A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IDENTIFYING RISK FACTORS FOR DACRYOCYSTITIS IN PET RABBITS

Hedley, Joanna; Ede, Victoria; Dawson, Charlotte

Abstract

Background: Dacryocystitis has been suggested to be a relatively common condition in pet rabbits and is often associated with concurrent disease. The aim of this study was to investigate potential risk factors associated with dacryocystitis in a pet rabbit population.
Methods: A retrospective review was performed of medical records from all rabbit cases evaluated at a first opinion/referral UK exotics clinic between 2015-2018.
Results: Dacryocystitis was identified in 55 of 821 rabbits (6.70%) examined over the study period. Of those rabbits with dacryocystitis, dental disease was found in 24 rabbits (45%), respiratory disease in 20 rabbits (38%), aural disease in 7 rabbits (13%) and concurrent ocular disorders in 15 rabbits (23%). Breed status was both found to be a significant risk factor with Lionhead/Lionhead cross and Dwarf Lop/Dwarf Lop cross rabbits being more likely to have dacryocystitis.
Conclusion: These results suggest that a breed predisposition for dacryocystitis may exist, in particular for the popular Lionhead and Dwarf Lop rabbits, and vets should advise clients on this accordingly.

Citation

Hedley, J., Ede, V., & Dawson, C. (2022). A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IDENTIFYING RISK FACTORS FOR DACRYOCYSTITIS IN PET RABBITS. Veterinary Record, https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1903

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 8, 2022
• Publication Date: Jul 16, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jun 13, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 22, 2022
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1903