Rabbit GIT

What is the dental formula of rabbits?

2/1 0/0 3/2 3/3

What type of teeth do rabbits have?

Hypsodont and aradicular (continuously growing).

How do rabbit teeth grow?

They grow continuously throughout the rabbit’s life.

What structures can be seen or felt during a rabbit’s abdominal examination?

Stomach, small intestine, caecum, and colon.

Why might gut sounds be reduced during a rabbit’s abdominal examination?

Reduced gut sounds may indicate stress or gastrointestinal issues.

What is the anatomy of a rabbit’s stomach?

A simple, all-glandular stomach.

What arteries supply blood to the rabbit digestive tract?

Coeliac, cranial mesenteric, and caudal mesenteric arteries.

What nervous systems control the rabbit digestive tract?

The enteric nervous system (myenteric and submucosal plexuses) and the autonomic nervous system (parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions).

What is caecotrophy in rabbits?

The process of producing and re-ingesting protein-rich pellets encased in mucus.

What is the function of the rabbit’s caecum?

It aids in fermentation and digestion of fibrous plant material.

What is the structure of the rabbit’s small intestine?

It has a standard structure with vascular and neural contents supporting nutrient absorption.

What is the structure of the rabbit’s large intestine?

It is adapted for water absorption and further fermentation of food.

Which abdominal organs are difficult to palpate unless enlarged in rabbits?

The liver and pancreas.

How does the rabbit’s autonomic nervous system impact digestion?

It regulates digestive activity through sympathetic and parasympathetic responses.

What is the myenteric plexus responsible for in rabbits?

It controls movement in the digestive tract.

What is the submucosal plexus responsible for in rabbits?

It regulates secretions in the digestive tract.

What should you palpate for during a rabbit abdominal exam?

Masses, gas, fluid accumulation

Where is the stomach located in a rabbit?

Left cranial abdomen

What is the shape of a rabbit's stomach?

J-shaped

What is the capacity of a rabbit's stomach?

15-30 ml

What is the name of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach in rabbits?

Cardiac sphincter

What is the name of the sphincter between the stomach and small intestine in rabbits?

Pyloric sphincter

Where is the caecum located in rabbits?

Right side of the abdomen

What is the approximate size of a rabbit's caecum?

40% of the abdominal cavity

What is the main function of the rabbit caecum?

Fermentation of plant material

What is the name of the pouch at the end of the rabbit's ileum?

Sacculus rotundus

How many parts does the rabbit colon have?

Two (proximal and distal)

What is the function of the fusus coli in rabbits?

Separates digestible and indigestible fiber

What is the name for the soft fecal pellets produced by rabbits? – Cecotropes

How long is the small intestine in rabbits?

Approximately 3 meters

What is the main blood supply to the rabbit stomach?

Celiac artery

What nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the rabbit stomach?

Vagus nerve