Diagnosing and treating appendicitis in rabbits

Abstract

Background: Appendicitis in rabbits is rarely described but is part of the differential diagnosis of acute and chronic gastrointestinal disorders in rabbits, and should be suspected as a priority in cases of hyperthermia. Imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan are essential for the diagnosis and should be included systematically in the exploration of gastrointestinal stasis syndrome. Treatment of such cases can be medical and/or surgical. It is important that practitioners understand the pathology, know when to suspect it and that they are able to select appropriate diagnostics to guide therapeutic management of these cases. Aim of the article: This article reviews cases of appendicitis in rabbits described in the literature and provides clinicians with the most up‐to‐date information on this condition.