Weight loss in rabbit

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

KMurphy — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:39:38 GMT

Hi all,

Just wanted to give an update about the above case. The owner was hesitant about surgery for biopsy so we decided to treat for coccidiosis, just in case. I couldn't see a great reason not to so I prescribed a course of Coxiplus.

Anyhow, I've been monitoring bloods and weight and the last lot was done on Friday. I'm delighted to report that the wee rabbit's ALT is now 98.1 (15.0-74) and GGT is down to 13.6 (1-13), with everything else completely normal. His weight has climbed from 1.76kg at initial presentation to 2.26kg on Friday. His normal weight is about 2.5kg so we're really almost back to normal.

Thanks again for all the help!!

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

KMurphy — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:06:47 GMT

Thanks for all the comments. Radiographs were unremarkable and I'm afraid my ultrasound skills aren't the greatest. However, the liver didn't appear particularly enlarged and had a regular outline. I could make a case for distention of the biliary tract but may just be talking myself into it. The parenchyma seemed, if anything, a bit hypoechoic but uniformly so I'm not convinced it's pathology.

The owners have elected to try supportive treatment (antibiotics + samylin as suggested) as the rabbit is so bright and well otherwise. He's due back in three days for a repeat blood test and weight check so I'll let you know how we get on.

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

Mark Rowland — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:03:18 GMT

I wouldnt hit the fenbendazole without justification for the reasons James has given. Treatment without fenbendazole is not without risk.

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

HMC — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:12:13 GMT

[quote user="James Laidlaw"][quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]

It's a bunny. It's sick. Why not whack some Panacur into the mix.........

[/quote] Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think panacur can reduce WCC's in rabbits, and this one is evidently low on current blood results.

[/quote]

I believe that is more common with albendazole than fenbendazole. But I guess haematology would be worth monitoring if starting a fenbendazole course in this rabbit.

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

James Laidlaw — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 12:24:09 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]Just because someone doesn't want a full work-up on a bunny doesn't make someone a bad owner. So long as they seek treatment or relieve suffering when required.[/quote]

Nothing to do with what I said whatsoever... I just think if your view is that they should be eaten or killed rather than treated with more costly options then it's somewhat hypocritcal to approach them as patients. The cost of an animal should have no bearing on the treatment, unless the client brings that up themselves.

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:18:28 GMT

[quote user="James Laidlaw"] Michael, do you see any rabbit patients? If you take the clients money without discerning your views I'd maybe be inclined to call hypocrite?[/quote]

?? I do see some rabbits but only very infrequently.

I spend most of my day with tasty, edible animals. Everything had a value whether a dog, cat cow, sheep or bunny. If someone wants to spend hundreds of pounds on a rabbit then I will do the tests and charge them for the privilege. If they want it putting down I will. Myxi rabbits (wild) get their necks dislocated. It is instant and 100% stress free.

Just because someone doesn't want a full work-up on a bunny doesn't make someone a bad owner. So long as they seek treatment or relieve suffering when required.

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

James Laidlaw — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 19:50:00 GMT

I didn't intentionally suggest my post as an answer... No idea how to undo it either. Michael, do you see any rabbit patients? If you take the clients money without discerning your views I'd maybe be inclined to call hypocrite? If not, you can also get cats and dogs for free, so why treat them either. I can see why people get their backs up on a veterinary forum when discussing rabbit treatments.

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:45:04 GMT

[quote user="bob lehner"]

Blimey Michael - I started reading your reply and was sure you were going to say 'It's a bunny. It's sick. why not whack it on the head...' ! " />

(Sorry - only kidding!)

[/quote]

That is what I was thinking but people seem to get upset on here when I point out the cost of a new rabbit or remind them how tasty meat it can be. Very lean and nutritious.

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

James Laidlaw — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:38:52 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]

It's a bunny. It's sick. Why not whack some Panacur into the mix.........

[/quote] Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think panacur can reduce WCC's in rabbits, and this one is evidently low on current blood results.

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

bob lehner — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:06:14 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]It's a bunny. It's sick. Why not whack some Panacur into the mix.........[/quote]

Blimey Michael - I started reading your reply and was sure you were going to say 'It's a bunny. It's sick. why not whack it on the head...' ! " />

(Sorry - only kidding!)

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

Michael Woodhouse — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 01:26:41 GMT

It's a bunny. It's sick. Why not whack some Panacur into the mix.........

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

KMurphy — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:42:46 GMT

Thanks! Much appreciated :)

Will let you know how it goes!

Re: Weight loss in rabbit

Mark Rowland — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:33:13 GMT

Hello Steer clear of the steroids. I would be working up the liver in a case like this. If there is no anorexia, lipidosis is less likely. Some imaging would be a good idea (rads/ultrasound). A liver biopsy may be on the cards here. Primary hepatic disease e.g. Coccidiosis would be on my list for sure. Good luck, good work up so far. Start on antibiotics and samylin.