association with death in both healthy and diseased rabbits in this study, rectal temperature should always be measured during physical examination of rabbits. Treatment of hypothermia in client-owned rabbits requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of 426 rabbits from 3 cities in Jilin province (Changchun City and Jilin City) and Liaoning province (Shenyang City) was conducted between May and June 2015. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in rabbits was 0.94% (4/426), with 0% (0/116), 1.72% (3/174), and 0.74% (1/136) in Jilin, Changchun, and Shenyang City, respectively. Only 3 farms (farm 1 and farm 3 in Changchun City, farm 8 in Shenyang City) were PCR-positive for E. bieneusi. Moreover, rabbits of more than 6 months (1.72%) had the highest E. bieneusi prevalence, followed by rabbits of 4-6 months (1.26%), 2-3 months (0.58%), and less than 1 month (0%). Analysis of ITS gene of E. bieneusi suggested that all 4 E. bieneusi isolates were genotype D, and were classified as group 1a. The present results first demonstrated the existence of zoonotic E. bieneusi in domestic rabbits in China. Effective control measures should be implemented to prevent E. bieneusi infection in domestic rabbits, other animals, and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with mechanism of genetic determinism of pathogenecity in Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV). Topics discussed include the types of RHDV strains, the evolution of the viruses from pre-existing nonpathogenic viruses and species jump, and documentation of RHDV strains in Iberian hares. The origins of European leporids with lagoviruses are also discussed.

Equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen of horses worldwide, associated with respiratory, reproductive and/or neurological disease. A mouse model for EHV-1 infection has been established but fails to reproduce some important aspects of the viral pathogenesis. Then, we investigated the susceptibility of rabbits to EHV-1 aiming at proposing this species as an alternative model for EHV-1 infection. Weanling rabbits inoculated intranasal with EHV-1 Kentucky D (10 7 TCID 50 /animal) shed virus in nasal secretions up to day 8–10 post-inoculation (pi), presented viremia up to day 14 pi and seroconverted to EHV-1 (virus neutralizing titers 4 to 64). Most rabbits (75%) developed respiratory disease, characterized by serous to hemorrhagic nasal discharge and mild to severe dyspnea. Some animals (20%) presented neurological signs as circling, bruxism and opisthotonus. Six animals died during acute disease (days 3–6); infectious virus and/or viral DNA were detected in the lungs, trigeminal ganglia (TG), olfactory bulbs (OBs) and cerebral cortex/brain (CC). Histological examination showed necrohemorrhagic, multifocal to coalescent bronchointerstitial pneumonia and diffuse alveolar edema. In two rabbits euthanized at day 50 pi, latent EHV-1 DNA was detected in the OBs. Dexamethasone administration at day 50 pi resulted in virus reactivation, demonstrated by virus shedding, viremia, clinical signs, and increase in VN titers and/or by detection of virus DNA in lungs, OBs, TGs and/or CC. These results demonstrate that rabbits are susceptible to EHV-1 infection and develop respiratory and neurological signs upon experimental inoculation. Thus, rabbits may be used to study selected aspects of EHV-1 biology and pathogenesis, extending and complementing the mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2010 a new Lagovirus related to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) emerged in France and has since rapidly spread throughout domestic and wild rabbit populations of several European countries. The new virus, termed RHDV2, exhibits distinctive genetic, antigenic and pathogenic features. Notably, RHDV2 kills rabbits previously vaccinated with RHDV vaccines. Here we report for the first time the generation and characterization of RHDV2-specific virus-like particles (VLPs). Our results further confirmed the differential antigenic properties exhibited by RHDV and RHDV2, highlighting the need of using RHDV2-specific diagnostic assays to monitor the spread of this new virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case study of a 2.5 year-old male mixed-breed rabbit referred to North Carolina State University's Veterinary Hospital for evaluation of purulent discharge is presented. It discusses rabbit was treated with ocular corticosteroids and antibiotics for ocular discharge. It discusses the use of radiography for the preliminary assessment of dental health in rabbits.

A specific real time RT-PCR for the detection of RHDV2 was developed and validated using RHDV and RHDV2 RNA preparations from positive field samples. The system was designed to amplify a 127 nucleotide-long RNA region located within the vp60 gene, based on the alignment of six sequences originated in Portugal, obtained in our laboratory, and 11 sequences from France and Italy. The primers and probe target sequences are highly conserved in the vast majority of the RHDV2 sequences presently known. In the sequences showing variability, only one mismatch is found per strain, usually outlying the 3′ end of the primer or probe hybridization sequences. The specificity of the method was demonstrated in vitro with a panel of common rabbit pathogens. Standardization was performed with RNA transcripts obtained from a recombinant plasmid harboring the target sequence. The method was able to detected nine RNA molecules with an efficiency of 99.4% and a R 2 value of 1. Repeatability and reproducibility of the method were very high, with coefficients of variation lower than 2.40%. The assay was proven a valuable tool to diagnose most of RDVH2 circulating strains, and may be also useful to monitor viral loads, and consequently, disease progression and vaccination efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut stasis (paralytic ileus or gastrointestinal hypomotility) is a commonly seen symptom in rabbit patients. It is important to understand that it is not a diagnosis in and of itself. Any rabbit that is not eating, or is not passing droppings should be viewed as an emergency case. Prompt examination and comprehensive treatment allow stabilisation and enable the veterinary surgeon to both improve the immediate welfare of his patient and to get it well enough to undergo diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the gut stasis. In the longer term, treatment of gut stasis alone is insufficient and a diagnosis of the underlying cause will allow better long-term control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a seven-year-old, intact male, pet dwarf rabbit suffering from the presence of ventral abdominal subcutaneous mass. Topics discussed include mammary adenocarcinoma is diagnosed on histolopathology, death of rabbit occurred due to severe dyspnea and pulmonary metastasis of the anaplastic adenocarcinoma is also diagnosed. It further discusses the presence of anaplastic adenocarcinoma on the abdominal region is suspected to be of mammary origin.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies in healthy and diseased rabbits in Germany. Age and gender dependencies were taken into consideration. The sensitivity of the E cuniculi antibody test and its relevance for the diagnosis of E cuniculi infection in rabbits was also examined. A total of 773 healthy and diseased rabbits were tested for E cuniculi antibodies (indirect immune fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) or carbon immunoassay (CIA). No differences between diseased and healthy rabbits were observed with regard to gender, but diseased rabbits were significantly older (P>0.001). Forty-three percent (336/773) of all rabbits were positive for E cuniculi antibodies. Of the diseased rabbits, 48 per cent (266/555) were positive for E cuniculi antibodies. While 96 per cent (91/95) of the rabbits with histopathologically or PCR confirmed encephalitozoonosis were E cuniculi antibody-positive, only 60 per cent (144/241) of the rabbits suspected of E cuniculi infection were antibody-positive. Of the healthy rabbits, 18 per cent (39/218) were positive for E cuniculi antibodies. Diseased rabbits were almost three times more likely to be E cuniculi antibody-positive than healthy ones (P>0.001; relative risk (RR): 2.68; 95% CI 1.99 to 3.61). The sensitivity of the E cuniculi antibody test was 96 per cent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research / Revue Canadienne de Recherche Vétérinaire is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This case report describes the clinical manifestations and ocular pathology of an intraocular sarcoma in a spayed female 7-year-old rabbit that developed clinical signs consistent with phacoclastic uveitis at 6 months of age, which was left untreated for most of the next 6 years. Ophthalmologic examination confirmed pupillary occlusion, aqueous flare, fibrin, and lens debris within the anterior chamber of the right eye. The right eye was blind and phthisical. The tentative clinical diagnosis was chronic phacoclastic uveitis, and a routine transconjunctival enucleation of the right eye was completed. The globe was formalin-fixed and submitted for histologic examination. Light microscopic examination revealed a ruptured cataractous lens, uveitis, retinal detachment, and an intraocular sarcoma centered around the lens. Immunohistochemical ( IHC) staining was positive for smooth muscle actin and vimentin and negative for Desmin and cytokeratin intermediate filaments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay has turned out to be one of the most potential tools for diagnosis of schistosomiasis. However, the source and metabolic dynamics of Schistosoma japonicum DNA in the blood of hosts is not clear. In this study, rabbit models with monosexual and mixed sexual cercariae infection were established to interpret the source of the parasite DNA in serum of the hosts. Following administration of praziquantel at 7 weeks postinfection, the metabolic mechanism of S. japonicum DNA in serum of the hosts was studied. The findings showed that, for the monosexual cercariae infection, the parasite DNA was detectable in serum of the host from day 3 to week 3 postinfection, while for the mixed sexual cercariae infection, the detection results were continually positive during the 7 weeks after infection. After treatment with praziquantel, detection of S. japonicum DNA in rabbit sera became positive at the second day posttreatment, and the positive period lasted 3 weeks in the monosexual cercariae infection group. However, with the mixed sexual cercariae infection group, the PCR results remained positive for 16 weeks after treatment. We conclude that the S. japonicum DNA in host serum primarily comes from the residual body of dead schistosomula and/or tegument shedding of worm growing in the first 4 weeks postinfection, while during the spawning stage of the female schistosome, the parasite DNA mainly comes from the disintegration of inactive eggs. The duration from treatment to total elimination of worm origin DNA in serum is not exceeding 3 weeks. However, the DNA release from inactive eggs can last for more than 16 weeks. Further studies are needed to address the sources and metabolic dynamics of S. japonicum DNA in human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-catch urine samples were collected from forty-one clinically normal domestic rabbits of various ages, breeds and both sexes. The Test γ GT Liquid-0018257640 was used for the in vitro quantitative determination of γ-Glutamyl-transferase (GGT) and reference intervals for γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, γ-GT, GGT) and GGT index (γ-glutamyl transferase to creatinine ratio) were established in fresh urine samples. Possible correlations of GGT and GGT index with sex and age were also explored. The stability of GGT after storage at +4°C for one week and -20°C for one month was investigated. The GGT and the GGT index reference intervals in fresh urine samples of healthy domestic rabbits were found to be 2.7-96.5 IU/l and 0.043-1.034, respectively. The urine GGT activity and the GGT index did not differ significantly between sexes in fresh urine samples. Nevertheless, a statistically significant difference was found in the GGT index with neutered status. Short-term storage at 4°C did not alter the enzyme stability, whereas, freezing did. Further investigations are needed to determine whether these parameters may be useful for early detection of renal tubular damage in rabbits, and in enabling better clinical management of affected animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a number of urogenital diseases in male and female rabbits that veterinary practitioners will encounter. This paper looks at the different types of disease that may affect the urinary or reproductive system, how they are diagnosed, and the treatments that are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study which describes a spontaneously metastasizing seminoma in a 9-year-old pet lionhead rabbit. It mentions that the rabbit had a palpable abdominal mass and with unilateral testicular enlargement. It states that the rabbit's spiral computed tomography shows the presence of an abdominal-pelvic mass in the region of the sublumbar lymph nodes. The article discusses the replacement of the rabbit's enlarged testis by a diffuse malignant seminoma.

The article presents a comparative assessment between immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) as dependable detection methods for detection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi of rabbits in Vienna, Austria. Researchers several samples using both methods on the kidneys and brains of infected rabbits. They found that IHC is effective in identifying Encephalitozoon cuniculi compared to ISH.

The work is described by microscopic analysis, the serological analysis (IFAT) and the molecular analysis of isolates from clinical samples (blood, faeces and urine) from ten domestic rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus), breed Maličký, four New Zealand domestic rabbits, 11 sows of breed Slo0076akian Improved White and 15 clinically healthy laboratory BALB/c mice. The aim of the study was to validate the suitability of species-unspecific primer pairs 530F and 580R for genotype determination of the Microsporidia strain and species-specific primer pairs ECUNF and ECUNR, SINTF and SINTR and EBIER1 and EBIEF1 for the determination of E ncephalitozoon cuniculi, Encephalitozoon intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi species for diagnostic purposes. Sequences of animals were compared with those from the GenBank database. In rabbits, two murine genotypes II and four canine genotypes III were identified. Genotype II was identified in mice. The Encephalitozoon intestinalis identified in the sample from swine showed no genetic heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Dental disease and odontogenic abscesses are common in rabbits. Diagnosis of the tooth or teeth involved and extent of disease in the surrounding tissues requires careful inspection of several views of skull radiography. The best approach to treatment in most cases is surgical in combination with antibiotic treatment. In severe cases euthanasia should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic-like structures similar to xenomas containing ovoid or piriform organisms were observed in brain and kidney of a one-month-old rabbit. Different dyes such as H&E, PAS, toluidine blue and trichrome blue were tested. Trichrome blue yielded the best results in terms of specificity, resolution and confirmation of microsporidia spores. This dye is easily adaptable to paraffin-embedded samples by not requiring additional equipment; it is rapid, cheap and could be used as a confirmatory technique for other microsporidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se observaron estructuras quísticas similares a xenomas con organismos ovoides o piriformes en encéfalo y riñón de un conejo de un mes de edad. Se probaron diferentes tinciones, como HE, PAS, azul de toluidina y azul de tricromo. El azul de tricromo proporcionó los mejores resultados en cuanto a especificidad, resolución y confirmación de esporas de microsporidios. Este colorante es fácilmente adaptable a cortes desparafinados por no requerir de equipo adicional; es rápido, económico y podría utilizarse como técnica confirmatoria para otras microsporidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in articular cartilage after haemarthrosis have not been completely elucidated in haemophilic arthropathy. Insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of blood-induced joint damage mainly derived from histological, inflammatory and biochemical investigations. A structure-function relationship is another reasonable way to determine the joint overall health status. Cartilage, a viscoelastic connective tissue, is at least a biphasic material that should also work under minimal friction. Pendulum friction tester measures the mechanical aspects of joint lubrication and quantifies the biotribological properties of the joint. Indentation test is an in situ method characterizing the biomechanical properties of the cartilage. Gross, biotribological and biomechanical properties were determined in a rabbit model of experimental haemarthrosis. A sample of 1 mL of fresh autologous blood was injected in the left knee of rabbit's joint twice weekly for four consecutive weeks. The right knee and animals in the control group were left untreated. After 8 days, joint perimeter, biotribological and biomechanical tests were performed. In a consistent manner, all data showed detrimental effects of the blood on the overall cartilage function under loading. Non-weight bearing and early blood aspiration seem wise to be considered after haemarthrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The rabbit has been widely used for the study of human atherosclerosis; however, the method for analysis of the atherosclerotic lesions has not been standardized between laboratories. The present study reports a practical method for quantifying the changes that occur in aortic atherosclerosis of rabbits. Male Japanese white rabbits were fed with either a standard chow or a diet containing 10% fat and 0.3% cholesterol for 16 weeks. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein were measured. Aortic atherosclerotic lesions were assessed in quantitative fashion using an image analysis system that measured (1) the gross area of the entire aorta affected by atherosclerosis as defined by Sudan IV staining, (2) the microscopical intimal lesion defined by the elastic van Gieson stain and (3) the infiltration of macrophages and smooth muscle cell proliferation as determined immunohistochemically. The rabbits developed severe aortic atherosclerosis without apparent abnormality of glucose metabolism. The quantitative method described here will be useful for the further investigation of atherosclerosis in rabbits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rabbit haemoragic viral disease is a virotic infections disease highly contagious, with an acute evolution, characterised by fever, haemoragic sindrome, necrotic hepatitisis and high morbidity and mortality. The disease may ocur as a natural infection or an experimental one. The aim of this study is to prevent some morphoclinic aspects in an experimental infection with haemoragic virus on rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronomicroscopy emphasize rabbit haemorrhacical disease virus in lung and liver after experimental infections prove de diagnosis of Hemorrhagic disease of rabbit. There were used 2 procedures: ♦ Direct negative colored method, obtained from lung and lives from rabbit experimental infected with rabbit haemorrhacical disease virus. (R.H.D.V.)(4). ♦ Positive colored method for detection ultrastructural modification from lungs and liver induced by R.H.D.V. For both procedures was used a - 125 Sumy EM electronomicroscop. In lung and liver suspension from rabbit experimental infected , electronomicroscopy proved uniform,isometric, unenvelopated viral particules, characteristic to calicivirus family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) at low transmission power insonation for diagnosis of focal renal perfusion defects (RPDs) in rabbits. In seven adult New Zealand White rabbits focal RPDs were induced by polyvinyl alcohol embolizing particles (150-250 microm in diameter) injected into the abdominal aorta. Three other rabbits that were not subjected to embolization were considered as controls. Both kidneys were insonated at baseline and after injection of sulphur hexafluoride-filled microbubbles at low transmission power (mechanical index 0.09-0.12). One sonologist assessed on-site RPD dimensions and conspicuity (visual score 0-4). Digital cine-clips were also reviewed off-site by two other independent readers, blinded, who assigned a confidence level (grades 1-5) for the RPD diagnosis. At on-site analysis RPDs appeared as focal areas of absent or diminished enhancement with a median visual conspicuity score=4. At off-site analysis RPDs >6 mm in diameter were identified at contrast-enhanced US, and the confidence in RPD diagnosis improved significantly (P<0.05) after microbubble injection (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.615 vs 0.972 by reader 1; 0.720 vs 0.953 by reader 2). Contrast-enhanced US at low transmission power insonation effectively identified RPDs with diameters >6 mm in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheyletiella parasitivorax and Leporacus gibbus are common fur-dwelling mites of rabbits, and low-level subclinical infestations can be found in healthy animals. Large numbers of mites can lead to a scaling dermatosis of varying severity. Most clinical cases are secondary to heavy moulting or underlying problems with grooming, such as obesity, dental disease or spinal disorders. Correction of these disorders, where relevant, is essential in controlling the mites over the longer term. This article describes a mixed infestation in a severely affected rabbit. The complete remission of clinical signs demonstrates that treatment of the infestation and management of the underlying cause can lead to a successful outcome even in the face of severe challenge by the parasites involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the nasolacrimal duct often accompanied by nasolacrimal duct obstruction. It is common in rabbits and is often a challenge to treat. This article discusses the anatomy and pathophysiology of the disease and suggests possible underlying disease factors. It also discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for rabbits affected by this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyzzer's disease has been reported in numerous animal species, including rodents and lagomorphs such as the rabbit. Because the organism cannot be cultivated on artificial media the diagnosis of the aetiological agent Clostridium piliforme is rather difficult and is based on the identification of typical gross lesions and histological demonstration of the characteristic intracellular bacteria at the periphery of the necrotic loci. To address the limitations of C. piliforme detection a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) assay has been developed with increased specificity with regard to the phylogenetically close bacterial strains (based on 16S RNA sequence analogies). The sensitivity of this nPCR was also demonstrated using clinical samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores on the effectiveness of the screening method oral examinations in rabbits at a young age for selecting animals to prevent development of dental disease. Clinical signs rabbits such as anorexia, drooling and abnormal feeding, are included. Also emphasized is the progressive chronic disease of acquired dental disease linked with malocclusions, trauma and diet.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including risks in the use of anesthesia-free pet dentistry, use of computed tomography for diagnosis of dogs with renal disease and Prognostic value of rectal temperature of pet-rabbit.