Hepatic coccidiosis in two pet rabbits

Hepatic coccidiosis is a frequent disease in rabbits. However, limited information is available pertaining to hematology, biochemistry, and ultrasonography of the liver in naturally infected rabbits. Two young emaciated rabbits presented with diarrhea. Microscopic fecal examination identified ellipsoidal oocysts. Eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, globulin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, and decreased serum albumin, amylase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were detected. Ultrasonography showed mild ascites, an enlarged liver with heterogeneous parenchyma, dilated hepatic blood vessels, and dilated bile ducts. Despite treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and toltrazuril both rabbits died. Necropsy revealed ascites and an enlarged liver with multiple yellowish nodules. Histologically, distended bile ducts almost completely replaced the hepatic parenchyma, and numerous coccidial gametocytes and oocytes were observed. Microscopic fecal examination, hematology, biochemistry, and ultrasonography of the liver can contribute to diagnose of hepatic coccidiosis.