VTNE Review: Common Diseases in Rabbits

differences in cardiovascular system

• little collateral circulation for the coronary vessels, making the myocardium more susceptible to ischemia

• aortic nerve is regulated by baroreceptors, not chemoreceptors

cardiomyopathy

• cause is unknown

• vitamin E deficiency, corona virus infection, and some bacterial infections can affect the heart muscle

• ketamine-xylazine combination has been shown to cause myocardial disease

• arteriosclerosis of the aorta and other arteries is seen in almost all breeds of rabbits

clinical signs of heart disease

• similar to those in other animals with myocardial disease

• weight loss

• exercise intolerance

• dyspnea: pulmonary edema, pleural effusion

• hepatomegaly

• weakness

diagnosis of heart disease

• radiography

• Echo

• ECG

• culture and sensitivity if bacterial infection is suspected

treatment of heart disease

• diuretic: furosemide IV or IM

• oxygen cage

• ACE inhibitors: enalapril or digoxin

• nitroglycerin 2% ointment every 6 to 12 hours