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Retrospective study identifying risk factors for dacryocystitis in pet rabbits
Author(s) -
Hedley Joanna,
Ede Victoria,
Dawson Charlotte
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
veterinary record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 2042-7670
pISSN - 0042-4900
DOI - 10.1002/vetr.1903
Subject(s) - dacryocystitis , medicine , breed , retrospective cohort study , population , disease , veterinary medicine , surgery , biology , zoology , environmental health
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 of medical records from all rabbit cases evaluated at a single first opinion/referral UK exotics clinic between 2015 and 2018 was performed. 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 seven rabbits (13%) and concurrent ocular disorders in 15 rabbits (23%). Breed status was 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, particularly for the popular Lionhead and Dwarf Lop rabbits, and veterinarians should advise clients on this accordingly.

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