Overweight does are also at increased risk for pregnancy toxemia, and overweight rabbits are also at increased risk for pododermatitis or “sore hocks”. The mesometrium can also serve as a major fat depot, making identification and ligation of blood vessels much more challenging during ovariohysterectomy. Obesity raises the risk of complications from anesthesia. Obesity can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in rabbits (Shrubsole 2013). Chronic conditions, like arthritis, as well as old age can also contribute to obesity (Shrubsole 2013). Diets high in pellets and restriction of exercise are common underlying causes of weight gain (Vennen 2009). Obesity is a common problem in pet rabbits. British giant and French lops are more likely to develop skin fold pyoderma beneath the dewlap or around the perineum (Vennen 2009). Pododermatitis is particularly common in Rex rabbits due to the thin layer of fur present on the on plantar surf of their feet. Image by Akira Ohgaki.Īdditional abnormal physical examination findings in the overweight rabbit may include: The dewlap, a large skin fold, over the throat (arrow) can become quite large in older breeding does. The dewlap, a large skin fold over the throat, can increase greatly in size in overweight rabbits, however this large dewlap can persist after weight lossįlat, although normal conformation varies with breedįigure 3. The hips, shoulder blades, and spine should be palpable with moderate pressure The ribs should only be covered by a light layer of fat, and should be easily palpable with light pressure Evaluating body condition in the rabbit (Reusch 2010, PFMA 2009) Although no official scoring system exists for rabbits (MSU), evaluation of rabbit body condition can be adapted from methods used in cats, dogs, and large animals (Reusch 2010) (Box 1) (Fig 2). Some breeds like the Belgian hare have a relatively long, lean shape (Vella 2012).īody condition scoring is a technique used to assess body condition in many species. Dwarf rabbits tend to have small, stocky bodies while giant breeds display a high, curved top line over the rump referred to as a “ mandolin shape” by fanciers. Normal conformation can also vary widely among breeds. Most pet rabbits are medium-sized and range from 2 to 5 kg.
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