Difference between revisions of "Congestive Heart Failure - Rabbit"
(Created page with "==Introduction== Congestive heart failure can occur in the rabbit as a result of '''heart disease''', and is characterised by '''volume overload''' which can lead to signs of '''...") |
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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]] |
| − | : | + | :[[: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 | + | 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''' | ||
| − | + | 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. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | 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. | ||
| Line 70: | Line 58: | ||
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: | + | |
| − | [[Category: | + | {{review}} |
| + | [[Category:Rabbit]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]] | ||
Revision as of 16:59, 24 September 2011
Introduction
Congestive heart failure can occur in the rabbit as a result of heart disease, and is characterised by volume overload which can lead to signs of left-sided failure (pulmonary oedema and pleural effusion) and/or signs of right-sided failure (abdominal effusion, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly).
Heart diseases implicated include:
- cardiomyopathy
- valvular insufficiency
- infectious causes
- arrhythmia
- congenital disease
Clinical Signs
The first signs of heart disease will be a decrease in activity, weight loss, changes in eating habits and breathing difficulties.
Signs of congestive heart failure may include
- dyspnoea: open-mouth breathing, panting, wheezy chest sounds
- tachycardia
- ascites
- peripheral oedema
- cyanotic mucous membranes and arrhythmias
Diagnosis
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. If right-sided failure is present there may be pericardial effusion, ascites, peripheral oedema, hepatomegaly.
ECG may reveal arrhythmias or tachycardia.
Echocardiography is important to diagnose the cause of the congestive heart failure, and may reveal valvular insufficiency or cardiomyopathy.
Blood pressure measurement is used to diagnose any output failure.
Treatment
If the rabbit presents in acute failure, treatment should include:
- Oxygen: in an oxygen tent or via a facemask, minimising stress.
- Diuretics: frusemide intramuscularly
- 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.
Chronic treatment for CHF may include:
- Diuretic: frusemide orally
- 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.
| Congestive Heart Failure - Rabbit Learning Resources | |
|---|---|
 Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions |
Rabbit Medicine and Surgery Q&A 15 |
References
Girling, S. (2009) Rabbit Medicine and Surgery for Veterinary Nurses Wiley-Blackwell
Bourne, D. (2011) Congestive Heart Failure in Rabbits Wildlife Information Twycross Zoo
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This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |