Cardiovascular disease
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Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, is not unheard of in rabbits. Most cardiac diseases in rabbits relate to infectious, toxin-induced, or diet-related diseases. Unfortunately, heart disease often goes unnoticed until it is fairly advanced (see congestive heart failure below for more information).[1]:400
Some examples of heart disease in rabbits include congenital abnormalities such as ventricular septal defects and age-related cardiac problems such as valvular disease.[1]:400
Most cardiac disease is diagnosed in pet rabbits over the age of four years, and the larger breeds such as New Zealand whites and French lops are over-represented.[1]:401
Symptoms
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease in rabbits include the following:[1]:400
- exercise intolerance
- difficult or labored breathing (dyspnea)
- anorexia
- weight loss
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (also referred to as “CHF”) is the end stage of many cardiac conditions. At this stage, the heart fails to properly pump and circulate blood throughout the body. Because of this, blood (also referred to as “fluid”) may pool within the lungs (pulmonary edema), around the lungs and chest (pleural effusion), within the abdomen (ascites), the liver may become abnormally enlarged (hepatomegaly), or all of these things may occur simultaneously.[1][2]
Treatment aims to support cardiac function in order to shift abnormal fluid accumulation(s) in the body appropriately. In early stages of congestive heart failure, providing oxygen support can be life-saving for the rabbit. Various medications can also aid in treatment of heart failure. Nevertheless, it is important to note that congestive heart failure is a chronic and dynamic condition that eventually will outrun attempted treatment.[1][2]
Experiences
- Judith Books. (2023). Burt's story
- B. Lord et al. (2010). Congestive heart failure in two pet rabbits (RIP)
Further reading
- Dr. Maggie Wood. Heart Disease in Rabbits
- Vetlexicon. Heart failure
- Esther van Praag. Congestive heart failure in rabbits [PDF] (Graphic)
- Barbara Deeb, DVM. (2011). Cardiovascular Disease in Rabbits: More questions than answers
- Kathy Smith. (2004). Heart Disease [PDF]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Varga Smith, M. (2022). Textbook of Rabbit Medicine (3rd ed.)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ozawa, S., DVM, et al. (2021). Clinical and pathological findings in rabbits with cardiovascular disease: 59 cases (2001–2018)
(Graphic)