Gastrointestinal disease in rabbits - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

Gastrointestinal disease in rabbits

One of the most common disease conditions that we see in our domesticated rabbits. Slide2

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. Slide3

The digestive tract of a rabbit!

Picture taken from Textbook of Rabbit Medicine – Dr. Molly

VargaSlide4

Rabbit digestion

Stomach and small intestines are similar to dogs and cats. 1

st 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!Slide5

Motility

Indigestible fiber stimulates intestinal motility.

Moltin is a polypeptide that stimulates the smooth muscle in the intestines.

Fat stimulates

moltin

releaseCarbohydrates inhibit

moltin

release

Motility is controlled by the autonomic nervous system of rabbits. It is affected by metabolites, stress and hormones. Slide6

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.Slide7

Factors that affect Gi

motility

ObesityDental diseaseArthritisSpondylosisPerianal dermatitisChange of dietStressLow dietary fiberParasitesBacteriaToxins

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. Slide8

Signs to look for

Decrease in appetite

Decrease in fecal productionChange in size of the fecal droppings

Depressed

Hunched appearance

Hiding in a cornerImmobile

Not grooming

They don’t respond when you are talking to them.

This can progress to unresponsive and disoriented

Image from

http://hillriserabbitry.blogspot.ca/2014/03/evaluating-rabbit-health.htmlSlide9

Assessment – what is involved

When rabbits are presented to a veterinary clinic for GI stasis there are some factors that we need to evaluate:

TemperaturePalpation of the abdomenColour

of their gums

Radiographs are often required

Blood work – especially blood sugar level

NOTE: temperature and blood sugar level are directly related to prognosis!Slide10

Treatment goals

Goals of treatmentPain managementRestoring appetite

Monitor and treat any changes in temperature.Correcting imbalances with electrolytesCorrect dehydrationStimulate gut motility – stomach and intestinesProtecting normal gut flora

Correcting any

impaction

Identify the source of the decrease motility treating/removing that

Preventing fatty liverSlide11

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. Slide12

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. Slide13

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. Slide14

conclusion

In conclusion it is important to understand the complexity of the 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. Slide15

Thank you