Rabbit Gastroenterology

Effects of probiotic Enterococcus faecium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the faecal microflora of pet rabbits

“…Changes in faecal quality are important clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease in rabbits (Reusch ). In this study, faecal pellet weight and diameter did not change when the probiotics and placebo paste were administrated.…”

“…The second aim was to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on bodyweight, and faecal weight and diameter of healthy adult rabbits. Faecal weight and diameter have never previously been used as parameters during a research trial, but changes in faecal size are one of the main clinical signs of gastrointestinal diseases in rabbits (Reusch ).…”

Gastrointestinal Disease in Guinea Pigs and Rabbits

“…Although endoscopy can provide direct visualization of ulcers, many animals are not sufficiently stable for an anesthetized procedure. 13 Treatment should be aimed at controlling any underlying diseases, providing hydration and analgesia (discussed previously), mucosal protection with sucralfate, and acid blockade with ranitidine (2 mg/kg IV every 24 hours or 2-5 mg/kg by mouth every 12 hours).…”

“…Once initiated, dysmotility leads to reduced colonic transit, with decreased fecal output, increased dehydration of intestinal contents, dehydration of gastric contents with trichobezoar formation, impaired cecal fermentation, and disruption of the enteric microflora, creating a cycle of further anorexia and worsening stasis. 12,13 In severe cases, stasis leads to partial or complete obstruction or accumulation of gas within the GI tract (bloat) that can be a life-threatening emergency (discussed later). Clinical signs of GI stasis can include decreased or absent fecal material, anorexia, bruxism, pain with abdominal palpation, decreased GI sounds, dehydration, abdominal distension, gastric tympany, and respiratory or cardiovascular compromise.…”

Esophagostomy Feeding Tube Use and Placement in Exotic Pets

“…NG tube placement in a rabbit is simple and very similar to the technique used for cats. 10 A step-by-step guide for NG tube placement in rabbits has been previously published. 9 The rabbit NG tube may be left in place for several days but are contraindicated in animals with respiratory disease owing to the tube occupying upper airway space in an animal already limited by obligate nasal breathing.…”