Coxofemoral luxation in two foals wearing hindlimb casts

Two foals wearing hindlimb casts developed coxofemoral luxations 6 days and 9 days after the casts were applied. One foal had a cast on one hindlimb up to the proximal portion of the tibia and the other foal had tube casts on all 4 limbs. Although the incidents that resulted in the luxations were not observed, they probably occurred during awkward attempts to stand or from being pushed by the mare, with the affected limb being caught under the body in a forward extended and adducted position.     

Encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet rabbits

The results of a serological test for Encephalitozoon cuniculi in 125 pet rabbits are reviewed, together with follow-up studies of clinical cases. Blood samples were taken from 38 asymptomatic rabbits and 87 rabbits showing neurological, renal or ocular signs suggestive of encephalitozoonosis. In the asymptomatic group, six of 26 (23 per cent) apparently healthy rabbits, sampled as part of a health screen, were seropositive; of the remaining 12 asymptomatic rabbits, sampled because they lived with seropositive companions, eight (66 per cent) were seropositive. Fifty-eight of the rabbits with clinical disease showed neurological signs, including head tilt, seizures, ataxia and swaying; three of them also showed renal signs and two showed ocular signs, and these five rabbits were all seropositive. Head tilt was the most common neurological sign in 21 of 23 (91 per cent) of the seropositive cases. All nine rabbits with ocular lesions were seropositive. In follow-up studies of clinical cases, the rabbits showed variable responses to treatment with albendazole, fenbendazole, antibiotics or corticosteroids, and some cases recovered without treatment.     

Coxofemoral luxation in a border collie as a complication of a Clostridium tetani infection

A four-month-old male, entire, border collie was presented to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals with a two day history of muscular spasms and "Risus sardonicus". Tetanus was diagnosed, and the dog was treated with tetanus antitoxin, antibiotics and supportive therapy. Coxofemoral luxation resulted as a complication of the tetanus and was successfully managed by performing a femoral head and neck excision. This is the first report of joint luxation associated with Clostridium tetani infection in a dog.     

Excision arthroplasty for management of coxofemoral luxation in pet birds

Coxofemoral luxation, although not a common injury, can cause considerable pelvic limb dysfunction in pet birds. Luxation usually is craniodorsal, as it is in dogs. Previously recommended treatments have not always been effective in managing the injury. Sequelae can include dorsolateral deviation of the pelvic limb, with loss of function and bumblefoot in the nonluxated limb, owing to abnormal weight-bearing. Excision arthroplasty combined with a muscular sling constructed from a segment of the iliofibularis muscle was used to treat coxofemoral luxation in a hyacinth macaw, a moluccan cockatoo, and an African gray parrot. The outcome was excellent in 2 of the 3 birds.     

Hepatic coccidiosis in two pet rabbits

Hepatic coccidiosis is a frequent disease in rabbits. However, limited information is available pertaining to hematology, biochemistry, and ultrasonography of the liver in naturally infected rabbits. Two young emaciated rabbits presented with diarrhea. Microscopic fecal examination identified ellipsoidal oocysts. Eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, globulin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, and decreased serum albumin, amylase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were detected. Ultrasonography showed mild ascites, an enlarged liver with heterogeneous parenchyma, dilated hepatic blood vessels, and dilated bile ducts. Despite treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and toltrazuril both rabbits died. Necropsy revealed ascites and an enlarged liver with multiple yellowish nodules. Histologically, distended bile ducts almost completely replaced the hepatic parenchyma, and numerous coccidial gametocytes and oocytes were observed. Microscopic fecal examination, hematology, biochemistry, and ultrasonography of the liver can contribute to diagnose of hepatic coccidiosis.     

Cryptosporidium infection in juvenile pet rabbits

Cryptosporidium infection was confirmed by fecal examination for the first time in pet rabbits in a wholesale store located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Fecal samples were obtained postmortem from juvenile rabbits (n=66), which had died after developing diarrhea. Feces from healthy rabbits (n=30) were also collected and examined as controls. Two types of Cryptosporidium oocysts distinctive in size and shape were found (Type A and B). Types A and B oocysts were detected from 16.7% and 13.6% of the diarrheic, and 3.3% and 0% of the normal feces, respectively. Since Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected at a higher rate in the diarrheic rabbits than in the healthy rabbits, special caution should be taken when handling a pet rabbit presenting with diarrhea.     

Peri-anaesthetic mortality and nonfatal gastrointestinal complications in pet rabbits: a retrospective study on 210 cases

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and the associated risk factors of peri-anaesthetic mortality and gastrointestinal complications in pet rabbits.

Cutaneous neoplasms in pet rabbits: a retrospective study

Over a 16-year period, 190 tumors and tumorlike lesions from 179 pet rabbits were submitted for histopathologic examination. A total of 23 different tumor types and 1 tumorlike lesion were diagnosed. The most common diagnoses were trichoblastoma, collagenous hamartoma, and Shope fibroma. Viral-induced tumors were Shope fibroma (19) and Shope papilloma (2). Common nonviral epithelial tumors included trichoblastoma (59), squamous cell carcinoma (5), squamous papilloma (4), trichoepithelioma (3), and apocrine carcinoma (3). Common mesenchymal tumors were lipoma (10), liposarcoma (3), myxosarcoma (9), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (8), fibrosarcoma (7), and leiomyosarcoma (4). Malignant melanoma was diagnosed in 8 rabbits. Collagenous hamartomas were diagnosed in 26 rabbits. Mesenchymal proliferations occurred significantly more often in male rabbits than in females. Collagenous hamartomas and myxosarcomas occurred exclusively in male animals, and 3 rabbits had multiple collagenous hamartomas. Immunohistochemistry was applied in cases in which a definite diagnosis could not be reached on hematoxylin and eosin slides. Follow-up information was received in 19 cases. Carcinomas recurred (2 of 3) or metastasized (1 of 3), whereas sarcomas frequently recurred (7 of 12). One malignant melanoma (1 of 3) and one poorly differentiated round cell neoplasm recurred (1 of 1). This is the first comprehensive retrospective analysis on skin neoplasia in pet rabbits.     

Obstipation in pet pigs: 24 cases

Clinical features and patient outcomes for pet pigs with obstipation are poorly defined. This retrospective study reports the clinical findings from 24 pet (non-production) pigs with obstipation presented to 2 veterinary teaching hospitals. Clinical features of obstipated pet pigs included anorexia or hyporexia in 24 pigs (100%), pain on abdominal palpation in 22 (90%), lethargy in 21 (88%), tachypnea in 19 (79%), vomiting in 14 (58%), and tachycardia in 13 (54%). Frequently observed hematologic and biochemical abnormalities included leukopenia in 36% (8/22) of the pigs, lymphopenia in 75% (17/22), toxic changes in neutrophils in 63% (14/22), hypokalemia in 50% (9/18), and hypoglycemia in 28% (5/18). Diagnostic imaging via radiography and/or computed tomography frequently identified gastric distention and accumulation of ingesta and gas throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Medical treatments included fluid therapy, anti-emetics, oral administration of carbonated beverages, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and systemic antimicrobials. Surgical intervention was performed in 7/29% of pigs. In this study, obstipation in pet pigs carried a fair to favorable prognosis for survival, with 70% of patients surviving to discharge.     

Coxofemoral luxations in cattle: 22 cases (1980-1985)

Traumatic, unilateral coxofemoral luxation was diagnosed in 22 female dairy cattle (12 calves less than or equal to 13 months old, 10 adults). Physical examination differentiated between dorsal and ventral luxations, but could not distinguish luxations from fractures of the proximal aspect of the femur that occurred in 2 additional adults. Luxations were confirmed by radiography in 5 animals. Closed reduction was accomplished in only 1 calf. A craniolateral surgical approach to the hip, using mechanically assisted traction, was successful in reducing 95% (20/21) of the luxations. Craniodorsal luxations (16) were most common. Ninety-four percent of the animals were ambulatory before surgery. None had concomitant musculoskeletal injuries and 75% (12/16) survived for a long period. Five of 6 animals with ventral luxations arrived recumbent, with serious complicating musculoskeletal injuries, and only 2 of these animals survived for a long period. Calves had a better long-term survival rate (75% vs 50%) and a lower reluxation rate (17% vs 40%), compared with adults.     

Congestive heart failure in two pet rabbits

This case report describes congestive heart failure with pleural effusion in two middle-aged, pet house rabbits. Both had a history of acute onset dyspnoea, weakness and weight loss. Bi-atrial enlargement was seen on echocardiography in both rabbits. One rabbit had atrial fibrillation and ventricular premature complexes identified on electrocardiography. There was a radiographically evident pleural effusion in both rabbits and thoracocentesis was undertaken in one rabbit. These findings were confirmed on post-mortem examination. The aetiology for the underlying heart disease was not found, but the potential types of cardiomyopathies are discussed.     

Rabies virus infection in a pet guinea pig and seven pet rabbits

Raccoon-variant rabies was confirmed in 7 pet rabbits and 1 pet guinea pig in New York State, and postexposure treatment was required in several adults and children. To prevent rabies virus infection, domestic rabbits and pet rodents should be protected from contact with wild animals, including double-cage housing when housed outside. Pet rabbits or rodents with any possible contact with a wild animal, particularly if the rabbit or rodent had wounds of unknown origin, should be quarantined for 6 months for observation, to prevent escape, and to avoid contact with humans, who will require treatment if the rabbit or rodent develops rabies. Bites and scratches to humans from rodents and lagomorphs should be evaluated for potential rabies exposure on an individual basis, with consideration of whether the animal was caged outside or permitted outdoors unsupervised.