Rabbit Medicine and Surgery: Self-Assessment Color Review, Second Edition, Q&A 02
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Student tip: This case is very relevant. It would be also be interesting to consider what diagnostics tests were run. |
This 4-year-old female neutered house rabbit (see image) has been hospitalized for assessment and treatment of a chronic GI hypomotility problem and a more recent perineal accumulation of uneaten caecotrophs. Clinical examination and diagnostic tests have led to the conclusion that obesity is a significant contributory factor in the development of both of these problems in this patient. A review of the history reveals that the diet consists of a mixed ration (muesli) concentrate provided ad libitum, a handful of yoghurt/carob drops each morning, occasional fresh greens or table scraps and access to a small amount of hay twice a week. The rabbit is housed in an indoor run and is let out into the living area at weekends to interact with the children.
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| What is the definition of obesity? | An excessive accumulation of fat in the body. This occurs when the energy intake exceeds the energy expenditure. As a guideline, any rabbit whose body weight is more than 20% above that considered desirable for their age, breed and build is likely to be obese. Obese rabbits will have a body condition score of 5 (on a scale of 1–5) where it is very hard or impossible to palpate the spine, ribs and pelvic bones due to subcutaneous fat deposition, heavy deposits of adipose tissue over the neck and upper limbs, and abdominal distension due to extensive intra-abdominal fat deposits.
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| How would you achieve weight loss in this rabbit? | The eventual aim would be to convert this rabbit to a diet based on ad libitum provision of good quality hay, access to grass and fresh weeds, a daily serving of mixed fresh greens and a very limited amount of high-fibre homogeneous extruded nuggets or pellets. Mixed rations (muesli-type mixes) have been demonstrated to lead directly to obesity in rabbits when fed without ad libitum hay, as well as being associated with dental disease, reduced gastrointestinal motility and behavioural changes. It is important, however, to realize that weight loss must be gradual (no more than 1–2% of body weight weekly) and great care should be taken from the outset to prevent periods of anorexia (e.g. by offering an unfamiliar diet), as this may lead to the development of hepatic lipidosis. Any sudden change of diet must also be avoided, as this can cause serious disturbance to the intestinal microflora and dysbiosis. Owner compliance is paramount in any pet weight loss plan, so discussions regarding the challenge ahead and setting achievable goals are important from the outset. The first change to make is to ensure that good quality hay is offered ad libitum. The concentrate ration should be slowly reduced from the diet over a period of a few weeks, until it is eliminated completely. Mixed fresh greens can be given daily unless gastrointestinal upset occurs and the yoghurt/carob drops, table scraps and other treats should be removed from the diet. If normal body condition is achieved, it may be possible or desirable to add a very small amount of homogeneous extruded pellets back into the maintenance ration. Most obese rabbits are largely inactive. To complement dietary changes, increasing activity levels by encouraging play time, providing environmental enrichment and/or allowing access to large outdoor runs or escape-proof gardens is a key component of any weight loss programme.
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