Rabbits

Lab Animal Health

Uses in Research

antibody production - ID admin

pyrogen testing for drugs w/ IV admin

ophthalmic drugs - topical anesthetic prior

For toxicology, virology, immunity

Characteristics

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Require high fiber diet

New Zealand White is specific pathogen free coprophagic - daytime + night

lives for 5-6y

Breeding

Induced ovulators, polyestrous

receptivity for 7-10d

hair plucking when ready to deliver

28-34d gestation → 6-10kits

Pain and Distress

Decreased food/water consumption

lack of movement

diarrhea

uneaten cecotrophs (night feces)

Snuffles (Pasteurellosis)

cause resp. tract infection

torticollis, open mouth breathing, nasal discharge

tx: penicillin, chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin

contagious - aerosolized

Trichobezoars

hair balls

little to no feces, anorexia, death

prevent w/ high amnt of hay in diet

Coccidiosis

Hepatic: hepatomegaly, jaundice, abd. swelling

Intestinal: diarrhea

cysts is passed in feces

Dermatitis

Mites - skin scrape, dermatophytes - fungal culture