Spine Fractures - Rabbit - Revision history

Fiorecastro at 16:43, 5 January 2023

2023-01-05T16:43:49Z

Bara at 18:32, 26 July 2012

2012-07-26T18:32:52Z

Bara: /* References */

2011-08-23T14:49:03Z

References

Bara at 14:48, 23 August 2011

2011-08-23T14:48:39Z

HelenD: Created page with "==Introduction== Vertebral fracture can '''easily occur''' if a rabbit is '''incorrectly restrained''' or suddenly kicks out in fear or defence. If the heavy hindlimbs are allow..."

2011-08-18T08:21:20Z

Created page with "==Introduction== Vertebral fracture can '''easily occur''' if a rabbit is '''incorrectly restrained''' or suddenly kicks out in fear or defence. If the heavy hindlimbs are allow..."

New page

==Introduction==
Vertebral fracture can '''easily occur''' if a rabbit is '''incorrectly restrained''' or suddenly kicks out in fear or defence.

If the heavy hindlimbs are allowed to thrust unsupported, they can exert significant '''stress''' upon the animal's lightweight skeleton which can result in '''skeletal and spinal cord damage'''.

It is a common condition is '''indoor reared, poorly fed rabbits'''. The close confinement leads to weakening of the bones and muscles due to disuse atrophy, and the absence of sunlight can exacerbate a vitamin D3 deficiency in a poor diet along with calcium deficiency creating '''metabolic bone disease'''.

It also occurs in normal rabbits that are '''improperly handled''' without controlling the hindquarters.

==Clinical Signs==
'''Paralysis of the hindlimbs''' and inability to control urination and defecation indicated severe spinal cord trauma or transection.

The rabbit will be '''alert and responsive''' with a normal mentation and '''normal forelimbs'''.

==Diagnosis==
'''Haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis''' should be performed to check for metabolic bone disease.

'''Radiography''' helps to assess trauma to the vertebrae. Fractures most commonly occur at the level of the 7th lumbar vertebra.

'''Differentials''' include: disc herniation, pain associated with sponylosis, arthritis, discospondylitis, vertebral luxation or subluxation.

==Management==
If the rabbit retains control of its urination and defecation, it may respond to '''cage rest and anti-inflammatory therapy''', but this may take weeks to months.

The '''quality of life''' for these animals should be taken into account, and '''euthanasia''' may be the best option in some cases.

The '''prognosis is poor''' when the spinal cord has been severely damaged or severed and when vertebral alignement is not maintained. Where there is only severe bruising and inflammation, supportive care and time may lead to an improvement in signs and an '''adequate quality of life'''.

As responses vary, each case should be '''treated individually'''.

==Prevention==
'''Proper handling and restraint techniques''' should be taught to any potential rabbit handler. The hindlimbs should never be allowed to fully extend and kick.

{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Small Mammals Q&A 10]]
}}

==References==
Laber-Laird, K. (1996) '''Handbook of rodent and rabbit medicine''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences''

Rosenthal, K. (2008) '''Rapid review of exotic animal medicine and husbandry''' ''Manson Publishing''

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
[[Category:To Do - Review]]

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 ==Introduction==
 Vertebral fracture can '''easily occur''' if a rabbit is '''incorrectly restrained''' or suddenly kicks out in fear or defence.
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 {{review}}
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+==Webinars==
 [[Category:Rabbit Locomotory Disorders]]
 [[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

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 ==Introduction==
 Vertebral fracture can '''easily occur''' if a rabbit is '''incorrectly restrained''' or suddenly kicks out in fear or defence.
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 {{review}}
 [[Category:Rabbit Locomotory Disorders]]
 [[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

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 {{review}}
 [[Category:Rabbit Locomotory Disorders]]
-[[Category:To Do - Review]]
+[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 If the heavy hindlimbs are allowed to thrust unsupported, they can exert significant '''stress''' upon the animal's lightweight skeleton which can result in '''skeletal and spinal cord damage'''.
-It is a common condition is '''indoor reared, poorly fed rabbits'''. The close confinement leads to weakening of the bones and muscles due to disuse atrophy, and the absence of sunlight can exacerbate a vitamin D3 deficiency in a poor diet along with calcium deficiency creating '''metabolic bone disease'''.
+It is a common condition of '''indoor reared, poorly fed rabbits'''. The close confinement leads to weakening of the bones and muscles due to disuse atrophy, and the absence of sunlight can exacerbate a vitamin D3 deficiency in a poor diet along with calcium deficiency creating [[Metabolic Bone Disease|'''metabolic bone disease''']].
 It also occurs in normal rabbits that are '''improperly handled''' without controlling the hindquarters.
 ==Clinical Signs==
-'''Paralysis of the hindlimbs''' and inability to control urination and defecation indicated severe spinal cord trauma or transection.
+'''Paralysis of the hindlimbs''' and inability to control urination and defecation indicates severe spinal cord trauma or transection.
 The rabbit will be '''alert and responsive''' with a normal mentation and '''normal forelimbs'''.
@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 '''Radiography''' helps to assess trauma to the vertebrae. Fractures most commonly occur at the level of the 7th lumbar vertebra.
-'''Differentials''' include: disc herniation, pain associated with sponylosis, arthritis, discospondylitis, vertebral luxation or subluxation.
+'''Differentials''' include: [[Disc Protrusion|disc herniation]], pain associated with [[spondylosis]], [[arthritis]], discospondylitis, vertebral luxation or subluxation.
 ==Management==
@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 The '''quality of life''' for these animals should be taken into account, and '''euthanasia''' may be the best option in some cases.
-The '''prognosis is poor''' when the spinal cord has been severely damaged or severed and when vertebral alignement is not maintained. Where there is only severe bruising and inflammation, supportive care and time may lead to an improvement in signs and an '''adequate quality of life'''.
+The '''prognosis is poor''' when the spinal cord has been severely damaged or severed and when vertebral alignment is not maintained. Where there is only severe bruising and inflammation, supportive care and time may lead to an improvement in signs and an '''adequate quality of life'''.
 As responses vary, each case should be '''treated individually'''.
@@ Line 41: / Line 41: @@
 Rosenthal, K. (2008) '''Rapid review of exotic animal medicine and husbandry''' ''Manson Publishing''
-[[Category:To Do - Helen]]
 [[Category:To Do - Review]]