Download Gastrointestinal Disease in Rabbits

GASTROINTESTINAL
DISEASE IN RABBITS
One of the most common disease
conditions that we see in our
domesticated rabbits.
OVERVIEW
 Gastrointestinal problems with rabbits involve decreased motility (less
eating and fecal output), bloat, obstruction, and diarrhea.
 There are several factors that affect rabbits digestion from food, to pain,
to environment.
 To fully understand the complexity of this issue, we need to review
physiology of digestion, the nutritional requirement for rabbits, their
diurnal rhythms, anatomy of their digestive tract, the entire
microenvironment in the large colon along with the conversion of food
to energy…. Obviously, the issue is very complex with many factors
 We are going to focus on a brief outline of rabbits digestive physiology,
nutritional requirements, along with signs of gastrointestinal disease and
treatment options.
THE DIGESTIVE TRACT OF A RABBIT!
Picture taken from
Textbook of Rabbit
Medicine – Dr. Molly
Varga
RABBIT DIGESTION
 Stomach and small intestines are
similar to dogs and cats.
 1st part of their colon separates
the large and smaller food
particles.
 Larger pieces pass to the colon
and are eliminated – that is the
large dry fecal pellets.
 The smaller pieces and fluid pass
into the caecum. This is where
bacterial fermentation occurs.
Here volatile fatty acids and
vitamins are produced. These
pellets are expelled and
reingested – caecotrophs.
 Caecotrophs are produced 4-
8hrs after eating.
 The pH of an adult rabbit
stomach is between 1-2 thereby
sterilizing digesta prior to
passing into the small intestine.
Cecotrophs, however are
encapsulated in mucous. This
coating protects them from the
acidity of the stomach. This
allows microorganisms, amino
acids, volatile fatty acids and
vitamins to be passed into the
intestines for absorption.
Interesting fact: suckling bunnies stomach pH is between -5-6.5. This allows
bacteria to pass through the stomach to the hindgut to colonize the caecum!
MOTILITY
 Indigestible fiber stimulates
intestinal motility.
 Moltin is a polypeptide that
stimulates the smooth muscle in
the intestines.
 Fat stimulates moltin release
 Carbohydrates inhibit moltin release
 Motility is controlled by the
autonomic nervous system of
rabbits. It is affected by metabolites,
stress and hormones.
BACTERIA , RABBIT MICROFLORA
 Bacteria is fundamental for
digestion.
 Bacteroids produce energy for
the cells that line the intestine.
 When digestion slows – as with
GI stasis, this in turn changes
the pH, nutrients and the
microflora of the gut.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT GI MOTILITY
 Obesity
 Dental disease
 Arthritis
 Spondylosis
 Perianal dermatitis
 Change of diet
 Stress
 Low dietary fiber
 Parasites
 Bacteria
 Toxins
 Medication
 Immune conditions.
With decrease in motility we see a decrease in
water being secreted into the stomach. This leads
to impaction. With impaction comes less
absorption of nutrients, and changes to the
bacteria of the caecum.
When we have a slowing of ingesta we get
increase amount of gas formation. The result is
distention of the intestines and pain – this
exacerbates stasis in a rabbit.
With all of this going on, rabbits stop eating. This
puts them at risk for a condition called fatty liver
(hepatic lipidosis). If left untreated, this will result
in death.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
 Decrease in appetite
 Decrease in fecal production
 Change in size of the fecal droppings
 Depressed
 Hunched appearance
 Hiding in a corner
 Immobile
Image from
http://hillriserabbitry.blogspot.ca/2014/03/evalu
ating-rabbit-health.html
 Not grooming
 They don’t respond when you are
talking to them.
 This can progress to unresponsive
and disoriented
ASSESSMENT – WHAT IS INVOLVED
 When rabbits are presented to
a veterinary clinic for GI stasis
there are some factors that we
need to evaluate:
 Temperature
 Palpation of the abdomen
 Colour of their gums
 Radiographs are often required
 Blood work – especially blood
sugar level
 NOTE: temperature and blood
sugar level are directly related
to prognosis!
TREATMENT GOALS
 Goals of treatment
 Pain management
 Restoring appetite
 Monitor and treat any changes in
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temperature.
Correcting imbalances with
electrolytes
Correct dehydration
Stimulate gut motility – stomach and
intestines
Protecting normal gut flora
Correcting any impaction
Identify the source of the decrease
motility treating/removing that
Preventing fatty liver
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
 Grass and hay are fundamental as
they are the source of indigestible
fiber that will stimulate GI
motility.
 They need to be syringe feed
with a puree especially if they are
24 hours or greater without
eating.
 Sometimes veggie baby food is
used – not as a source of
indigestible fiber, but as
fermentable fiber to provide
nutrients for the ceacal bacteria.
PINEAPPLE JUICE??? IS IT HELPFUL
 It was thought for years that pineapple juice would be beneficial in
breaking down hair/food balls in the stomach (Trichobezoars)
 Pineapple juice does not help to break down hair balls.
 Why did some get better:
 It was due to the fluid content that was being added to the stomach. As we learned
when there is GI stasis, there is less water being secreted into the stomach. The
addition of pineapple juice serves to help to rehydrate the hairball in the stomach.
 Fluid supplement – water and diluted syringe feeding is a much more
appropriate way to rehydrate the stomach and intestines.
PREVENTION IS THE KEY
 Have indigestible fiber present for your rabbit.
 Avoid stressful situations – don’t have predators around your bunny, no
stalking behaviour.
 Identify any sources of pain for your pet – be it arthritis, hock sores,
urine scald etc and have it treated.
 Avoid sugar treats!
 Dental disease is a major factor – this not only prevents rabbits from
eating the hay they require it is also a source of pain and discomfort.
 Parasites can be a factor – ensure to have a fecal run for your pet rabbit
especially if they go outside.
 E-cuniculi can be a factor – if you suspect this,
have your rabbit tested.
CONCLUSION
 In conclusion it is important to understand the complexity of the
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gastrointestinal system of our pet rabbits.
There are several factors that effect their digestion.
It is important to ensure adequate fiber in their diet, housing free of
predators, and pain control when needed.
If you rabbit starts to show any sign of GI disturbance, ie; decrease in
appetite, decrease fecal output – have them seem immediately.
Decrease in your rabbits temperature is very serious.
Checking your rabbits blood sugar level, if they have a high blood sugar
they may have a complete GI obstruction – surgery may be necessary.
Let your veterinarian know if you think that your rabbit has been chewing
on anything that it shouldn’t ie toys, clothes, bedding etc.
THANK YOU