EXOTICS
Caecotroph
Faecal Pellets
Figure 3: Normal caecotroph and pelleted faecal matter
contain hair ingested while grooming. In the past it
was thought that gastric trichobezoars were a primary
cause of anorexia in the rabbit.1,3
We now understand that the hard mat of fur and fibre
sometimes palpable in the stomach is simply dehydrated normal stomach content and is a sequel to,
rather than a precipitating cause of anorexia.3 Occasionally a rabbit (especially a long haired breed such
as the Angora) will develop a true pyloric obstruction.
Both gastric and intestinal obstructions are emergencies and typically present with an acute abdomen and
a collapsed rabbit. Gastrointestinal surgery on the rabbit is fraught with complications and is considered a
last resort. The stomach and intestines are thin walled
and fragile and dehiscence of surgical incisions is
common. Nevertheless, a truly obstructed animal will
need aggressive surgical intervention.3
Excess carbohydrate reaching the caecum predisposes the rabbit to bacterial dysbiosis. This occurs
commonly in young rabbits in commercial settings
where concentrates are fed ad-lib at the expense of
adequate fibre. The rabbits typically present a few
weeks after weaning with severe mucoid diarrhoea,
collapse and death.
HOW DO WE TREAT THE CASE?
Owners should be made aware of the severity and
potential fatal outcome of a case of total anorexia
and minimal faecal output in a rabbit. These rabbits
should be hospitalised for intensive supportive care.
Of primary importance is the maintenance of a positive energy balance to prevent excessive lipolysis and
hepatic lipidosis. Tasty fresh greens should always be
offered to the patient. Good quality grass hay is also
needed.3
Anorexic rabbits often need assisted feeding in the
initial phases of the illness. DO NOT wait too long.
Rather begin syringe feeding approximately 10ml/kg
of pureed vegetable baby food/soaked complete rabbit diet or Oxbow Critical Care formula for herbivores
(most ideal choice) 4-5x daily.3 Naso-oesophageal
tubes may be placed if necessary (8FG works well)
but are only used in patients that resist syringe feeding.
Most rabbits will need an Elizabethan collar with the
NO tube and the stress of the collar as well as the limitations it places on movement and grazing are often
counter-productive. Should we need to use a collar
at our clinic, we trim it in such a way that the ears are
unhindered and the rabbit has easy access to food.
We do this by leaving larger flaps of collar laterally and
trimming it shorter dorsally and ventrally.
Although the rabbit may not seem to be losing fluids
via vomition or diarrhoea, a rabbit with anorexia and
gut stasis should be considered dehydrated. Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids (depending on the level of
compromise in the patient) should be administered.
Lactated Ringers solution is a good choice.3 Daily
maintenance fluid requirements are approximately
60ml/kg/day.
Analgesics are indicated as gas distension of the inactive bowel causes pain which further compounds the
problem. Opioids such as Buprenorphine (0.03mg/kg
bid) are regularly used and are reported to have minimal effects on gut motility. Non steroidal anti inflammatories such as Meloxicam (0.5mg/kg once daily) are
also used for pain control.2 The use of motility stimulants is a hotly debated topic. Many claim (rightly) that
the best stimulator of intestinal motility is long stem
unfermentable fibre. Nevertheless, we find that Metaclopramide (0.5mg/kg bid) and Cisapride (0.5mg/kg
bid) definitely have a place in our treatment protocol.
Naturally prokinetics are contra-indicated in cases of
obstruction.2
Probiotics have been anecdotally reported to be of
benefit in cases of dysbacteriosis. Commercially available probiotics do not contain the normal gut flora
of the rabbit but do not seem to be harmful. Caecotrophs can be collected from a healthy “donor” rabbit
by placing an elizabethan collar to prevent caecotrophy (ingested) and can then be fed to the patient to
re-colonise the caecum.2,3 Anti-ulcerogenics such as
Ranitidine (5mg/kg p/o) and Omeprazole are indicated as gastric ulceration may occur rapidly in a stressed
rabbit.2
It is important to house ill rabbits correctly. They need
quiet quarters, away from possible predator species
such as dogs. A bed of hay is often useful both as a
good fibre source and as a familiar environment. A hiding box or a covered area should be offered. Rabbits
naturally seek out dark, small spaces as retreats when
they are frightened. A safe, walled-off area should be
available for supervised grazing outdoors. Anorexic
rabbits will ofte