Outcome for client-owned domestic rabbits undergoing limb amputation: 34 cases (2000–2009)

Northrup, Nicole C.; Barron, Grace Heather Wilson; Aldridge, Charles F.; Powers, Lauren V.; Greenacre, Cheryl B.; Hutcheson, Jason D; Morrisey, James K.

doi:10.2460/javma.244.8.950

Cited by 13 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…Limb amputation was tolerated well by the majority of animals that underwent this procedure. Apart from two patients that died postoperatively, complications (wound healing problems) were rarely observed, contrasting with the results from a previous study that reported a higher percentage of chronic complications after limb amputation in rabbits 30 . In this former study, both the median age (5.5 years) and median bodyweight (2.2 kg) of the rabbits differed distinctly from that of the rabbits in the current study, which may have led to the different complication rate.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Treatment options, complications and long‐term outcomes for limb fractures in pet rabbits

Hetterich

Joos²,

Beyerbach³

et al. 2022

Veterinary Record

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Background Limb fractures represent the most common orthopaedic disease in pet rabbits. However, only a few studies have evaluated therapeutic details of limb fractures. There are no data available for long‐term outcomes of limb fracture treatment. Methods The medical records of six institutions were reviewed retrospectively to identify cases of traumatic limb bone fractures in pet rabbits between 1999 and 2020. The medical records (n = 387) were analysed for details of fracture prevalence, aetiology, therapy protocols, treatment complications, outcome and long‐term effects. In addition to the retrospective data evaluation, 13 rabbits were re‐evaluated in person in recent clinical analyses, including orthopaedic examination, radiography and computed‐tomographic imaging. Details of long‐term effects of fracture treatment were requested over the telephone for a further 232 animals using a standardised questionnaire. Results Long bone fractures accounted for the majority of all fractures (296/387; 76.5%). Hindlimb fractures (301/387; 77.7%) were more common than forelimb fractures (86/387; 22.2%), and tibial fractures and combined fractures of the tibia and fibula (119/387; 30.8%) were observed most frequently. Most fracture treatments were based on osteosynthesis procedures (243/328; 74.1%). Treatment complications occurred in 130 out of 328 (39.6%) cases. A high bodyweight (p = 0.047) and an older age (p = 0.01) were found to be significant risk factors for the emergence of therapy complications. Overall, 75.4% of animals (175/232) had a satisfactory long‐term outcome. Limb posture anomalies were evaluated in 61 cases (26.3%). Limitations The multi‐centre approach led to the inclusion of various institutions, veterinarians, treatment protocols and rabbit populations that might have influenced the results. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively, so there were some data that were lacking or could not be collected in a standardised manner. Furthermore, rabbit owners' evaluation of long‐term outcomes might be prone to error, despite the use of a standardised interview questionnaire. Conclusion Limb fractures are a common orthopaedic issue in pet rabbits. The patient's bodyweight and age are significant risk factors for the emergence of complications during the fracture treatment process. Long‐term orthopaedic effects, such as abnormal limb posture and permanent lameness of the affected limb, were observed regularly.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Treatment options, complications and long‐term outcomes for limb fractures in pet rabbits

Hetterich

Joos²,

Beyerbach³

et al. 2022

Veterinary Record

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“…The long-bone fracture prevalence in the general rabbit population is likely to be higher than that presented here (1.2%) as cases may be amputated or euthanased rather than referred, and thus this study does not capture data on them. Northrup et al (2014) reported limbamputated rabbits develop post-amputation sequelae in 60% of the cases, although none were observed in the four cases undergoing limb amputation in this study, but this may reflect the relatively short follow-up time.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 59%

“…Northrup et al . () reported limb‐amputated rabbits develop post‐amputation sequelae in 60% of the cases, although none were observed in the four cases undergoing limb amputation in this study, but this may reflect the relatively short follow‐up time.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 55%

Presentation, treatment and outcome of long‐bone fractures in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Garcia-Pertierra

Ryan

Richardson

et al. 2019

J of Small Animal Practice

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Objectives To describe the incidence, aetiology, characteristics, assessment, management and outcome of long‐bone fractures in rabbits presenting to a single institution. Materials and Methods Medical records of pet rabbits diagnosed with long‐bone fractures over a 12‐year period were analysed. Patient signalment, fracture aetiology, fracture location, fracture description, time from fracture occurrence to veterinary presentation, fixation method, postoperative complications, clinical outcome and follow‐up were recorded. Results Twenty‐eight pet rabbits that sustained 30 fractures were included in the study [femoral (n=12), tibial (n=6), metacarpal/metatarsal/phalangeal (n=5), radial and ulnar (n=4) and tarsal (n=3)]. Twenty‐one (75%) of the rabbits were less than 2 years of age, including seven (25%) under 6 months of age. Twenty‐five fractures had no identifiable cause and five were traumatic. Only one fracture was open. Surgical stabilisation was performed in 22 fractures, four were non‐surgically managed, two had the affected limb amputated, one underwent digital amputation and one was euthanased. Postoperative complications occurred in nine fractures [major (n=6), minor (n=3)]. The frequency of complications or attainment of a functional recovery was not notably different between the different methods of fixation. Overall, 24 rabbits recovered, two were euthanased and four underwent limb amputation. Clinical Significance Fractures in rabbits typically occur in young animals and they usually lack an obvious aetiology. The majority of the rabbits treated achieved a functional recovery, although the postoperative complication rate was high in fractures treated surgically (41%).

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“…Indeed, in a retrospective study of the outcome of amputation in 34 rabbits, 19 (55.9 per cent) developed chronic complications, and six (18 per cent) were euthanased because of complications. 3 As demonstrated in this case, rabbits with limb fractures can manage well with minimal intervention. If a good blood supply is maintained, rabbit bones heal quickly (within six to eight weeks).…”

mentioning

confidence: 65%

“…Furthermore, amputation surgery carries a risk of complications. Indeed, in a retrospective study of the outcome of amputation in 34 rabbits, 19 (55.9 per cent) developed chronic complications, and six (18 per cent) were euthanased because of complications 3 …”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Choosing the best treatment option for a rabbit with a broken leg

Harcourt-Brown¹

2023

Veterinary Record

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Outcome for client-owned domestic rabbits undergoing limb amputation: 34 cases (2000–2009)

Cited by 13 publications

References 8 publications

Treatment options, complications and long‐term outcomes for limb fractures in pet rabbits

Treatment options, complications and long‐term outcomes for limb fractures in pet rabbits

Presentation, treatment and outcome of long‐bone fractures in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Choosing the best treatment option for a rabbit with a broken leg

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