Liver disease in rabbits

A Meredith, L Rayment

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

In clinical practice, a specific diagnosis of liver disease is rarely made in rabbits. Presenting signs are often vague and nonspecific, and a full range of diagnostic tests are needed to reach a conclusion. However, many conditions can affect the liver, and a variety of clinical signs may indicate liver impairment, as either a primary or secondary condition. Historically, pet rabbits have been perceived as a low-value animal, and financial constraints are often placed on the application of a full diagnostic workup in the sick animal. This is perhaps why there are few references to pet rabbit liver disease in the literature. This article is intended to provide a practical overview for veterinarians, showing a systematic approach to the diagnostic process and applying techniques that are well described in other species. The major hepatic diseases have been summarized in the text. Liver disease is relatively common in other companion species, so it is more likely that the lack of published information is from underdiagnosis than a species rarity. A more thorough diagnostic approach may provide more information in the future. Copyright (C) 2000 by W. B. Saunders Company.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)146-152
Number of pages7
JournalSeminars in avian and exotic pet medicine
Volume9
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2000

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Liver disease in rabbits'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this