Prospective data from 86 healthy pet rabbits were evaluated to establish reference intervals for hematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, venous blood gas and electrolytes, rectal temperature and systolic blood pressure. Reference intervals for rectal temperature (37.4-39.6 ºC) and systolic blood pressure (75-134 mm/Hg) were previously unreported in pet rabbits. Differences by more than 30% with reference intervals present in the bibliography were observed in the blood biochemistry and urinalysis, being attributed to the variability in methodological factors with the present study.

Of the pet rabbits presented at one private practice between August 2011 and August 2016 (n=1369), 5·6% presented with a traumatic orthopaedic injury. Of these, 7·8% (n=6) presented with traumatic coxofemoral luxation, the most frequently observed type of luxation. Three cases of non-traumatic coxofemoral luxation in pet rabbits are also discussed. Eight rabbits presented with craniodorsal luxation and one with caudoventral luxation. Five rabbits were initially treated using closed reduction and an Ehmer sling under sedation. Two rabbits responded satisfactorily to closed reduction; their bandages remained in place for 10 and 14 days, and movement was cage-limited for 1 month after bandage placement. The bandage did not prevent re-luxation in three cases. Therefore, two rabbits received iliofemoral nylon sutures, and three rabbits received a femoral neck and head ostectomy. One rabbit was treated directly using open reduction and an iliofemoral nylon suture due to fractures in the same limb. One rabbit was presented in shock, coxofemoral luxation was noticed as an incidental finding and euthanasia was elected by the owner. In conclusion, of the three rabbits treated via femoral neck and head ostectomy one rabbit had an unsatisfactory outcome and two rabbits have non-assessable outcomes. The three rabbits treated with iliofemoral sutures showed satisfactory long-term outcomes and the two rabbits treated with closed reduction and an Ehmer sling showed satisfactory medium and long-term outcomes.

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BackgroundUrinary calcium excretion by rabbits is set proportionately higher than that of other species, giving the rabbit urine its characteristic cloudy appearance. During pregnancy, lactation and growth, or when metabolic disorders interfere in the renal excretion of calcium, it is reported that less calcium is excreted and the urine appears clear. The quantification of the calcium concentration in the urine of rabbits may be of importance in the management of diseases that affect calcium metabolism, especially in kidney disease; however, reference intervals for urinary calcium concentration (UC) are unreported in pet rabbits.MethodsProspective data from 63 healthy pet rabbits were evaluated. An inhouse modified Arsenazo III technique, without acidifying the urine, was used to determine the reference intervals for UC and UC:creatinine ratio. Urinary protein:creatinine ratio, UC, UC:creatinine ratio, urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase concentration (UG), UG:creatinine ratio, phosphorus, plasma total calcium, plasma creatinine, urea and ionised calcium were assessed according to age, sex, neutered status, urine collection method and Encephalitozoon cuniculi IgG status in healthy rabbits.ResultsThe reference intervals for UC and UC:creatinine ratio were 4.2–31.1 mg/dl (1.03–7.78 mmol/l) and less than 0.3, respectively. The results showed that none of these variables was influenced by the parameters evaluated, except for the phosphorus value, which was higher in pet rabbits aged up to 3 years compared with those over 3 years, suggesting that published reference values for plasma phosphorus in rabbits should be adjusted according to age.ConclusionThe modified Arsenazo III technique described in the present work and the established reference values for UC and UCC in pet rabbits could be useful in the management of kidney disease in rabbits. The results showed that E cuniculi IgG seropositivity has no influence on the variables of renal interest in otherwise healthy rabbits.

Renal infection with flagellated protozoa was retrospectively evaluated in 29 reptiles, including 12 turtles, 7 tortoises, and 6 chameleons; overall, 20 species of reptiles were represented. Most cases presented with nonspecific clinical signs or a combination of several concurrent diseases. Nineteen of 29 reptiles had tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with flagellates, and this lesion was considered contributory to death in 15 cases, although concurrent diseases were frequent. Infection was invasive into the renal interstitium in three reptiles due to tubular rupture and in one chameleon also spread to adjacent tissues, coelomic cavity, and blood vessels due to renal rupture. Cytologic or ultrastructural evaluation of trophozoites in two cases was consistent with diplomonad flagellates. Renal disease was often complicated with soft-tissue mineralization and/or gout. Gastrointestinal and cloacal infection with flagellates and inflammation were frequent in reptiles in which the digestive tract was available for histopathologic examination, and this supports the possibility of infections ascending the urinary tract from the cloaca. Renal disease associated with flagellate protozoa is rare in vertebrates but appears to be relevant in reptiles, particularly chelonians and chameleons.