Rabbit Medicine and Surgery Q&A 10

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An adult female entire Netherland Dwarf rabbit presents with fur pulling involving the ventral abdomen. The animal is housed indoors with another female rabbit.

Question	Answer		Article
What is the likely underlying condition?	Fur pulling in entire female rabbits, without a history of contact with an entire male, is likely to be associated with pseudopregnancy.		Link to Article
What other clinical signs may be associated with this problem in does?	Other clinical signs that may be present include mammary gland hyperplasia, with or without secretion of milk, nest building and increased aggression. The condition lasts for approximately 16–18 days, during which time the doe will not let herself be mounted. Mammary hyperplasia may lead to mastitis. If prolonged or recurrent, this condition may develop into hydrometra or pyometra.		Link to Article
Why does this condition occur in the rabbit?	Pseudopregnancy in does occurs as a direct result of normal elevations in plasma prolactin concentration post ovulation. This may occur following a sterile or unsuccessful mating (rabbits are induced ovulators) or following ovulation stimulated by mounting of another doe.		Link to Article
What are the treatment options available?	No treatment is required, as this condition is usually self-limiting. Ovariohysterectomy is indicated for long-term prevention. In chronic cases the use of cabergoline (5 μg/kg q24h for 4–6 days) has been anecdotally reported as being effective in the treatment of persistent lactation in does. (NB: This drug is not licensed in rabbits and its side-effects and therapeutic actions are not known.)		Link to Article