Medical Management of Multiple Traumatic Vertebral Subluxations and Fractures in a Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)

McCullough, Aliya Wilson; Guzmán, David Sánchez-Migallón; Keller, Dominique; Ellison, Michelle; Petersen, Sophie; Sladky, Kurt K.

doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2012.02.006

Cited by 8 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…22 The small size and relatively brittle nature of rabbit bones combined with the muscular strength of the pelvic limbs have led to suggestions that the prognosis for successful surgical treatment of vertebral fractures and luxations is poor. 3,4 As such, we emphasize that the rabbit of the present report was a 5.4-kg Continental Giant. The reported case demonstrates that paraspinal abscess formation should be considered as a differential diagnosis in rabbits examined for progressive paraparesis and that surgical management of this condition can achieve a successful outcome.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 48%

“…Whereas a variety of conditions including vertebral fracture or luxation, intervertebral disk disease, infection, congenital malformations, metabolic bone disease, and neoplasia have been reported [1][2][3][4] as causes of spinal cord disease in rabbits, we are unaware of previous reports describing the diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of a paraspinal abscess causing vertebral osteomyelitis and spinal cord compression in this species. Rabbit neutrophils (or heterophils) contain a lower concentration of myeloperoxidase digestive enzymes, compared with concentrations in neutrophils of other mammals, resulting in the formation of thick purulent material, and abscesses are relatively common in this species 5,6 Consistent with the intraoperative findings for the rabbit of the present report, chronic abscesses are characterized by resorption of water from the purulent exudate, producing thick, caseous material that becomes separated from the surrounding tissues by a fibrous capsule.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Surgical treatment of a paraspinal abscess with osteomyelitis and spinal cord compression in a rabbit

Hedley¹,

Lam²,

Drożdżyńska³

et al. 2017

javma

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CASE DESCRIPTION A 16-month-old neutered male Continental Giant rabbit (Lepus curpaeums) was referred for evaluation of a 7-day history of acute-onset, progressive, symmetric paraparesis. CLINICAL FINDINGS On initial examination, the rabbit was nonambulatory, and results of neurologic examination were consistent with a lesion affecting the T3-L3 spinal cord segments. Thoracic radiography showed irregular widening of the left T11–12 articular process joint. Marked dorsolateral and lateral extradural spinal cord compression with contrast enhancement of the adjacent epaxial muscles was evident on MRI images of the spine. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A left-sided T11–T12 hemilaminectomy was performed, which revealed an abnormal and hypertrophic T11–12 articular process joint and an osteolytic lesion communicating with the vertebral canal. Copious purulent material causing marked spinal cord compression was evident, and the surgical site was lavaged extensively with sterile (0.9% NaCl) saline solution. Results of aerobic, anaerobic, and enriched bacteriologic cultures of swab specimens obtained from the surgical site were negative. Histologic analysis of biopsy samples revealed chronic purulent osteomyelitis, myositis, and fasciitis with necrosis, fibrosis, and dystrophic mineralization. The rabbit was discharged 48 hours after surgery. Ten weeks after surgery, the rabbit was ambulatory with mild paraparesis. On telephone follow-up 21 months after surgery, the owners indicated that the rabbit was healthy and expressed satisfaction with the treatment and outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Paraspinal abscess with vertebral canal involvement should be considered as a differential diagnosis for rabbits with clinical signs of progressive T3-L3 myelopathy. Outcome for the patient of the present report suggested that surgical treatment including decompression and debridement can result in a favorable long-term outcome.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 48%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surgical treatment of a paraspinal abscess with osteomyelitis and spinal cord compression in a rabbit

Hedley¹,

Lam²,

Drożdżyńska³

et al. 2017

javma

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Classically, these types of injuries result from inappropriate restraint, but have been reported in other situations where vigorous activation of the musculature occurs (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)7). Affected animals may be presented with a range of clinical signs and varying degrees of neural impairment (1,3,5,6,9). Despite the relatively commonplace nature of the injury, little information on treatment is available.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Euthanasia is often recommended, particularly in cases where incontinence is present (1-3, 6, 8). In cases where the animal is minimally affected, medical management in the form of cage rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and pain control is described, similar to the treatment protocols recommended for dogs and cats (1,2,6,8).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Computed tomographic study of safe implantation corridors in rabbit lumbar vertebrae

Moran

Harper

Joslyn

et al. 2017

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol

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The results of the corridor evaluation indicate that an insertion angle of approximately 60 degrees relative to the sagittal midline is appropriate for implant insertion in the lumbar vertebrae of New Zealand white rabbits. Additionally, due to the hourglass shape of rabbit vertebrae, the endplates provide maximal bone stock for implant purchase, so insertion should be attempted in these regions. However, the high percentage of errors in placement indicate the need to more clearly define entry points to access the canal, and highlight the challenges of appropriate placement in the small bones of rabbits.

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Conservative treatment of recurrent intervertebral disc extrusions in a lionhead rabbit

Della Camera,

Sola,

Falzone

2023

Vet Record Case Reports

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A 4‐year‐old lionhead rabbit with an acute onset of abnormal hindlimb gait was presented. L4–S3 neurolocalisation was determined based on clinical findings of paraparesis, bilateral proprioceptive positioning deficits, left pelvic limb hyporeflexia and discomfort during lumbar spine manipulation. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) at L4–L5, with mild spinal cord compression. The condition was treated conservatively, with cage rest and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. The rabbit was fully normal after 1 month. Two months later, a relapse of clinical signs was observed. A new MRI study revealed a L5–L6 IVDE with mild spinal cord compression. Conservative treatment was repeated and full recovery was confirmed at 4‐month follow‐ups associated with MRI follow‐up study. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of spontaneous IVDEs in a rabbit, where MRI was used to monitor the effectiveness of the conservative management of the disease in a rabbit.

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Medical Management of Multiple Traumatic Vertebral Subluxations and Fractures in a Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)

Cited by 8 publications

References 18 publications

Surgical treatment of a paraspinal abscess with osteomyelitis and spinal cord compression in a rabbit

Surgical treatment of a paraspinal abscess with osteomyelitis and spinal cord compression in a rabbit

Computed tomographic study of safe implantation corridors in rabbit lumbar vertebrae

Conservative treatment of recurrent intervertebral disc extrusions in a lionhead rabbit

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