Changes in behavioural and physiological parameters associated with Taenia pisiformis infection in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that may improve early detection of sick rabbits

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The purpose of this experiment was to describe early behavioural responses to illness in rabbits and their relation with physiological changes to improve early detection of infection by Taenia pisiformis in rabbits. Twenty adult female New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated to 2 groups to determine whether changes in behaviour and some physiological parameters can be induced in rabbits after a T. pisiformis infection. Infected animals were orally inoculated with 3000 eggs of T. pisiformis, while controls received only saline solution. Behavioural activity was recorded daily from 19:00 to 21:00 h starting 2 d before infection. Mate choice and rank status were assessed, and blood samples were collected at −2, 7, 14 and 25 d post infection (dpi) for hematological and hepatic function determinations. All animals were observed for clinical signs every other day from the beginning of the experiment and euthanised 25 dpi after last sampling. Infected animals spent more (P<0.01) time lying stretched (3.78±1.77 vs. 0.77±0.03%) and less (P<0.01) time grooming (1.95±1.31 vs. 2.58±0.10%) and at the watering trough (1.20±1.13 vs. 3.35±0.02%) than controls. These differences were noticeable 6 dpi and remained until the end of the experiment. No changes (P>0.05) were observed in the time spent at the feeder, rank status or mate choice. Leukocyte and lymphocyte concentrations increased (P<0.05), while heterophil counts decreased in infected rabbits as the experiment progressed. Furthermore, infected animals had larger concentrations of alkaline phosphatase as soon as 7 dpi. No clinical signs of the disease were detected. Necropsy fi ndings corroborated hepatic lesions and presence of the parasite in all infected animals. It was concluded that an infection with 3000 eggs of T. pisiformis induced changes in behavioural and physiological parameters that may improve early detection of sick rabbits.

Normal values of haematological and some biochemical parameters in serum and urine of New Zealand White rabbits

“…Haematological parameters generally provide information on inflammation, necrosis, various infections of visceral organs and the presence of stress factors (Jurcik et al, 2007;Melillo, 2007;Betancourt-Alonso et al, 2011).…”

Hormonal and behavioral changes induced by acute and chronic experimental infestation with Psoroptes cuniculi in the domestic rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus

“…It has been suggested that food consumption decreases with the aim of creating a hostile environment for the parasite within the host, limiting the reproduction and survival, and this occurs before it affects host survival by the reduction in food intake [44]. There is one previous study in which rabbits were experimentally infected with the internal parasite T. pisiformis [14], and which also states that there is a reduction in weight of infected animals, but as they did not determine the consumption of food per day it is difficult to compare with the present study.…”

Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Pulverized Mangifera indica (Mango) Seed Kernel on Some Hematological Parameters in Normal and Monosodium Glutamate-Intoxicated Rats

“…Thus, hematological parameters including red blood cell count, white blood cell count and packed cell volume value were of diagnostic value [29][30][31][32][33][34] . This study investigated the effect of ethanolic extract of pulverized mango (Mangifera indica) seed kernel (MSKE) on some hematological parameters in normal and monosodium glutamate (MSG)-intoxicated rats, using standard protocols.…”

“…Blood functions in the maintenance of physiological homeostasis [28] . Thus, hematological parameters including red blood cell count, white blood cell count and packed cell volume value were of diagnostic value [29][30][31][32][33][34][35] . For instance, red blood cell is involved in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body and a reduced red blood cell count implies a reduction in the level of oxygen that would be carried to the tissues as well as the level of carbon dioxide returned to the lungs [36,37,28] .…”