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Cysticercosis raises the alarm for domestic rabbits since it has a significant impact on their health, productivity, and nutritional value. In this study, several white creamy- colored cysts were detected in the mesentery of the stomach and intestine, as well as embedded in the liver of domestic rabbits collected from Qena Governorate, Egypt. Based on both morphological and molecular assessments, revealed cysts could be identified as Cysticercus pisiformis, the larval stage of Taenia pisiformis. Gross and histopathological investigations of infected organs were documented. To our knowledge, this is the first geographical report on Cysticercus pisiformis in domestic rabbits in Qena Governorate, using current morphological, molecular, and histopathological methodologies that provide critical data for developing diagnostic targets for C. pisiformis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveillance of wildlife virus impacts can be passive or active. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, especially regarding cost and knowledge that can be gained. Monitoring of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (GI.1 and GI.2) in South Australia has utilised both strategies and their methods and gained insights are discussed. Active strategies to monitor the continuing impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (GI.2) on susceptible lagomorphs in countries such as the USA, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, France and Portugal are encouraged to gain critical insights into the evolution, spread and impact of this virus. Furthermore, there are lessons here for the international monitoring of diseases in wildlife, particularly where there is a risk of them becoming zoonotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RHDV2 infection carries a variable risk of mortality in pet rabbits and there is no specific antiviral treatment. An 8-month-old unvaccinated neutered male dwarf rabbit was presented for decreased appetite and reduced faecal output over 12 hours. The rabbit was lethargic and had an uncomfortable cranial abdominal palpation. Abdominal radiography revealed incipient signs of gastric stasis. Blood tests showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase activities and a total hyperbilirubinaemia, a thrombocytopenia, a regenerative anaemia and an increase in clotting times for both activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. On abdominal ultrasound, peritoneal effusion was found in small quantity between liver lobes. RHDV2 infection was confirmed by PCR on a blood sample. Intensive care was initiated, and an 18 mL/kg plasma transfusion was performed. The blood donor rabbit was a healthy and vaccinated 1-year-old New Zealand White neutered male rabbit. Following plasma transfusion, clear clinical improvement was observed. The rabbit was discharged after 6 days with improved blood parameters. The rabbit recovered uneventfully after 1 week. Six months posthospitalization, the rabbit was vaccinated with a trivalent vaccine against myxomatosis, RHDV1 and RHDV2. After 15 months, the rabbit remained healthy. This case reports a detailed successful medical management of a RHDV2 infection in a pet rabbit using supportive treatments and a transfusion of convalescent plasma from a vaccinated rabbit. Convalescent plasma therapy is a relatively simple and affordable treatment that should be considered in case of RHDV2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful surgical outcomes for temporomandibular joint luxation in rabbits are not well documented in the veterinary literature. A 5-month-old male rabbit presented to a referral hospital following a traumatic incident 48 hours prior, that resulted in an inability to prehend food. At physical examination the mouth could not physically close and no crepitus was present. The open mouth was apparent during the physical examination. Computed tomography revealed a bilateral temporomandibular joint luxation. A closed reduction under general anesthesia was unsuccessful, resulting in an open surgical reduction, with bilateral coronoidectomy and condilectomy. The surgery facilitated mouth closure and return of the patient's ability to eat, which has continued now thirty-three months post-surgery. This case illustrates a long-term, successful surgical management of bilateral temporomandibular joint luxation in a pet rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The integration of agro-industrial residues into animals' diet offers a major potential for advancing of a circular economy, enhancing both economic and environmental sustainability. Hempseed cake is widely utilized around the globe as a source of food and supplement ingredients. Hempseed cake has a pleasant nutty flavour and is a valuable source of essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and fibres. It also contains essential amino acids within its highly digestible proteins. Feeding with a hempseed cake in rabbits, given at both tested concentrations, had no effect on weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group. Hempseed cake addition did not decrease sperm concentration in ejaculate, sperm motility, and progressive motility. Selected haematological and biochemical indexes were examined. No negative effects of hempseed cake feeding on male rabbit reproduction and health status were found. Incorporating of agro-industrial co-products into animal nutrition could represent an opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of the food production chain. One such co-product is a hempseed cake originating from cold pressing hemp seeds to extract oil for human consumption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of hempseed cake in the diet on male rabbit reproductive and some non-reproductive indexes. Male rabbits were fed either a standard diet (control group; C; n = 10) or a diet enriched with hempseed cake (experimental group E5 with 5% of a hempseed cake; n = 10, and experimental group E10 with 10% of a hempseed cake; n = 10) in 100 kg of the milled complete feed mixture. Rabbit weight gain, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, and sperm quality were evaluated using CASA and flow cytometry. Feeding with a hempseed cake, given at both tested concentrations, had no effect on weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Hempseed cake addition had no effect on sperm concentration in ejaculate, sperm motility, and progressive motility (p > 0.05). Selected haematological and biochemical indexes were examined. The E5 group showed positive tendencies in hepatic profile parameters, while in the E10 group the tendencies were opposite, though within the reference values. Based on our results, no negative effects of hempseed cake feeding on rabbit reproduction and health status were found, and we can recommend the use of hempseed cake at doses up to 10% in the nutrition and feeding of rabbits. Therefore, agro-industrial co-products can decrease the feeding cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to examine the rabbit consumption habits and opinions of people living in countries that regularly consume rabbit meat. Snowball sampling of data collection was used, a total of 1 860 error-free questionnaires were evaluated. Most of the completed questionnaires came from Hungary, Italy, Spain, China, Poland, France and Mexico. It is to note that 21.3% of respondents have not yet consumed rabbit meat: China (32.1%), Hungary (24.7%), Poland (22.4%), and France (4.8%). The main reasons for not consuming rabbit meat were emotional reasons (22.3%), it does not fit their dietary habits (15.7%). There are 28.7% of respondents who consume rabbit meat once or twice a year, 18.6% less often and 21.9% monthly. It was most often (weekly and monthly) consumed in Spain (25.3% and 36.8%), in Italy (15.3% and 36.2%), in France (1.6% and 38.7%, respectively). Men, aged 40 to 59, secondary school graduates, and those having a higher income eat rabbit meat more often than other groups. The highest scores (near to 4.5 on a 1-5 scale) were given for the health aspects of rabbit meat, such as high protein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, and low fat and cholesterol contents. In order to encourage the consumption of rabbit meat, different marketing campaigns should be carried out in each country, depending on the standard of living, production intensity (large-scale or small-scale) and place of purchase (supermarket or local market). It is paramount to make the younger generation aware of the excellent and health-protective properties of rabbit meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the dietary inclusion of silkworm (Bombyx mori) oil (SWO) in rabbit diets as a total replacement of sunflower oil on growth performance, carcase traits, total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) and nutritive value of the diets. A total of n = 64 mixed-sex weaned rabbits (5-week-old) were pair-housed in cages and fed with a commercial diet containing 1.3% sunflower oil (control). From 7 to 10 weeks of age, two experimental groups were formed: half of the rabbits received a control diet, and the other half received a diet where the sunflower oil was replaced by the SWO. During the trial, growth parameters and feed intake were weekly recorded to calculate productive parameters. At 10 weeks of age, rabbits were slaughtered and dissected to determine carcase traits. In parallel to the growth trial, another twenty-four 55-day-old rabbits were individually housed in digestibility cages and randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups (n = 12 rabbits/group) to study the TTAD and nutritive value of the diets. Overall, the dietary inclusion of SWO did not affect the in vivo performance and carcase traits of rabbits. Additionally, the TTAD of rabbits was unaffected by SWO inclusion, although the SWO diet exhibited lower digestible energy (DE) compared to the control diet (p

The aim of the study was to examine the rabbit consumption habits and opinions of people living in countries that regularly consume rabbit meat. Snowball sampling of data collection was used, a total of 1 860 error-free questionnaires were evaluated. Most of the completed questionnaires came from Hungary, Italy, Spain, China, Poland, France and Mexico. It is to note that 21.3% of respondents have not yet consumed rabbit meat: China (32.1%), Hungary (24.7%), Poland (22.4%), and France (4.8%). The main reasons for not consuming rabbit meat were emotional reasons (22.3%), it does not fit their dietary habits (15.7%). There are 28.7% of respondents who consume rabbit meat once or twice a year, 18.6% less often and 21.9% monthly. It was most often (weekly and monthly) consumed in Spain (25.3% and 36.8%), in Italy (15.3% and 36.2%), in France (1.6% and 38.7%, respectively). Men, aged 40 to 59, secondary school graduates, and those having a higher income eat rabbit meat more often than other groups. The highest scores (near to 4.5 on a 1-5 scale) were given for the health aspects of rabbit meat, such as high protein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, and low fat and cholesterol contents. In order to encourage the consumption of rabbit meat, different marketing campaigns should be carried out in each country, depending on the standard of living, production intensity (large-scale or small-scale) and place of purchase (supermarket or local market). It is paramount to make the younger generation aware of the excellent and health-protective properties of rabbit meat.

Abstract The European rabbit has invaded numerous ecosystems worldwide, but rarely steppes. Since its various introduction attempts into the ecosystems of the Magallanes/Fuegian region, the rabbit has become a key player, interacting with species at different trophic levels and generating impacts on ecosystems. To better understand the role of the rabbit in steppe and scrub ecosystems, we characterised the food web in the Magallanes/Fuegian region to understand the identity of their interacting species, the mechanisms and complexities of their interactions to demonstrate that rabbit management may become more complex than just controlling a single species. Based on a bibliographic review and wildlife specialists’ opinions, we built the Magellanic/Fuegian food web, evaluated their topological properties and performed a rabbit extinction simulation to assess the possible short-term ecological mechanisms operating in the community. We found that the network had 206 nodes (64% native, 13% exotic, and 22% mixed) and 535 links among nodes. The European rabbit was the most connected node of the food web, had the second largest dietary breadth, and ranked as the seventh prey item with more predators. A rabbit extinction simulation shows a possible release of herbivory pressure on plants, including that on several native plants (e.g., Gunnera tinctoria, Pratia repens, Gavilea lutea, Tetroncium magellanicus), and a possible release of competition for some herbivores that share resources with the rabbit (e.g., Ovis aries, Lama guanicoe, Bos taurus). Although rabbit predators have a broad and generalist diet, some such as the native Galicitis cuja, could face a 20% reduction in their trophic width and could intensify predation on alternative prey. These results show that the European rabbit is strongly embedded in the Magellanic/Fuegian ecosystem and linked to several native species. Therefore, rabbit management should consider ecosystem approaches accompanied by monitoring programs on native fauna and experimental pilot studies on native flora to conserve the Chilean Patagonia community.

Simple Summary: Comparisons of meat quality in pre- and post-rigor mortis phases have been the focus of studies in conventional species, but little is known about the quality of pre-rigor mortis rabbit meat, particularly during long-term storage. This study investigated how freezing rabbit meat before and after rigor mortis affects its quality over a 12-month period. Rigor mortis, characterized by post-mortem muscle stiffening, influences meat texture and quality. The results showed that fresh meat frozen before rigor mortis (pre-rigor) was softer, moister, and less acidic compared to that frozen after rigor mortis (post-rigor), which exhibited a higher level of redness. Over time, all of the meat samples showed reduced redness, increased yellowness, a higher acidity, and a loss of moisture and minerals. Despite these changes, freezing effectively improved meat tenderness and preserved its physical, chemical, and nutritional quality for up to 12 months. This aligns with recommendations from the United States Department of Agriculture, which states that rabbit carcasses can be frozen for up to 12 months without compromising quality. These findings provide valuable insights for the rabbit meat industry, suggesting that freezing, either in the pre-rigor or post-rigor phase, is an effective method to maintain meat quality and deliver high-quality products to consumers. The aim was to assess the impact of long-term storage on the quality of Botucatu rabbit meat frozen in pre- and post-rigor stages. The stability of the technological and nutritional parameters of Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle was analyzed over 12 months. In the post-rigor phase, the dorsal LL surface showed a higher level (p < 0.05) of redness and saturation, while the ventral surface showed a higher level (p < 0.05) of yellowness compared to the pre-rigor LL muscle. During storage, the redness and saturation in the LL muscle decreased (p < 0.05), while the yellowness increased (p < 0.05) on both dorsal and ventral surfaces. In the first six months, the pre-rigor meat had a higher pH (p < 0.05) compared to the post-rigor meat. The fresh meat showed higher (p < 0.05) shear force values in the post-rigor stage. Over the 12-month study period, the lipid oxidation, myofibrillar fragmentation index, gross energy, and levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates increased (p < 0.05), while the shear force, mineral content, and moisture decreased (p < 0.05). Thus, rigor mortis affects meat color in Botucatu rabbits. Fresh meat in the pre-rigor stage is softer, moister, and less acidic than post-rigor meat after 24 h of chilling. Long-term freezing enhances tenderness, regardless of the rigor phase at freezing, preserving its physical, chemical, and nutritional quality, with minor changes in color, lipid oxidation, and chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study explored the effects of age, sex, and muscle type on post-mortem muscle acidification in Botucatu rabbits, addressing the gap between recommended meat quality assessment standards and industry practices. The World Rabbit Science Association (WRSA) suggests chilling carcasses for 24 h at 0–4 °C, while Brazilian practices often involve immediate freezing at temperatures below −18 °C. This study aimed to clarify how these practices affect muscle pH and rigor mortis development. Eighty Botucatu rabbits were categorized into young females and males, does, and bucks. Carcasses were chilled for 24 h at 4 °C. pH and temperature measurements were taken hourly for 24 h post-mortem in the Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Biceps femoris (BF) muscles. Rigor mortis was assessed manually alongside pH measurements. Botucatu does were heavier, with a less marked initial pH drop in the LL and delayed stabilization at 6 h post-mortem. Muscle acidification was more pronounced in the LL than in the BF. Rigor mortis set in at 5 h for young rabbits and bucks, and 6 h for does, resolving by 18 h. Thus, chilling rabbit carcasses for at least 18 h at 4 °C aligns WRSA guidelines with industry needs, ensuring effective rigor mortis and muscle-to-meat transformation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of carcasses, monitor their pH evolution during the first 24 h post-mortem, and determine the time required for the establishment and resolution of rigor mortis in different categories of Botucatu rabbits. Live weight at slaughter, carcass weight, and yield were higher in 12-month-old animals compared to 3-month-old rabbits, regardless of sex. There was an effect of muscle type, age, and sex on the kinetics of muscle acidification, with the Biceps femoris showing a significantly higher pH than the Longissimus lumborum from 4 h post-mortem onward. The establishment of rigor mortis occurred at 5 h post-mortem in young rabbits and bucks and at 6 h post-mortem in does, along with pH stabilization, while the resolution of rigor occurred at 18 h post-mortem for all types of carcasses evaluated. In conclusion, Botucatu rabbit carcasses should be chilled continuously at 4 °C for a minimum of 18 h to ensure efficient rigor mortis progression and muscle-to-meat transformation throughout the carcass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Genital tract disorders are among the most prevalent conditions affecting female pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). However, ovarian diseases are relatively rare, constituting only 3.3% of reproductive conditions in this species. These may include ovarian cysts, neoplasia, and necrosis. This study presents the first documented case of spontaneous ovarian torsion in rabbits. A female pet rabbit presented for routine clinical examination exhibited a large abdominal mass, the nature of which remained ambiguous upon diagnostic imaging. Computed tomography revealed a mass exhibiting specific signs indicative of torsion of the supporting ligaments of the right ovary. Confirmation of the diagnosis was achieved during laparotomy, where twisting of the right ovarian pedicle was observed. The rabbit was neutered, and the mass underwent histological examination, revealing predominantly necrotic areas with no evidence of neoplastic cells. Ovarian torsion (OT) is a condition that can affect both humans and animals, although it is less common in the latter, with very few cases documented in the literature. To our knowledge, no previous reports have documented the occurrence of this condition in rabbits. In this study, we present the first documented case of spontaneous OT in a 2-year-old female intact rabbit. The patient was brought to the clinic for a routine check-up, during which a firm, large abdominal mass was palpated. Subsequent ultrasound examination of the abdomen revealed the presence of a large, hypoechoic, non-vascularized mass occupying the majority of the caudal abdomen. A computed tomography (CT) scan further confirmed the presence of a heterogeneous mass exhibiting the Whirlpool sign, which is characteristic of organ torsion. Upon laparotomy, an enlargement of the right ovary was observed, characterized by twisting of the ovarian pedicle, consistent with the mass detected via ultrasound and CT scan. Ovariohysterovaginectomy was performed, and the mass was subsequently analyzed. Microscopic analysis of the mass revealed predominantly necrotic tissue, with only a few ovarian epithelial cells present. The underlying cause of the OT described in this study remains unclear. However, it is plausible that a previous neoplastic condition or ovarian necrosis led to an increase in the size and weight of the mass, ultimately resulting in the twisting of the supporting structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Definitive management of non-compressible intra-abdominal hemorrhage (NCIAH) currently requires a surgeon and operating room capable of performing damage control surgery. In a wartime scenario or a geographically remote environment, these may not be readily available. In this study, we sought to test the safety of 2 emerging injectable hemostatic agents (CounterFlow and Fast Onset Abdominal Management, or FOAM, poloxamer component) versus normal saline control over a prolonged monitoring duration following administration by a non-surgical provider. Materials and Methods The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved all research conducted in this study. We randomized male New Zealand white rabbits into 2 monitoring cohorts of 24 hours and 2 weeks. Each cohort contained 3 treatment groups (n  = 4 rabbits/group): CounterFlow, the testable poloxamer component of FOAM, and normal saline control. We injected each treatment intraperitoneally in the left lower abdominal quadrant. Doses were 15 mL/kg for CounterFlow, 6.3 mL/kg for the poloxamer component of FOAM, and 15 mL/kg for normal saline. We conducted all injections under isoflurane anesthesia monitored by trained veterinary staff. Animals were euthanized at each cohort end point, and a veterinary pathologist blinded to treatment type performed necropsy. The primary outcome was incidence of intra-abdominal adhesions at necropsy. Quantitatively, adhesions when present were graded by the veterinary pathologist on a 1 to 4 scale, where "1" represented adhesions involving from 1 to 25% of the examined abdomen, "2" represented from 26 to 50%, "3" represented from 51 to 75%, and "4" represented from 76 to 100%. Qualitatively, adhesions present were graded by degree ("1" = minimal, "2" = mild, "3" = moderate, and "4" = severe) and chronicity ("1" = acute, "2" = subacute, and "3" = chronic). We also drew d-dimer blood values and measured body weights for each animal. Statistical analysis included either repeated measures 2-way ANOVA or a mixed-effects model (in the case of missing data) with Geisser–Greenhouse correction. We adjusted multiple comparisons using Tukey statistical hypothesis tests. Results In the 2-week cohort, 3 CounterFlow animals showed adhesions judged to be "1" quantitatively. Qualitatively, 2 of these were assessed as "1" for degree of adhesions and the other demonstrated a "2." On the chronicity of adhesions scale, 1 animal demonstrated a "2" and 2 demonstrated a "3." No animals in other groups (FOAM and control) demonstrated adhesions. CounterFlow-treated animals showed a statistically significant rise in d-dimer values in the 24-hour cohort only. In the 2-week cohort, CounterFlow-treated animals showed a decrease in body weight at 24 hours after injection but returned to their baseline (normal) body weights at 7 days. Conclusions Findings from this study demonstrate that the tested ingredients of FOAM poloxamer component are safe for intraperitoneal injection and hold potential for further study directed toward prehospital non-compressible intra-abdominal hemorrhage management by non-surgical providers. Although CounterFlow produced abdominal adhesions in 3 of 4 rabbits in the 2-week cohort, these were determined to be "minimal" or "mild" in degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases can cause considerable mortality in vertebrate populations, especially when a new pathogen emerges. Quantifying the impact of diseases on wild populations and dissecting the underlying mechanisms requires longitudinal individual monitoring combining demographic and epidemiologic data. Such longitudinal population studies are rare. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is one of the main causes of the decline in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations. A new genotype of RHD virus (RHDV), called RHDV2 or GI.2, emerged in 2010, posing a new threat to previously weakened populations, particularly as this virus can infect individuals already immune to classical RHDV strains. Taking advantage of intensive monitoring from 2009 to 2014 by physical captures and microchip detections of a semi‐captive population of rabbits, we finely assessed the demographic impact of an initial RHDV2 outbreak that occurred in the population and identified the most affected demographic parameters. A multi‐event modeling analysis revealed decreased survival in both juveniles and adults in 2011 and 2012, suggesting an RHDV2 outbreak for two consecutive years. The short‐term survival benefit of vaccination against classical RHDV strains only during these years, and the recovery of carcasses with RHDV2 detection, supported this hypothesis. Variations in population vaccination coverage also explain the difference in adult survival between the two years of the outbreak. And the transient protective effect of vaccination could explain the prolonged duration of the outbreak. A brief episode of myxomatosis in 2011 seems to have had only a limited impact on the population. During outbreak years, in individuals not recently vaccinated, monthly juvenile survival crashed (0.55), and annual adult survival was three times lower than in normal years (0.21 vs. 0.69). The combination of successive juvenile and adult survival estimates for unvaccinated rabbits during the outbreak years resulted in a very low recruitment rate in the breeding population. Finally, RHDV2 outbreaks appear to have caused mortalities comparable to those caused by older classical RHDV strains and may have a strong demographic impact on wild populations of European rabbit. This work highlights the importance of long‐term observational and experimental studies to better understand the impact of epidemics on animal populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European rabbit has invaded numerous ecosystems worldwide, but rarely steppes. Since its various introduction attempts into the ecosystems of the Magallanes/Fuegian region, the rabbit has become a key player, interacting with species at different trophic levels and generating impacts on ecosystems. To better understand the role of the rabbit in steppe and scrub ecosystems, we characterised the food web in the Magallanes/Fuegian region to understand the identity of their interacting species, the mechanisms and complexities of their interactions to demonstrate that rabbit management may become more complex than just controlling a single species. Based on a bibliographic review and wildlife specialists' opinions, we built the Magellanic/Fuegian food web, evaluated their topological properties and performed a rabbit extinction simulation to assess the possible short-term ecological mechanisms operating in the community. We found that the network had 206 nodes (64% native, 13% exotic, and 22% mixed) and 535 links among nodes. The European rabbit was the most connected node of the food web, had the second largest dietary breadth, and ranked as the seventh prey item with more predators. A rabbit extinction simulation shows a possible release of herbivory pressure on plants, including that on several native plants (e.g., Gunnera tinctoria, Pratia repens, Gavilea lutea, Tetroncium magellanicus), and a possible release of competition for some herbivores that share resources with the rabbit (e.g., Ovis aries, Lama guanicoe, Bos taurus). Although rabbit predators have a broad and generalist diet, some such as the native Galicitis cuja, could face a 20% reduction in their trophic width and could intensify predation on alternative prey. These results show that the European rabbit is strongly embedded in the Magellanic/Fuegian ecosystem and linked to several native species. Therefore, rabbit management should consider ecosystem approaches accompanied by monitoring programs on native fauna and experimental pilot studies on native flora to conserve the Chilean Patagonia community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES Our objective was to explore the safety and efficacy of a graphene oxide-loaded rapamycin-coated self-expandable metallic airway stent (GO@RAPA-SEMS) in a rabbit model. METHODS The dip coating method was used to develop a GO@RAPA-SEMS and a poly(lactic-co-glycolic)-acid loaded rapamycin-coated self-expandable metallic airway stent (PLGA@RAPA-SEMS). The surface structure was evaluated using a scanning electronic microscope. The in vitro drug-release profiles of the 2 stents were explored and compared. In the animal study, a total of 45 rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups and underwent 3 kinds of stent placements. Computed tomography was performed to evaluate the degree of stenosis at 1, 2 and 3 months after the stent operation. Five rabbits in each group were sacrificed after the computed tomography scan. The stented trachea and blood were collected for further pathological analysis and laboratory testing. RESULTS The in vitro drug-release study revealed that GO@RAPA-SEMS exhibited a sudden release on the first day and maintained a certain release rate on the 14th day. The PLGA@RAPA-SEMS exhibited a longer sustained release time. All 45 rabbits underwent successful stent placement. Pathological results indicated that the granulation tissue thickness in the GO@RAPA-SEMS group was less than that in the PLGA@RAPA-SEMS group. The TUNEL and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α staining results support the fact that the granulation inhibition effect in the GO@RAPA-SEMS group was greater than that in the PLGA@RAPA-SEMS group. CONCLUSIONS GO@RAPA-SEMS effectively inhibited stent-related granulation tissue hyperplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabbits are an important worldwide meat‐ and fibre‐producing animal, and they are popular pets. The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptes cuniculi, causes severe dermatological disease. Epidemiological data on P. cuniculi infestations are important for public health. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of P. cuniculi infestation in pet rabbits and evaluate epidemiological factors associated with infestation. Animals: Two hundred pet rabbits presented for veterinary care between 2021 and 2022. Materials and Methods: Physical examination, otoscopy and microscopy were used for ear mite identification. Association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), breed, feeding and housing management was analysed. Results: Of the 200 rabbits, 59 (29.5%) were positive for P. cuniculi. Only female sex had a positive association with P. cuniculi. Conclusions and Clinical Significance: Psoroptes cuniculi in pet rabbits has a similar frequency to that reported in meat‐producing rabbits, and female sex had a positive association. Background – Rabbits are an important worldwide meat‐ and fibre‐producing animal, and they are popular pets. The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptes cuniculi, causes severe dermatological disease. Epidemiological data on P. cuniculi infestations are important for public health. Objective – To determine the frequency of P. cuniculi infestation in pet rabbits and evaluate epidemiological factors associated with infestation. Conclusions and Clinical Significance – Psoroptes cuniculi in pet rabbits has a similar frequency to that reported in meat‐producing rabbits, and female sex had a positive association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) are among the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders of early life in humans. Disease‐causing variants have been described for 13 different NCL genes. In this study, a refined pathological characterization of a female rabbit with progressive neurological signs reminiscent of NCL was performed. Cytoplasmic pigment present in neurons was weakly positive with Sudan black B and autofluorescent. Immunohistology revealed astrogliosis, microgliosis and axonal degeneration. During the subsequent genetic investigation, the genome of the affected rabbit was sequenced and examined for private variants in NCL candidate genes. The analysis revealed a homozygous ~10.7 kb genomic duplication on chromosome 15 comprising parts of the MFSD8 gene, NC_013683.1:g.103,727,963_103,738,667dup. The duplication harbors two internal protein coding exons and is predicted to introduce a premature stop codon into the transcript, truncating ~50% of the wild‐type MFSD8 open reading frame encoding the major facilitator superfamily domain containing protein 8, XP_002717309.2:p.(Glu235Leufs*23). Biallelic loss‐of‐function variants in MFSD8 have been described to cause NCL7 in human patients, dogs and a single cat. The available clinical and pathological data, together with current knowledge about MFSD8 variants and their functional impact in other species, point to the MFSD8 duplication as a likely causative defect for the observed phenotype in the affected rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mammary carcinomas have been diagnosed with increasing frequency in pet rabbits. Prognostic biomarkers are limited, and the only available treatment is surgical excision. Additional treatment options are needed, e.g., for animals in which metastases to internal organs preclude complete tumor removal. Human breast cancer may express the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), that represents a prognostic biomarker and a possible therapeutic target. Since previous studies revealed similarities between human breast cancer and pet rabbit mammary carcinomas, this study investigated IDO1 immunostaining in 96 mammary carcinomas of 96 pet rabbits with an average age of 5.5 years. All rabbits with reported sex were female. Variable percentages of IDO1-positive tumor cells were detected in 90 (94%) carcinomas. Furthermore, IDO1 immunostaining was observed in the secretory epithelial cells of the adjacent non-neoplastic mammary tissue. This study provides further information on the molecular features of mammary carcinomas in rabbits. It also shows similarities in IDO1 expression between rabbit mammary carcinomas and human breast cancer. These findings can have a mutual benefit. They could lead the development of novel treatment options for rabbits with mammary carcinomas. In addition, they further support the value of rabbits with mammary carcinomas for breast cancer research. For mammary carcinomas in pet rabbits, prognostic biomarkers are poorly defined, and treatment is limited to surgical excision. Additional treatment options are needed for rabbit patients for which surgery is not a suitable option. In human breast cancer, the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) represents a prognostic biomarker and possible therapeutic target. This retrospective immunohistochemical study examined IDO1 in 96 pet rabbit mammary carcinomas with known mitotic count, hormone receptor status, and percentage of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Tumors were obtained from 96 pet rabbits with an average of 5.5 years. All rabbits with reported sex (n = 88) were female or female-spayed. Of the carcinomas, 94% expressed IDO1, and 86% had sparse TILs consistent with cold tumors. Statistically significant correlations existed between a higher percentage of IDO1-positive tumor cells, lower mitotic counts, and increased estrogen receptor expression. The threshold for significance was IDO1 staining in >10% of tumor cells. These results lead to the assumption that IDO1 expression contributes to tumorigenesis and may represent a prognostic biomarker and possible therapeutic target also in pet rabbit mammary carcinomas. They also support the value of rabbits for breast cancer research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weaned rabbits become extremely vulnerable to enteric infections as a result of the ban of using antibiotics as growth promoters. Recently, there is a growing interest in natural alternatives of antibiotics that could be used in rabbit production. Nutraceuticals are dietary components that offer additional health benefits beyond their nutritive benefits. Nutraceuticals include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, enzymes, organic acids, fatty acids, medicinal plants, etc. Due to their potential impacts on maintaining the normal physiological status, strengthening the immune system, and preventing illness, which ultimately led to an increase in productivity, nutraceuticals have recently attracted a lot of attention in rabbit farms. The objective of the present review is to provide information on recent findings about the advantages of dietary supplementation of nutraceuticals on performance, digestibility, meat quality, antioxidative properties, and immunological response in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine antibiotic levels in plasma and interstitial fluid (ISF) after SC placement of compounded florfenicol (FF) calcium sulfate beads (CSBs) in New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). ANIMALS 6 juvenile female rabbits (n = 5 treatment and 1 control). METHODS An ultrafiltration probe and CSBs were placed SC in 6 rabbits (n = 5 for FF CSBs and 1 for control CSBs). Plasma (3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours and 7, 14, and 21 days) and ISF (daily for 21 days) samples were collected, and FF was measured by HPLC for pharmacokinetic analysis. Hematology, biochemistry, and histopathology were assessed. RESULTS Means ± SD for the area under the curve, maximum concentration, time of maximum concentration, terminal halflife, and mean residence time to the last data point for plasma and ISF were 16.63 ± 8.16 and 17,902 ± 7,564 h·μg/mL, 0.79 ± 0.38 and 245 ± 223 μg/mL, 2.90 ± 0.3 and 59 ± 40 hours, 30.81 ± 16.9 and 27.3 ± 9.39 hours, 23.4 ± 10 and 73.7 ± 13 hours, respectively. Plasma FF was < 2 μg/mL at all time points. The ISF FF remained > 8 μg/mL for 109.98 to 231.58 hours. One rabbit death occurred during treatment, but the cause of death was undetermined. Local tissue inflammation was present, but no clinically significant systemic adverse effects were found on hematology, biochemistry, or histopathology in the remaining rabbits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Florfenicol CSBs maintained antibiotic concentrations in ISF at levels likely to be effective against bacteria sensitive to > 8 μg/mL for 5 to 10 days while maintaining low (< 2 μg/mL) plasma levels. Florfenicol CSBs may be effective for local antibiotic treatment in rabbit abscesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) extract on Eimeria piriformis (E. piriformis) oocysts and sporozoites (coccidiosis) isolated from commercial rabbits. Methods: Calotropis procera extract was obtained from dried, pulverized leaves, and macerated in 80 % methanol for 30 h. The extract was analyzed using infrared spectroscopy (IR). Twelve-well plates of 3 mL containing 1 x 104 non-sporulated oocyst were tested in 6 groups: Negative (untreated) control received 2.5 % potassium dichromate solution. Other groups received four concentrations of C. procera leaf extract (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL) for oocysts vitality test. Toltrazuril (25 µl/mL) was used as positive control. Moreover, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 µg/mL of C. procera extract were tested for sporozoites vitality test. The mixture was examined daily for 4 days for oocysts vitality and after 12 and 24 h for sporozoite vitality. Results: Findings of IR showed that extracts contained 5 biologically active chemical components, indicating the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and phenols. The extract showed a significant inhibitory effect on E. piriformis oocysts at 100 mg/mL with suppression rates of approximately 89 % after 96 h, nearly similar to toltrazuril (p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, C. procera extract showed inhibition at the highest repression (p ≤ 0.01) of 89 % of E. piriformis sporozoites viability at 1000 µg/mL after 24 h. The inhibitory rate increased proportionately with an extended incubation duration and high concentration. Conclusion: C. procera extract is as effective as the positive control in treating coccidiosis in rabbits. However, further studies are necessary to determine the active constituents of C. procera and their mode(s) of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study is to provide information about the Pasteurella multocida strains that are responsible for pasteurellosis in rabbits. A total of 114 strains responsible for different lesions in rabbits from industrial farms were investigated. In detail, the serogroup belonging to and the presence of 15 virulence-associated genes were investigated using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) protocols. The tested strains belonged to serogroups A, D, and F. Type A was the most frequently identified and it was prevalently found in strains responsible for rhinitis and pneumonia. Type D was the prevalent capsular type of strains responsible for metritis, while F was identified in strains detected from otitis, mastitis, subcutaneous abscesses, and septicaemia. Among the virulence-associated genes, sodC was found in all tested strains. Gene pfhA was more frequently found in strains belonging to type A than in type D and it was prevalently found in strains responsible for respiratory lesions. In addition, it was found in all F strains, suggesting a strong relationship between pfhA and this capsular type. Conversely, gene tadD was rarely found in strains belonging to capsular type F. Gene fur occurred more frequently in strains belonging to type D and involved with rhinitis. Gene hgbB was detected prevalently in strains responsible for metritis. Additionally, based on the results, the presence of more than 8 virulence-associated genes in the strains seems to increase the risk of the occurrence of severe lesions in the affected rabbits. Nevertheless, the detection of some strains responsible only for rhinitis which were equipped with 10 and 11 virulence-associated genes, seems to emphasise the importance of a gene's expression rather than its presence in strains. Pasteurellosis, a disease caused by Pasteurella multocida, is responsible for economic losses in rabbit industrial farms due to rhinitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, metritis, mastitis, orchitis, subcutaneous abscesses, otitis, encephalitis, and septicaemic forms. Although the occurrence of the disease is conditioned by predisposing factors that affect the rabbit immune response, the strains of P. multocida involved in the infection may have a different pathogenic ability. Therefore, typing of strains spread among the rabbits is important to assess their pathogenic potential. The aim of this study is to investigate the P. multocida strains responsible for disease in rabbit industrial farms. A total of 114 strains identified from different lesions were serotyped. Additionally, the presence of virulence-associated genes was investigated using three PCR (polymerase chain reaction) protocols. Capsular type A was prevalently found in strains from respiratory lesions while types D and F in those from metritis, mastitis, and other lesions. Different associations between some virulence-associated genes and both capsular type and lesions found in rabbits were detected. The presence of 8 virulence-associated genes seems to increase the occurrence of metritis. In addition, strains belonging to capsular type A and responsible for respiratory disorders especially, were found equipped with 10 and 11 virulence-associated genes. Nevertheless, the presence of strains responsible only for rhinitis was also detected among the latter, suggesting that the pathogenic ability of the bacteria depends on the expression rather than the presence of a gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravenous catheter placement is a routine procedure in exotic pet medicine, yet the selection of the optimal venous site for catheterization in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) remains controversial. Recommendations differ between countries and authors, and lack evidence-based data. This prospective study aimed to document and compare the prevalence and types of complications secondary to peripheral venous catheterization in domestic rabbits as related to the vein catheterized. Catheterization events (n = 151) were randomly attributed to three groups, named according to the venous site selected: cephalic (n = 39), lateral saphenous (n = 58) and marginal ear vein (n = 54). Rabbits that needed a catheter for fluid therapy, surgery, or imaging, were included in the study. Catheters were placed by three veterinarians following a standardized method. Data regarding the patient, the type of catheter, and the treatment were recorded. Complications were evaluated every day after the catheter placement, at removal and after 15 days. Minor complications that were observed included catheters which were bent at the elbow or removed by the rabbit, and twisted or chewed tubing. Ear necrosis and signs of phlebitis were considered major complications. Catheter placement failure was significantly higher in the "cephalic" group (odds ratio = 4, 95% Confidence Interval = [16.67,1.04], P = 0.048), without differences between the operators. For the marginal ear vein, there was also a significant association between the failure rate and the length of the rabbit's ear (Wilcoxon effect size = 0.42, 95% CI = [0.14,0.64], P = 0.003). No major complication was observed in any groups. Minor complications occurred without significant differences between the groups. The results suggest that intravenous catheters in rabbits do not carry significant complications irrespective of the chosen site, but cephalic vein placement carries the highest risk of failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Selection and breeding strategies to improve resistance to enteropathies are essential to reaching the sustainability of the rabbit production systems. However, disease heterogeneity (having only as major visible symptom diarrhoea) and low disease heritability are two barriers for the implementation of these strategies. Diarrhoea condition can affect rabbits at different life stages, starting from the suckling period, with large negative economic impacts. In this study, from a commercial population of suckling rabbits (derived from 133 litters) that experienced an outbreak of enteropathy, we first selected a few animals that died with severe symptoms of diarrhoea and characterized their microbiota, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing data. Clostridium genus was consistently present in all affected specimens. In addition, with the aim to identify genetic markers in the rabbit genome that could be used as selection tools, we performed genome‐wide association studies for symptoms of diarrhoea in the same commercial rabbit population. These studies were also complemented with FST analyses between the same groups of rabbits. A total of 332 suckling rabbits (151 with severe symptoms of diarrhoea, 42 with mild symptoms and 129 without any symptoms till the weaning period), derived from 45 different litters (a subset of the 133 litters) were genotyped with the Affymetrix Axiom OrcunSNP Array. In both genomic approaches, rabbits within litters were paired to constitute two groups (susceptible and resistant, including the mildly affected in one or the other group) and run case and control genome‐wide association analyses. Genomic heritability estimated in the designed experimental structure integrated in a commercial breeding scheme was 0.19–0.21 (s.e. 0.09–0.10). A total of eight genomic regions on rabbit chromosome 2 (OCU2), OCU3, OCU7, OCU12, OCU13, OCU16 and in an unassembled scaffold had significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or markers that trespassed the FST percentile distribution. Among these regions, three main peaks of SNPs were identified on OCU12, OCU13 and OCU16. The QTL region on OCU13 encompasses several genes that encode members of a family of immunoglobulin Fc receptors (FCER1G, FCRLA, FCRLB and FCGR2A) involved in the immune innate system, which might be important candidate genes for this pathogenic condition. The results obtained in this study demonstrated that resistance to an enteropathy occurring in suckling rabbits is in part genetically determined and can be dissected at the genomic level, providing DNA markers that could be used in breeding programmes to increase resistance to enteropathies in meat rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of ammonia (NH3) and the temperature of the air surrounding the rabbit habitat in the farm condition basic health processes such as breathing and feeding. The indoor climate in a rabbit farm is largely conditioned by the ventilation system (air conditioning). The objective of this study was to build a numerical model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in order to evaluate, by numerical simulations, the air dynamics of a rustic farm. After the validation of the computational model, the thermal gradient and ammonia concentration were analyzed under three wind incidence angles (0°, 45°, and 90° with respect to the horizontal Z axis of the facility). The results of the simulations showed that, in the area occupied by the rabbits (AOR), the concentration of ammonia with respect to the source was reduced by 37.3% in the most favorable case (wind direction at 45°), and 21.2% in the least favorable case (wind direction at 0°), and the indoor temperature presented a maximum difference of 2 °C with respect to the outside temperature. Climate control is a more expensive cost in rabbit farm exploitation; dynamics modulation can serve as an auxiliary tool for reducing health risks in rabbits. The use of models based on fluid dynamics allowed us to understand the efficiency of the ventilation system, which must be increased to reduce the found temperature gradient. Through numerical simulation it will be possible to find alternatives to increase the ventilation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit haemorrhage disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is a highly pathogenic lagovirus that causes lethal disease in rabbits and hares (lagomorphs). Since its first detection in Europe in 2010, RHDV2 has spread worldwide and has been detected in over 35 countries so far. Here, we provide the first detailed report of the detection and subsequent circulation of RHDV2 in New Zealand. RHDV2 was first detected in New Zealand in 2018, with positive samples retrospectively identified in December 2017. Subsequent time-resolved phylogenetic analysis suggested a single introduction into the North Island between March and November 2016. Genetic analysis identified a GI.3P-GI.2 variant supporting a non-Australian origin for the incursion; however, more accurate identification of the source of the incursion remains challenging due to the wide global distribution of the GI.3P-GI.2 variant. Furthermore, our analysis suggests the spread of the virus between the North and South Islands of New Zealand at least twice, dated to mid-2017 and around 2018. Further phylogenetic analysis also revealed a strong phylogeographic pattern. So far, no recombination events with endemic benign New Zealand rabbit caliciviruses have been identified. This study highlights the need for further research and surveillance to monitor the distribution and diversity of lagoviruses in New Zealand and to detect incursions of novel variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Leishmania infantum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Dogs are the main reservoir for human infections. In recent years, outbreaks of human leishmaniasis have been reported in different regions of Spain associated with the Iberian hare and European rabbit. However, there is a notable scarcity of information regarding L. infantum infection in the European hare and in Northeastern Spain where this species occurs. The present study aimed to assess Leishmania spp. exposure and infection in lagomorphs and sympatric domestic dogs in NE Spain. Results suggest a more important role for the European rabbit than the European hare in the epidemiology of this parasite in NE Spain. Given the strong correlation between lagomorph densities and human leishmaniasis outbreaks in Spain, the high rabbit and human densities in NE Spain, and the high Leishmania spp. seroprevalence in rabbits, it becomes relevant to establish surveillance programs for lagomorphs in this region. Leishmania infantum is a zoonotic protozoan parasite distributed worldwide that is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Dogs are the main reservoir for human infections. However, in recent years, the capacity of lagomorphs to contribute to Leishmania transmission has been confirmed. The present study aimed to assess Leishmania spp. exposure and infection in lagomorphs and sympatric domestic dogs in NE Spain. Sera from European hares, European rabbits, and rural dogs were tested for antibodies against L. infantum using an in-house indirect ELISA. PCR analysis targeting Leishmania spp. was performed in spleens from L. europaeus. Antibodies against Leishmania spp. were detected in all the species analyzed. Total sample prevalence was significantly higher in O. cuniculus (27.9%) than in L. europaeus (2.0%). Results of the PCR were all negative. The present study expands knowledge about Leishmania infections in free-ranging lagomorphs in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting a more important role of O. cuniculus in the study area. Given the strong correlation between lagomorph densities and human leishmaniasis outbreaks in Spain, the high rabbit and human densities in NE Spain, and the high Leishmania spp. seroprevalence in rabbits, it becomes imperative to establish surveillance programs for lagomorphs in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roads threaten the conservation of many wildlife species. Carnivores are one of the most susceptible groups due to their habitat requirements. We explored the roadkill patterns of European polecats (Mustela putorious) on motorways and roads to investigate if these patterns depend on road type, a research topic frequently neglected in the literature. We studied 85 roadkills on motorways and 73 on roads, and the corresponding number of random points with no roadkills in every road type. We characterized them with 7 habitat and 7 road-related variables. Roadkill sites were significantly associated with the abundance of rabbit burrows. However, this effect was stronger on motorways, as they provide more suitable habitat for the establishment of prey species on their wider rights-of-way, or on the road interchange islands, which provide wide unused spaces. In contrast, road interchange islands on conventional roads that are simple intersections and have narrower rights-of-way. Furthermore, roadkills occurred in areas with lower agricultural cover. Thus, natural habitats on roadsides could act as alternative foraging areas for this carnivore increasing their roadkill risk. Our results showed the need to consider the characteristics such as the availability of prey or the surrounding habitat, as well as intrinsic characteristics of the road type when studying wildlife roadkills as the road-type-mediated patterns demand-specific mitigation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is a promising alternative method in liver cirrhosis management. Several administration routes of MSC have been studied, but few studies compared one to another. The purpose of this study is to compare the intrahepatic and intrasplenic route of MSC administration in terms of liver function and degree of liver fibrosis in the bile duct ligation model in rabbits. Experimental study was conducted using rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) model undergoing bile duct ligation (BDL). The subjects were randomized into 4 groups: sham surgery; bile duct ligation; bile duct ligation followed by intrahepatic route of MSC (BDL + IH MSC), and bile duct ligation followed by intrasplenic route of MSC (BDL + IS MSC). Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC MSC) was administered on the fifth day after bile duct ligation, and the subjects were observed until the fourteenth day after bile duct ligation. The liver function was evaluated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total and direct bilirubin. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated with Laennec score, fibrosis area fraction, the number of viable and necrosis hepatocytes, and the number of hepatic progenitor cells. The subjects were randomized into 4 groups: 2 in sham surgery group, and 7 in each of the following groups: BDL, BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups. The mortality rate in BDL group was 57.1 %, while mortality in BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups were 14.3 % and 28.6 % respectively. No significant difference was found regarding liver function in each group, such as AST, ALT, total, and direct bilirubin. Histopathology examination in almost every subject undergone bile duct ligation (regardless of MSC administration) showed degree of fibrosis of Laennec 4B. Fibrosis area fraction, the number of viable and necrotic hepatocytes, and progenitor cells were analyzed; no significant difference was found between BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups, but the groups administered with MSC showed a larger number of viable hepatocytes compared to BDL group. No difference was found between BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups in terms of liver function and histologic parameters. Administration of MSC increases the number of viable hepatocytes, but no difference was found in terms of liver function and degree of liver fibrosis between the intrahepatic route and intrasplenic route of administration. Animal Research, Randomized Controlled Study. Level I? (animal research is not indicated in the levels of evidence table in the journal website). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locoregional anesthesia is an essential component of multimodal analgesic and anesthetic techniques. However, few are described in rabbits, especially those aimed at the cranial abdominal wall. The aim of this study was to describe the external oblique intercostal (EOI) block technique in rabbits and compare the spread of two injectate volumes across the paracostal region and cranial abdominal wall. Eight rabbit cadavers (16 hemithoraces) were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided injections between the external abdominal oblique and external intercostal muscles. Each rabbit received 0.25 mL/kg (LV) and 0.5 mL/kg (HV) of 1% new methylene blue with immediate tissue dissection. Site of needle insertion, spread of injectate, and number of stained intercostal spaces and nerves were assessed by a blinded investigator. Injection points ranged from intercostal spaces 5–12. There were no differences between HV and LV groups in the number of covered intercostal spaces or dorsal, caudal, and total (cranial + caudal) spread. There was significantly more ventral and cranial spread in the HV group as well as staining of intercostal nerves. Injection within the EOI fascial plane successfully stained intercostal nerves associated with the thoracic wall and cranial abdomen; higher volumes provided significantly more spread in the cranial and ventral directions and stained more intercostal nerves. While the EOI block using a volume of 0.5 mL/kg could be a technique used to provide regional anesthesia of the rabbit paracostal region and cranial abdomen, future studies would be needed to determine clinical safety and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perineal urethrostomies are commonly reported in veterinary literature in cats and involve anastomosing the urethra to the skin to make a urinary stoma. There are various urinary tract disorders that can necessitate this procedure with obstructions, trauma and stenosis cited as common issues. A 2-year-old, male, castrated, mixed breed rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) presented to the hospital with a history of straining to urinate for several hours. One month prior a urethrotomy surgery was performed to remove an obstructing urolith. Diagnostics revealed a stricture was present and a perineal urethrostomy was performed. This report discusses the surgical approach to a perineal urethrostomy in a domestic rabbit and describes the differences from surgical descriptions reported in cats. A clinician presented with a similar case could consider this surgical technique for management of a urethral stricture in a castrated male rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Infectious diseases can cause considerable mortality in vertebrate populations, especially when a new pathogen emerges. Quantifying the impact of diseases on wild populations and dissecting the underlying mechanisms requires longitudinal individual monitoring combining demographic and epidemiologic data. Such longitudinal population studies are rare. Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is one of the main causes of the decline in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations. A new genotype of RHD virus (RHDV), called RHDV2 or GI.2, emerged in 2010, posing a new threat to previously weakened populations, particularly as this virus can infect individuals already immune to classical RHDV strains. Taking advantage of intensive monitoring from 2009 to 2014 by physical captures and microchip detections of a semi‐captive population of rabbits, we finely assessed the demographic impact of an initial RHDV2 outbreak that occurred in the population and identified the most affected demographic parameters. A multi‐event modeling analysis revealed decreased survival in both juveniles and adults in 2011 and 2012, suggesting an RHDV2 outbreak for two consecutive years. The short‐term survival benefit of vaccination against classical RHDV strains only during these years, and the recovery of carcasses with RHDV2 detection, supported this hypothesis. Variations in population vaccination coverage also explain the difference in adult survival between the two years of the outbreak. And the transient protective effect of vaccination could explain the prolonged duration of the outbreak. A brief episode of myxomatosis in 2011 seems to have had only a limited impact on the population. During outbreak years, in individuals not recently vaccinated, monthly juvenile survival crashed (0.55), and annual adult survival was three times lower than in normal years (0.21 vs. 0.69). The combination of successive juvenile and adult survival estimates for unvaccinated rabbits during the outbreak years resulted in a very low recruitment rate in the breeding population. Finally, RHDV2 outbreaks appear to have caused mortalities comparable to those caused by older classical RHDV strains and may have a strong demographic impact on wild populations of European rabbit. This work highlights the importance of long‐term observational and experimental studies to better understand the impact of epidemics on animal populations.

ABSTRACT The study of spinal surgery in dogs has limitations for the standardization of the sample, due to the difficulty of obtaining animals of the same breed, sex, and age. Thus, the use of the rabbit as an animal model is suggested. Morphometric studies are important to assess the anatomical compatibility between the two species. Furthermore, the growing interest in the rabbit as a pet and the common occurrence of iatrogenic fractures in its caudal lumbar spine emphasize the need for these studies. Eight spinal segments (L1-S3) from adult dogs, between 3 and 5kg, and eight from New Zealand rabbits, between 3 and 5kg, adults, were submitted to cone beam computed tomographic examination. In the generated images, the length, height and width of the body and vertebral foramen were measured, in addition to the thickness of the cortical bone. The lumbar vertebrae of rabbits are longer than those of dogs, but they are smaller in width and height. The thickness of the cortical bone of the two species is similar. The morphometric differences found restrict the use of the rabbit as an animal model for the development of experimental surgeries in dogs.

Incorporating of agro-industrial co-products into animal nutrition could represent an opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of the food production chain. One such co-product is a hempseed cake originating from cold pressing hemp seeds to extract oil for human consumption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of hempseed cake in the diet on male rabbit reproductive and some non-reproductive indexes. Male rabbits were fed either a standard diet (control group; C; n = 10) or a diet enriched with hempseed cake (experimental group E5 with 5% of a hempseed cake; n = 10, and experimental group E10 with 10% of a hempseed cake; n = 10) in 100 kg of the milled complete feed mixture. Rabbit weight gain, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, and sperm quality were evaluated using CASA and flow cytometry. Feeding with a hempseed cake, given at both tested concentrations, had no effect on weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Hempseed cake addition had no effect on sperm concentration in ejaculate, sperm motility, and progressive motility (p > 0.05). Selected haematological and biochemical indexes were examined. The E5 group showed positive tendencies in hepatic profile parameters, while in the E10 group the tendencies were opposite, though within the reference values. Based on our results, no negative effects of hempseed cake feeding on rabbit reproduction and health status were found, and we can recommend the use of hempseed cake at doses up to 10% in the nutrition and feeding of rabbits. Therefore, agro-industrial co-products can decrease the feeding cost.

Several conventional and recently available tools are available for an integrated control of European rabbits in Australia. We quantified the impact of the release of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus K5 (RHDV K5, hereafter K5) and pindone (2‐pivalyl‐1,3‐indandione) baiting at 13 sites within Cudlee Creek fire scar in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. K5 release was followed by pindone baiting between December 2021 and March 2022; the application of both control methods followed industry best practice. We counted rabbits using spotlights before and after the application of both control methods. Fly samples and livers from dead rabbits were collected to track K5 transmission within and between sites, and to detect the natural circulation of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2). K5 release had minimal impact on rabbit populations, with treated populations increasing by a mean of 65.5% at 14 days post‐release and 27.9% at 77 days post‐K5 release across all sites, comparable to the changes at control sites. K5 detection in flies up to 77 days post its release, and its detection in rabbit livers, demonstrates that it can survive and transmit in the environment for prolonged periods and that it can lethally infect some rabbits. This limited impact of K5 is consistent with previous studies and may be explained by pre‐existing RHDV/RHDV2 immunity in the target populations or the presence of young rabbits with natural innate RHDV immunity. The detection of K5 in flies from control sites demonstrates that it was vectored beyond its release location. A reduction in rabbit counts post‐pindone baiting was observed at most treatment sites, with a mean population reduction of 36.6% across all sites. Landholders need to carefully and strategically plan their integrated rabbit control programmes. Not all combinations of controls, even if theoretically logical, achieve meaningful outcomes for rabbit management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic lagoviruses (Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, RHDV) are widely spread across the world and are used in Australia and New Zealand to control populations of feral European rabbits. The spread of the non-pathogenic lagoviruses, e.g., rabbit calicivirus (RCV), is less well studied as the infection results in no clinical signs. Nonetheless, RCV has important implications for the spread of RHDV and rabbit biocontrol as it can provide varying levels of cross-protection against fatal infection with pathogenic lagoviruses. In Chile, where European rabbits are also an introduced species, myxoma virus was used for localised biocontrol of rabbits in the 1950s. To date, there have been no studies investigating the presence of lagoviruses in the Chilean feral rabbit population. In this study, liver and duodenum rabbit samples from central Chile were tested for the presence of lagoviruses and positive samples were subject to whole RNA sequencing and subsequent data analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a novel RCV variant in duodenal samples that likely originated from European RCVs. Sequencing analysis also detected the presence of a rabbit astrovirus in one of the lagovirus-positive samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To evaluate selected gastrointestinal side effects of high-concentration buprenorphine (HCB) in healthy rabbits. ANIMALS 10 healthy New Zealand White rabbits ranging in body weight between 3.0 and 3.8 kg. METHODS Eight, 6-month-old, New Zealand White rabbits received a single injection of HCB SC (0.24 mg/kg). The rabbits were previously randomized to receive SC and oral saline as a control. Two rabbits received saline for the purpose of blinding the outcome assessors. Food and water consumption, fecal and urine production, and fecal pellet number were recorded for all rabbits before HCB administration and the 3 days postinjection. RESULTS A clinically and statistically significant decrease in food and water consumption was observed in rabbits receiving an injection of HCB, compared to rabbits receiving saline. In the 24 hours after injection, HCB-treated rabbits consumed a median of 17 g of food (range, 0 to 82 g), while saline-treated rabbits consumed 122 g of food (31 to 181 g). Rabbits receiving HCB injections also produced significantly less feces both in terms of pellet numbers and overall quantity, along with decreased urine production. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A single administration of HCB has a clinically significant impact on multiple physiological functions in healthy rabbits. Administration of this drug could potentially worsen clinical signs of anorexia and decrease defecation in healthy rabbits. The effects of HCB on diseased or painful rabbits are not yet known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digestive problems, both those with a clear pathogenic origin (e.g., Escherichia coli) and those without obvious pathogen involvement [e.g., syndromes like epizootic rabbit enteropathy (ERE)], are common in production rabbits and account for the majority of losses in meat rabbit production. A multitude of nutritional, genetic and housing factors have been found to play a role in the occurrence of digestive problems. However, the exact early pathophysiological mechanism, including the links between aforementioned risk factors and subsequent development and expression of gastrointestinal disease, is less clear, especially in non-specific enteropathies without obvious pathogen involvement. In this review, we aim to shed more light on the derailment of the normal gastrointestinal functioning in rabbits. We discuss a conceptual integrated view of this derailment, based on an "overload" pathway and a "chymus jam" pathway, which may occur simultaneously and interact. The "overload" pathway centers around exposure to excess amounts of easily fermentable substrate (e.g., starch and protein) that might be incompletely digested prior to entering the caecum. Once there, hyperfermentationmay result in changes in caecal pH and inhibition of the normal microflora. The second pathway centers around a chymus jam resulting froma compromised passage rate. Here, reduced hindgutmotility (e.g., resulting from stress or limited fiber supply) leads to reduced flow of digesta and increased caecal retention times, which might lead to the production of abnormal caecal fermentation products and subsequent inhibition of the normal microflora. A central role in the presumed mechanism is attributed to the fusus coli. We discuss the suggested mechanisms behind both pathways, as well as the empirical substantiation and alignment between theoretical concepts and observations in practice. The proposed hypotheses may explain the effect of time-based restriction to prevent ERE, which is widely applied in practice but to date not really understood, and suggest that the particle size of fibermay be a key point in the normal functioning of the colon and fusus coli. Further insight into the circumstances leading to the derailment of physiological processes in the rabbit hindgut could provide a meaningful starting point to help improve their gastrointestinal resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) are an evolutionarily ancient family of proteins that are widely distributed among eukaryotes. They belong to the dynamin superfamily of GTPases, and their expression can be partially induced by interferons (IFNs). GBPs are involved in the cell-autonomous innate immune response against bacterial, parasitic and viral infections. Evolutionary studies have shown that GBPs exhibit a pattern of gene gain and loss events, indicative for the birth-and-death model of evolution. Most species harbor large GBP gene clusters that encode multiple paralogs. Previous functional and in-depth evolutionary studies have mainly focused on murine and human GBPs. Since rabbits are another important model system for studying human diseases, we focus here on lagomorphs to broaden our understanding of the multifunctional GBP protein family by conducting evolutionary analyses and performing a molecular and functional characterization of rabbit GBPs. We observed that lagomorphs lack GBP3, 6 and 7. Furthermore, Leporidae experienced a loss of GBP2, a unique duplication of GBP5 and a massive expansion of GBP4. Gene expression analysis by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and transcriptome data revealed that leporid GBP expression varied across tissues. Overexpressed rabbit GBPs localized either uniformly and/or discretely to the cytoplasm and/or to the nucleus. Oryctolagus cuniculus (oc)GBP5L1 and rarely ocGBP5L2 were an exception, colocalizing with the trans-Golgi network (TGN). In addition, four ocGBPs were IFN-inducible and only ocGBP5L2 inhibited furin activity. In conclusion, from an evolutionary perspective, lagomorph GBPs experienced multiple gain and loss events, and the molecular and functional characteristics of ocGBP suggest a role in innate immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the actual scenario of increasing demand of animal food and the need to develop sustainable production systems, rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and quail (Coturnix japonica) represent animal species of undeniable potential, profoundly linked to human's eating habits in several parts of the World, yet not fully exploited. Given the remarkable adaptability of quail and rabbit to different farming contexts, they can be successfully farmed both in specialised and technologically advanced production systems targeting market diversification, as well as in such areas of the World where malnutrition is a severe issue and technological limitations are present. Together with the above-mentioned socio-cultural aspects, rabbit and quail possess intrinsic traits that make them meat species of interest to improve the sustainability of the livestock sector, challenge of utmost importance for present and future development strategies. Furthermore, available nutritional data indicate that quail and rabbit provide food (meat) that has the potential to improve the nutritional adequacy of any diet. It also emerged that about 130 g of rabbit and quail meat are sufficient to meet the daily dietary recommendations for essential amino acids provided by the World Health Organization. Despite the dietary quality of the meat obtained from these two animal species, the present review also unveils that, while the factors affecting meat quality have been extensively studied, little focus has been devoted on those specifically affecting the protein content and quality, thus emphasising that this is a key aspect for future researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear production, as well as to compare the IOP obtained with the TonoVet Plus® (rebound) with the Tono‐Pen Avia® (applanation) tonometers. Animals: Twenty‐five Mini Lionhead rabbits (n = 50 eyes). Procedure: Tear production was measured at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. by using the STT. The IOP reading was performed with the rebound tonometer, followed by the applanation tonometer, at 6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. Regression analysis, analysis of variance (anova) and Bland–Altman statistics were used. Results: Daily tear production was 10.25 ± 3.75 mm/min, with no differences among the moments evaluated. Average daily IOP was 17.7 ± 3.08 mmHg with the TonoVet Plus® and 11.5 ± 4.56 mmHg with the Tono‐Pen Avia®. IOP values were higher at the beginning and end of the day with both tonometers. Conclusion: The IOP values are higher with the TonoVet Plus® tonometer. The reference values of IOP and tear production obtained in this work may support the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of ocular disorders in pet Mini Lionhead rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To determine the survival to discharge rate of rabbits with gastrointestinal obstructions treated with lidocaine constant rate infusion (CRI) and other factors associated with survival. ANIMALS Cases of gastrointestinal obstruction in rabbits (n = 56, including 64 events) that had presented to a veterinary teaching hospital from 2012 to 2021. METHODS This was a retrospective study in which data on rabbits with evidence of gastrointestinal obstruction were extracted from veterinary teaching hospital medical records over a 9-year period. Systemic lidocaine treatment, breed, sex, age, temperature at presentation, blood glucose at presentation, and time to discharge or death were evaluated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors significantly associated with survival to hospitai discharge in rabbits with gastrointestinal obstruction. RESULTS Comparatively, 89.7% of rabbits treated with lidocaine CRI (n = 39) survived to hospital discharge, while only 56% of rabbits that were not treated with lidocaine CRI (25) survived. In the final multivariate analysis, 2 factors were associated with survival to discharge: rabbits treated with systemic lidocaine and male rabbits had increased odds of survival compared to those not treated with systemic lidocaine and female rabbits, respectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results demonstrated that rabbits with gastrointestinal obstruction and treated with a lidocaine CRI were more likely to survive compared to rabbits not treated with lidocaine CRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective study involving 14 pet rabbits histopathologically diagnosed with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) was conducted. The age at diagnosis was 4-12 years, with a median age of 8.6 years. All rabbits had solid subcutaneous tumor masses in varied locations. Surgical excision of the tumors was performed in all cases. Recurrence was observed in 10 cases (71%), and postoperative metastasis to the lung was suspected in 4 cases (29%). The postoperative mean and median survival times were 11 months and 9 months, respectively. Hence, MPNSTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis for subcutaneous masses in rabbits and it is essential to inform the owners of the potentially high recurrence and metastasis rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]