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| | | |
| Heart diseases implicated include: | | Heart diseases implicated include: |
− | :'''cardiomyopathy''' | + | :[[:Category:Cardiomyopathy|'''cardiomyopathy''']] |
| :'''valvular insufficiency''' | | :'''valvular insufficiency''' |
| :infectious causes | | :infectious causes |
− | :arrhythmia | + | :[[:Category:Arrhythmias|arrhythmia]] |
− | :Congenital disease | + | :[[:Category:Cardiovascular System - Developmental Pathology|congenital disease]] |
| | | |
| ==Clinical Signs== | | ==Clinical Signs== |
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| ==Diagnosis== | | ==Diagnosis== |
− | If valvular insufficiency is present, a focal '''murmur''' may be heart on thoracic auscultation. | + | If valvular insufficiency is present, a focal '''murmur''' may be heard on thoracic auscultation. |
| | | |
− | '''Radiography''' is the best way to diagnose CHF. It may reveal an enlarged heart, pulmonary oedema, pleural effusion. | + | '''Radiography''' is the best way to diagnose CHF. It may reveal an enlarged heart, pulmonary oedema, pleural effusion. If right-sided failure is present there may be pericardial effusion, ascites, peripheral oedema, hepatomegaly. |
− | | |
− | If right-sided failure is present there may be pericardial effusion, ascites, peripheral oedema, hepatomegaly. | |
| | | |
| '''ECG''' may reveal arrhythmias or tachycardia. | | '''ECG''' may reveal arrhythmias or tachycardia. |
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| '''Echocardiography''' is important to diagnose the cause of the congestive heart failure, and may reveal valvular insufficiency or cardiomyopathy. | | '''Echocardiography''' is important to diagnose the cause of the congestive heart failure, and may reveal valvular insufficiency or cardiomyopathy. |
| | | |
− | '''Blood pressure measurement''' to diagnose any output failure. | + | [[Blood Pressure Measurement|'''Blood pressure measurement''']] is used to diagnose any output failure. |
| | | |
| ==Treatment== | | ==Treatment== |
| If the rabbit presents in '''acute failure''', treatment should include: | | If the rabbit presents in '''acute failure''', treatment should include: |
− | | + | :'''Oxygen''': in an oxygen tent or via a facemask, minimising stress. |
− | '''Oxygen''': in an oxygen tent or via a facemask, minimising stress. | + | :'''Diuretics''': frusemide intramuscularly |
− | | + | :'''Glyceryl trinitrate''' ointment to cause vasodilation |
− | '''Diuretics''': frusemide intramuscularly | + | :'''Thoracocentesis''' if pleural effusion is suspected: drain chest bilaterally placing a butterfly catheter ventrally through the chest wall. Multiple sites should be aspirated. |
− | | |
− | '''Glyceryl trinitrate''' ointment to cause vasodilation | |
− | | |
− | '''Thoracocentesis''' if pleural effusion is suspected: drain chest bilaterally placing a butterfly catheter ventrally through the chest wall. Multiple sites should be aspirated. | |
| | | |
| Prognosis is '''poor''' with acute congestive heart failure as rabbits usually present in the later stages of the condition and do not deal well with stressful situations. | | Prognosis is '''poor''' with acute congestive heart failure as rabbits usually present in the later stages of the condition and do not deal well with stressful situations. |
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| | | |
| '''Chronic''' treatment for CHF may include: | | '''Chronic''' treatment for CHF may include: |
| + | :'''Diuretic''': frusemide orally |
| + | :'''ACE-inhibitors''': enalapril or benazepril |
| + | :Positive inotrope: '''digoxin''' |
| | | |
− | '''Diuretic''': frusemide orally
| + | Regular '''monitoring''' of electrolytes and biochemistry is important during the course of treatment. Monitoring the rabbit's '''weight and eating habits''' is essential to ensure gut function remains adequate. |
− | | |
− | '''ACE-inhibitors''': enalapril or benazepril
| |
− | | |
− | Positive inotrope: '''digoxin'''
| |
− | | |
− | Regular '''monitoring''' of electrolytes and biochemistry is important during the course of treatment. | |
− | | |
− | Monitoring the rabbit's '''weight and eating habits''' is essential to ensure gut function remains adequate. | |
− | | |
| | | |
| With chronic congestive heart failure, medical management may allow '''survival for months''' before decompensation occurs. | | With chronic congestive heart failure, medical management may allow '''survival for months''' before decompensation occurs. |
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| Bourne, D. (2011) '''Congestive Heart Failure in Rabbits''' ''[http://www.wildlifeinformation.org Wildlife Information Twycross Zoo]'' | | Bourne, D. (2011) '''Congestive Heart Failure in Rabbits''' ''[http://www.wildlifeinformation.org Wildlife Information Twycross Zoo]'' |
| | | |
− | [[Category:To Do - Helen]] | + | |
− | [[Category:To Do - Review]] | + | {{review}} |
| + | [[Category:Rabbit]] |
| + | [[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]] |